Flaky, soft, frangipane-filled, and so, so buttery – it can only be king cake.
It’s not exactly a well-known treat here in Singapore, but king cake (aka king’s cake, galette des rois, and many other variations that might further confuse you) is a common sight in France and Spain (and some other parts of Europe, too) during Epiphany – an annual Christian feast day at the end of the Christmas season – which falls on 6 January.
The fun bit behind the tradition of this cake is the hidden figurine or trinket within the puff pastry layers; the person who finds the “toy” in their slice gets the royal treatment for the day. The lucky one also has to host the next gathering, and provide the king cake. A similar cake can be found in New Orleans during the pre-Lenten celebrations of Mardi Gras, but the significance is a little different so don’t get mixed up!
Looking to try this amazing dessert? Get yours at these spots during the month of January 2015:
Traditional king cake at Tiong Bahru Bakery
Tiong Bahru Bakery
Get the traditional version (filled with almond cream, $7 per slice and $45 per cake) or the special king cake (almond cream spiked with pink praline and ginger, $7.50 per slice and $48 per cake). Comes with a crown and a hidden toy so please, eat with caution. Available till 20 January 2015.
Tiong Bahru Bakery, #01-70, 56 Eng Hoon Street, Singapore 160056, p. 6220 3430.
TWG Tea
TWG Tea’s rendition of the king cake is filled with layers of frangipane and infused with vanilla bourbon tea. Every cake (retails at $78, good for eight) comes with a hidden trinket, but only a select few have a Golden Ticket at the bottom, which entitles winners to a complementary Haute Couture Tea at any of TWG Tea’s outlets. Available from now till 5 February 2015.
TWG Tea, #02-21 ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, Singapore 238801, p. 6735 1837.
Maison Kayser
There are three flavours to choose from at Maison Kayser – the traditional almond, almond with raspberry, and apple. Prices start at $25.30 (good for two to three people) per cake, and you get a crown plus a hidden figurine.
Maison Kayser, #B1-09 Scotts Square, 6 Scotts Road, Singapore 228209, p. 6636 3672.
King cake at Do.Main Bakery
Do.Main Bakery
You’ll find the classic almond flavoured king cake here. No slices here though, only whole cakes – the smallest costs $26 and is good for six people, while the large cake costs $36 and feeds up to 10 people. On offer till 11 January 2015.
Do.Main Bakery, 226 Tanjong Katong, Singapore 437015, p. 6348 1406.
Pantler
Opt for the classic or chocolate option of the king cake at this newcomer on Telok Ayer Street. $7.50 per slice, $10 per cake. No trinket or figurine included, though.
Pantler, 198 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068637, p. 6221 6223.
Donq Bakery
A small galette at this Japanese bakery (whose creations are obviously quite French-inspired) costs $20 and the cakes are available till 13 January 2015.
Donq Bakery, #B2-03 Takashimaya Food Hall, Ngee Ann City, 391 Orchard Road, Singapore 238872, p. 6737 4150.
Top image: King cake at TWG Tea