FOOD CULTURE. Our selection of the best galettes des rois in Toulouse

Epiphany is historically a religious festival celebrating the manifestation of Jesus Christ to the wise men who came to worship him. But for us this celebration has a more gourmet than religious side. It is also important to emphasize that the tradition of sharing the cake has nothing to do with Jesus. It would rather come from a tribute to the Saturnalia (Saturn, Roman god of time) in the Roman era.

Also read:
Limoux or frangipane: here are the bakers who make the best galette des rois in Haute-Garonne

Enough of the story, we will now look at the concrete… Fragrant almond, buttery and crumbly dough as hell, here is the frangipane! The sugar or candied fruit crown being the prerogative of the south of the country, below the Loire, the almond puff version remains the queen of sales. After a quick tour of what is happening in Toulouse, we have selected a few which, in our opinion, will satisfy your seasoned taste buds.

Also read:
“The galette des Rois is tradition, it’s France…” Baker Dimitri Bordon wins another award for his Brioche des Rois

Big crush on Gourmandine

Remaining discreet, the pastry at the Gourmandine restaurant, rue du Rempart Villeneuve, nonetheless remains a hit in terms of cakes. And it’s not his frangipane pancake that will contradict us. Perfect puff pastry, buttery and crispy, a dark filling proving the quality of the almond, surely raw: a treat. It is sold accompanied by a small pot of praline so beware of sweet tooths, possible addiction!

Collector beans at Péché Mignon and at Sandyan

Think of all the hysterical children, opening the slice of pancake in front of them to see if it contains the grail, some flatly refusing to touch the cakes without a bean… It therefore has great importance, and in addition to the quality of the pancake which no longer needs to be proven at the good bakers at Péché Mignon, rue du Languedoc, or at Sandyan, rue d'Alsace-Lorraine, (ex aequo winners of our testing 2024), they have the advantage of offering real little gems. A collaboration with Nach at Péché Mignon for mini-pastries to wear and with Homer's ceramists at Sandyan where a meal for 2 will even be offered to the person who breaks a tooth on the fish bean!

Are you more of a Pink Chick or a Blue Chick?

One is emblematic of rue Bayard, the other of Carmes. Pink is a specialist in pastry classicism, blue is the delight of Toulouse residents addicted to their macaroons. In both cases it works well and it's fun! Le Poussin bleu, renowned for years for its frangipane pancake with raw almonds, doesn't change anything and that's good, it remains one of the queens in the field. At Poussin Rose, we play the classic and controlled card, the puff pastry is very flaky, airy and the frangipane is perfect with a little welcome note of rum on the finish.

In organic version from the Chapelier Brothers

The bakery that is growing, growing and continuing to open stores offers an organic pancake, in line with the general offer, with perfect puff pastry and at an unbeatable price: €16.50! To be consumed without moderation, rue de Bayard, rue Gambetta and allée de Barcelona.

Hit to Eat at Des Sens and Cyprien

Des Sens opened this year on rue Denfert-Rochereau and quickly made a place for itself among the best pastries in Toulouse. The Cyprien bakery, rue de la République, is a regular: galette champion (tied) during our testing last year, favorite Christmas log 2024, croissant to die for, everything is delicious there. You can go there with your eyes closed!

Here is your 2025 pancake program established, you have until the end of January for most to enjoy them. Obviously we are not perfect and a selection remains a selection, there are other delicious ones elsewhere of course. Happy cakes to all!