Bite into it and have good luck all year round！ Here's how to enjoy the legendary "King's Cake"

Finding the small porcelain figurine inside the "King's Cake" symbolizes good luck for the whole year. (Photo provided by Grand Hyatt Taipei)

According to Western tradition, on January 6th, Epiphany Day, it is customary to eat a traditional pastry called the "King's Cake." The cake features a small porcelain figurine hidden inside, and whoever finds it while sharing the cake is said to have good luck for the year. From now until January 25, 2018, French Pastry Chef Julien Perrinet and his team at Grand Hyatt Taipei are offering two versions of the "King's Cake" — Original Flavor (NT$680) and Chestnut Flavor (NT$750) — at the Baguette Gifting & Bakery. The small porcelain figurines hidden in the cakes were personally designed by Chef Julien and specially ordered in limited quantities from France.

Legend has it that the Three Wise Men followed a star to witness the birth of Jesus and traveled to the manger where He was born, bringing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Since they arrived on January 6th, the day came to be known as "Epiphany" or "Three Kings' Day." On this day, it is traditional in the West to eat the "King's Cake," which is a puff pastry made of two round layers of dough with an almond cream filling baked in between.

There’s also a fun game associated with eating the King's Cake. First, the youngest person at the table hides under the table while the host or the oldest person cuts the cake. The first slice is then given to someone chosen by the youngster under the table. Whoever finds the small porcelain figurine in their piece becomes the lucky "King" or "Queen" for the day — a symbol of good fortune for the coming year. The chosen one may even designate a "Queen" or "King" and ask them to complete a fun task. The King's Cake is truly a delightful traditional dessert enjoyed in a joyful and festive atmosphere.