Candlemas: where to enjoy the best crêpes and galettes in Luxembourg

Every year on 2 February, people of all ages celebrate la Chandeleur (Candlemas) by tucking into golden pancakes and delicious galettes.

Here's Edenred's recipe for homemade crêpes and the best places to eat them on this special day!

Candlemas: history and tradition
Rooted in the Latin festa candelarum, or festival of candles, la Chandeleur is much more than a simple gourmet tradition. This Christian feast day, first established in the 5th century at the instigation of Pope Gelasius I, celebrates the presentation of Jesus at the Temple, forty days after Christmas. Candlelit processions standing for light and purification symbolically repelled the darkness of winter to embrace the hope of renewal with the arrival of spring.

But how did those candles become the pancakes which are now emblematic of this holiday? We must go back even further, to pre-Christian pagan rites: golden wafers, evoking the sun and its promise of fertility, were cooked to invoke prosperity. Meanwhile, the traditional gesture of flipping a pancake with one hand while holding a gold coin in the other has become a household custom to secure good luck and abundance.

Today, instead of spiritual processions, la Chandeleur is known as a time to enjoy a tasty treat among friends and family. Between the smell of hot pancakes and the sound of laughter, it's a ritual that unites all generations. Pancakes have become the centrepiece of a tradition where gourmet pleasure meets history, reminding us that sometimes, it’s the simple things that bring us together.

A recipe for La Chandeleur at home: divine and foolproof

Ingredients:

300 g of flour

3 eggs

A pinch of salt

700 ml of whole milk

2 tablespoons of neutral oil

3 spoonfuls of sugar (40g)

5 ml of amber rum

Instructions:

Mix the flour, salt and sugar in a large bowl.

Make a well in the mix and add the eggs one by one.

Pour in the milk a little at a time, whisking to avoid lumps.

Add the oil and rum and mix until smooth.

Leave the batter to rest for at least 1 hour before cooking the pancakes in a hot pan.

Top spots to sample pancakes and galettes!

There’s no escaping La Chandeleur in Luxembourg, so here are two eateries offering authentic and original recipes.

La Crêperie Bretonne: a taste of Brittany
At La Crêperie Bretonne, time-honoured culinary traditions live on in a celebration of the region’s authentic flavours. Expect a warm, almost family-like welcome, before embarking on a gourmet journey along the Breton coast.

The galettes de sarrasin (savoury pancakes) - an iconic staple of Breton cuisine and a highlight of the menu - are prepared with masterful precision. You’ll find toppings for all tastes: timeless classics like ham, egg and cheese, or exciting new inventions that put fresh local produce in the spotlight. For those with a sweet tooth, the crêpes offer an irresistible choice of treats: salted butter caramel, molten chocolate, or delicately flambéed fruit - every bite of them pure bliss.

La Crêperie Bretonne also stands out for its attention to detail. Here, each ingredient tells a story, the story of small local producers and a rich, generous food culture. Finally, a Breton cider, served in a traditional bowl, provides the perfect excuse to extend your gourmet experience just a little longer. Lovers of culinary adventures can follow the Crêperie food truck as it takes Breton flavours on the road, like a breath of sea air in the midst of the city.

 

 

Ar Preti Crêperie Moderne: Breton tradition revisited in Luxembourg
In the heart of Luxembourg, in the Cloche d'Or shopping centre, Ar Preti Crêperie Moderne pays homage to the Breton galette by combining time-honoured tradition with modern creativity. In a refined, uncluttered setting, this unique venue offers a culinary experience where authentic flavours mingle with bold, innovative cooking. The naturally gluten-free buckwheat pancakes are the stars of the menu. Made from rigorously selected ingredients, they include timeless classics, such as the complète (ham, egg and cheese), alongside original creations with international influences. For dessert, a selection of utterly indulgent sweet crêpes - homemade salted butter caramel, delicately prepared fresh fruit, and homemade chocolate - promise to whisk you away to cloud nine. Every detail, from the plating to the selection of Breton ciders, reflects a commitment to excellence. The warm, contemporary ambience lends itself to all occasions, whether a quick lunch, a refined dinner or simply a good time among friends. Ar Preti Crêperie Moderne offers the promise of an unforgettable culinary journey, where tradition and modernity come together to celebrate the Breton art de vivre with a contemporary twist.

Don't forget your Edenred meal vouchers and treat yourself to these must-try addresses in Luxembourg!