It’s mooncake season again! This delicate sweet (or savoury) treat is one of the highlights of all Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations. The joyous occasion is among the most celebrated holidays in Hong Kong, complete with family reunions and gatherings. Along with moongazing and playing with lanterns, the celebration is incomplete without eating or gifting mooncakes. So, whether you’re admiring the moon, catching up with family, or decorating your lanterns, mooncakes serve as the perfect companion. While they come in various shapes, sizes, and flavours, we listed out the best Mid-Autumn Festival mooncakes to try in 2024.
There are many types of mooncakes. The most common ones are the traditional mooncakes, which vary by region. Each has its own unique characteristics whether it’s the texture, appearance, or flavour. However, regardless of the difference, most traditional mooncakes require baking while more modern renditions may be available through other ways.
Cantonese mooncake is the most common type of mooncake. Its lotus shape is its defining feature, and it normally has a decorative pattern at the top. Common fillings include lotus paste with salted egg yolks or egg custard. Meanwhile, the Shanghai mooncake has a shortcrust-like skin that is crispy and boasts a crumbly texture. This is quite similar to the Teochew mooncake as the skin is also crumbly. However, it has alternate layers that look like a spiral rainbow. The Suzhou mooncake is made up of a crispy, flaky crust with a meat filling. On the other hand, snow skin mooncake is an example of a mooncake that doesn’t require baking. Instead, it’s made from cooked glutinous rice flour, giving it a smoother texture.
Sure, you might want to try the flavoured mooncakes, nothing beats the traditional ones. If you’re on the hunt for the best ones, see our top picks for Mid-Autumn Festival mooncakes in 2024 below.
This story first appeared on Lifestyle Asia Hong Kong
At the heart of the Mid-Autumn Festival festivities are The Peninsula’s Mini Egg Custard Mooncakes. It’s a signature that they have been offering during the celestial celebrations since 1986. This time, there are eight types of nuts to enjoy from the Mini Mooncakes with Nuts collection. Meanwhile, true gourmands will love the interplay of flavours and textures in the Star Chef Mooncakes by chef Tang Chi Keung. For something more classic, try the Mini Red Bean Paste Mooncakes with Mandarin Peel which comes with salty yolk or pine nuts. For the ultimate experience, get The Peninsula Mooncake Degustation Gift Box complete with tasteful mooncake flavours, served in a decorative lantern.
The Landmark Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong is back with its Mooncake Bento Box this year to celebrate moments in a sustainable spirit. As an ode to the beauty of the festival, the hotel is showcasing its green efforts in a chic bento box filled with mooncakes. Containing the classic milk custard mooncakes, the double-decker bento box can be reused into an actual bento box for functional use. Savour the flavours of the silky-smooth egg custard made with the finest ingredients following Mandarin Oriental’s signature recipe. Guests can also choose to return the full set to the hotel by the end of December to receive a complimentary glass of Sommelier’s selected champagne or non-alcoholic mocktail while dining at Amber and SOMM.
To bask in the joys of Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations, executive Chinese chef Ken Yu and his team at Hung Tong have prepared a collection of traditional and innovative mooncakes. The exquisite assortment includes an array of flavours starting with the limited-edition Black Thorn Durian Snowy Mooncakes and Crème Brûlée Snowy Mooncakes Duet. The other highlight is the classic Egg Custard Mooncakes, oozing with more creaminess. Of course, there’s also the favourite Hung Tong Double Egg Yolk with White Lotus Seed Paste as well as the Hung Tong Mini Mooncakes Trio which comes with three new flavours this year.
This year, The House Collective is offering ‘Moonlit Discoveries’, a special collection of four mooncake box sets to commemorate how each city celebrates the Mid-Autumn Festival. Made to resemble a travel journal, each set documents personal stories from The House’s friends. So, within the pages, mooncake lovers can take in the spirit and soul of Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu alongside the special treats. The box sets’ selections range from classic flavours to those with creative twists. Try the vegan Red Bean Paste Mooncake with Mandarin Peel or the Jasmine Tea Custard Mooncake and Coffee with Caramal and Sea Salt Custard.
Fortnum & Mason unveils a new mooncake collection that celebrates the time-honoured traditions of the Mid-Autumn Festival. Made by their skilled confectioners, the premium mooncakes blend the fragrant flavours of the finest British teas with the classic velvety custard filling. The trio of mooncake flavours will surely entice those with a discerning palate.
Relish the Royal Blend Mooncakes intertwined with black tea and a touch of malt and honey. The Fortmason Mooncakes feature the brand’s aromatic signature blend, filled with floral notes of orange blossom. And of course, the Rose Pouchong Mooncake will surely impress with its sublime fragrance of rose petals. Get the 6 Mooncake Gift Box for an indulgent assortment, two of each flavour.
Amp the Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations with mooncakes from Renaissance Harbourview Hotel. Their handcrafted mooncakes send the warmest wishes to families and friends. Try the well-loved flavours of the classic Mini White Lotus Seed Paste and Salted Egg Yolk Mooncakes or the enticing Mini Pandan Paste and Salted Egg Yolk Mooncakes.
Also, try the Mini Musang King Durian Mooncakes and transport yourselves to celestial bliss. Besides, there is a 20 per cent discount available when ordering on the Renaissance eShop.
Pretty but also tasty is probably the best way to describe China Tang’s mooncake offering. The Chinese restaurant under Lai Sun Dining is once again launching a new collection of mooncake gift boxes for the occasion. The Moonlit Essence of Autumn Mooncake Gift Box series invites festival goers to savour the charm of this time-old tradition. Sample the flavours of two types of mooncakes: the classic Double Yolk White Lotus Seed Paste Mooncake and the Mini Crafted Egg Custard Mooncake. The elegant-looking gift box takes inspiration from the crescent moon shape, resembling the ornate Chinese window frames, and exudes a luxurious feel. Overall, it symbolises the full moon that illuminates every family during the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Island Shangri-La beckons you to indulge in an array of opulent mooncakes that blend traditional flavours with modern twists. These exquisite treats come in luxe festive packaging, the result of the culinary expertise of executive chef Leung Yu King and the team at the Michelin-starred Summer Palace. Among the new additions this year is the Musang King Durian Molten Lava Mooncake which promises an aromatic, smooth, and creamy touch. Those who appreciate a bite with some fluff, the Luna Mochi Mooncakes are delightful. They boast a soft and chewy mochi layer with velvety taro and crunchy pistachio. Returning this year is the Milk Custard Mooncake, a favourite for its creamy custard filling and buttery crust.
Call up your friends and family for the joyous occasion and treat them with Sheraton Hong Kong Tung Chung Hotel’s mooncakes. This year, the Mini Egg Custard Mooncake, known for its irresistibly smooth texture and flavour, returns to tickle tastebuds. Meanwhile, the Mini Strawberry Yogurt Egg Custard Mooncake boasts a harmonious blend of rich strawberry and yoghurt creaminess. Also available this season is the Assorted Mini Mooncake so that you can enjoy two flavours at once.
Take in the warmth of the starry moonlight and experience the joy of family reunions with mooncakes as the centrepiece. RÚ, Nina Hospitalty’s flagship Chinese restaurant, is contributing to this merry occasion. Wrapped in intricate packaging are three mooncake gift boxes along with Nina Palmier, the latest nut selection from Nina Patisserie. Go for the traditional White Lotus Seed Paste or the all-time favourite Mini Lava Egg Custard. The Red Bean Paste with Mandarin Peel is a unique variation of the traditional mooncake.
The most popular type of mooncake are the traditional Cantonese mooncakes.
Traditional ingredients in mooncakes include lotus paste and salted egg yolk.
An introvert at heart, Jianne has an immense passion for storytelling. This Filipino, Hong Kong-born native is a certified foodie and cinephile. When she’s not writing, you can find her chilling at cafes, ..Read More
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