Celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival with Mooncakes
We’re not sure where the time has gone, but with a blink of an eye we’re back round to Mid Autumn Festival!
Mid-Autumn Festival falls on the 15th day of the eighth month in the lunar year which is when the moon is at its brightest and fullest. It’s a time of year known for spending time with family and friends whilst admiring the full moon and sharing delicious mooncakes. This year more than ever, spending time with loved ones is something we are all in need of, and whilst restrictions are still in place, there’s no stopping us watching the moon together and indulging in some of Hong Kong’s finest mooncakes!
What is a mooncake?
Traditionally a mooncake is a dense cake made from either red bean or lotus seed paste, and often has a salted duck egg yolk in the centre. Usually they’ll be enjoyed with tea and shared between your nearest and dearest. Whilst traditional mooncakes aren’t to everyone’s taste, every year new and creative versions pop up around Hong Kong. Here’s our round-up of the best picks on offer this year.
Spring Moon (The OG of Mooncakes)
A Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant at The Peninsula Hong Kong. Spring Moon’s signature mini egg custard mooncakes date back to 1986 and have continued to wow in Hong Kong. Known as one of the most popular custard mooncakes they can be hard to get hold of, but if you manage to get your hands on a box we guarantee they will not disappoint.
Duddells
Duddell’s is known for its lavish, stand-out mooncakes, and this year they’ve pulled out all the stops. In collaboration with artist Hong Chong-Ip they’ve conjured up a beautifully designed red box filled with lava custard mooncakes. Each box replicates a traditional red lantern (another tradition around Mid-Autumn Festival) and comes complete with LED lights. This is the answer if you’re looking to impress.
The Ritz-Carlton
Another collaboration, The Ritz-Carlton have teamed up with Savannah College of Art and Design who have designed their elegant miniature egg custard mooncake box. The limited-edition gift box features eight miniature mooncakes, prepared by experienced chefs at the restaurant, and comes complete with six packs of 15-year vintage ripe pu-erh tea.
Jouer
A mooncakes gift box where East meets West. A combination of delicious mooncakes and, wait for it… macarons!! Perfect for those wanting to experience traditional celebrations with a cheeky twist.
The Cakery
Steering away from the traditional style, The Cakery offers a vegan and gluten-free option packed with healthy superfoods for a guilt-free option. The vibrantly coloured mooncakes are packed in an eco-friendly wooden box and each delicately wrapped in a scarf. Don’t be fooled by the bright colours, not only are the mooncakes vegan and gluten-free, they’re also free from dairy, egg, refined sugar, preservatives and artificial colouring.
Feather & Bone
Bringing you another unseen variation from local butchers at Feather & Bone who have recently launched their first mooncakes! Unlike most which are known for being sweet, their version comes filled with pork and is inspired by a traditional meat pie. A welcome treat for those without a sweet tooth.
Rosewood Hong Kong
Offering assorted mooncake boxes and hampers in six delicious flavours from traditional egg custard to chocolate. This year there’s all the more reason to buy from the Rosewood Hong Kong – for each box sold, they will be donating a lunchbox to ImpactHK, an organisation that provides the homeless and less fortunate in Hong Kong with food, shelter, education, employment opportunities and all-round support. A great way to give back during a holiday known for coming together and supporting each other.