Second to Lunar New Year, the Mid-Autumn Festival is another most-celebrated occasion that honors family union and completeness in Chinese culture. This year, from timeworn classics to specialty flavors, treat your loved ones with the most anticipated pastries of the year.
The good old trusty lotus seed paste and salty egg yolks are there for a reason. The savoury-sweet treat is an alluring combo that holds its value.
Encased in an eco-friendly gift box, the Authentic White Lotus Seed Paste with Double Egg Yolks and Mini Crafted Egg Custard Mooncakes by China Tang are true testaments to traditional Chinese flavors. The elegant gift box features the fine dining establishment’s signature Chinoiserie motif and thoughtfully comes with small drawers – perfect to be repurposed as a jewelry box after you savor the festive treats.
Lava custard mooncakes graced our palates a number of years ago and have become a new tradition ever since. Ralph’s Coffee launches its take on the golden delicacies and once again proves what that well-proportioned buttery crust and rich custard filling can do to our senses. The young at heart would be eager to empty the mooncake box immediately and turn it into a lantern. The fun design is inspired by the classic Ralph’s Coffee cup featuring a Mid-Autumn themed sleeve and New York City’s iconic skyline, paying homage to Ralph Lauren’s origin.
Custard fans are going to love the artisanal egg custard mooncake crafted by DALLOYAU. The aptly named PARIS MOON is the French house’s festive interpretation of the traditional Chinese pastry. The blissful flavors are packed in an elegant golden crust that subtly show off the Parisian flair. Make sure to warm them in the oven slightly before consuming, to get the most hearty experience.
Fret not, we’ve got you covered too. The healthier alternatives are nothing short of rich flavors and exquisite combinations too.
Indulge in the festive occasion without any guilt. Green Common has curated a number of healthy options, ranging from the comeback of Blueberry Mixed Nuts Mooncake, to the new Mixed Flavour Vegan Collection. The new additions of two flavors: Figs with Pistachio & Oat and Mixed Nuts with Blueberry & Purple Sweet Potato replace the cholesterol-rising recipes with plant-based and nutritious ingredients. The slight chewiness from dried figs juxtaposes the crunchy texture of pistachios, while the highly sought-after superfood, purple sweet potato, goes hand in hand with the natural sweetness of blueberry. As tempting as the innovative creations are, go easy though.
For those who see Mid-Autumn Festival as a grand excuse to go crazy on desserts, check these out.
Celebrating its very first Mid-Autumn Festival in town, Dominique Ansel is not a shy new kid on the block. The bespoke Chef Bunny Mooncake Gift Box from Dang Wen Li by Dominique Ansel features a set of four Earl Grey Custard Mooncakes, packaged in an adorable chef bunny gift box. Yet the surprise is unveiled as one digs into the bunny’s little backpack, which holds a DIY Yuzu Cookie Kit. The kit comes with a yuzu cookie mix, a bunny-shaped cookie cutter, and an instruction card. Extend the autumnal joy with your beloved and share pictures of your baking session on your social feeds, with the hashtag #DWLMooncake and @DangWenLiHK.
Just as mouth-watering, especially for the self-confessed chocoholics are new mooncake variants put forward by Venchi. The Italian artisan chocolatier celebrates the festival with top-quality ingredients hand-picked for three flavors. Our favorite is Didama: a joyous harmony between the gooey-soft gianduia chocolate spread and the irresistible crunch thanks to the hazelnut biscuit. A vegan-friendly option is also on the menu. Black Cherry features a smooth, tangy black cherry cream filling and is balanced by dark chocolate with almond paste, nestled in a layer of 75% dark chocolate coating. Match the sensational experience in your taste buds with the traditional, yet contemporary gift box. The intricate paper-cutting details pop against the vibrant colorway of the gift box, which makes a stunning centerpiece on your coffee table too.
Proudly stood along the chocolate trail is COVA. The Italian pasticceria rolls out two brand new mooncake flavors this year: the Cocoa-and-coffee Flavoured Mocha, and West-meets-east Earl Grey with Mochi Filling, both housed in the Royal Giftbox. The mocha version offers an unmatched symphony composed of heavenly rich chocolate and aromatic coffee. The Earl Grey one is a complete cross-cultural take with a slight chewy mouthfeel thanks to the mochi filling inside. The fragrant aftertaste is guaranteed to leave you reaching for another piece, before you can decide whether you prefer the coffee or tea variant.
Act fast before the seasonal delicacies sell out. Also take advantage of the early bird offers provided by the coveted brands – some even offer delivery service, so you can send your love to those you miss most. Add those seasonal confections to your shopping list now, before it’s too late!
