As the Mid-Autumn Festival approaches, it’s easy to understand that revelry is in the air. Lanterns are for sale in every supermarket and mooncakes are lining up the racks of every bakery. Be it a traditional affair in red bean or lotus seed paste or a more modern avatar infused with tea or cheesecakes, mooncakes are literally everywhere. Here are our top picks from the best places in town.
Langham Hotels – For the traditional
Having sold almost 800,000 mooncakes last year alone, Langham Hotels’ mooncakes are among the most coveted in the city, and this year looks to be equally successful. Covering all the classic fillings – be they white lotus seed or red bean paste – their beautifully designed mooncakes are sure to find favour among more traditional Mid-Autumn Festival celebrators. Visit their mooncake e-store to order your own box now.
Tea TW – For tea-totallers
Tea TW, the renowned tea supplier, is bringing its own unique touch to the traditional mooncakes. The latest addition to their signature tea-infused Mid-Autumn pastries is the White Sky Tea Mooncake collection, infused wholly with the afore-mentioned tea’s floral ylang ylang notes and citrusy flavours. For those who like their morning cuppa, these should definitely go on your to-nosh list.
Gaucho – For those with a sweet tooth
Argentinean steakhouse Gaucho puts its own spin on this festive Chinese nibble by giving it an added sugary dimension by drawing inspiration from one of its most popular desserts, the Dulce de Leche cheesecake. Available in sets of four, the Dulce de Leche mooncake gift set is available from now till 31 August for just HK$288, and from 1 to 25 September for just HK$308.
Golden Leaf at Conrad – For the health-conscious
Those who appreciate reduced sweetness will gravitate towards the low-sugar mooncake and mixed nuts mooncake at Golden Leaf, Conrad Hong Kong. Also available in smaller sizes with four new flavours –Red Bean Paste with Mandarin Peel, Purple Yam in Coconut Flavour, Charcoal-baked Golden Sweet Potato and Black Sesame Paste, these make for delicious treats for those who want to watch their weight, and yet not miss out on this most traditional of customs. Those looking for a touch of luxury can also choose the exquisite range of leather box gift sets, containing mooncakes and the supreme X.O. sauce from Golden Leaf, priced between HK$888 and HK$4,288.