Mooncake Festival — also formally known as Mid-Autumn Festival — is a highly anticipated annual event that’s observed in China and several other Asian countries with robust Chinese communities such as Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines. Taking place on 21 September this year, this yearly affair is predicted to be a little more intimate than usual, where families will host cosy, socially distanced get-togethers to enjoy delectable mooncakes as the little ones play with lanterns and catch traditional lion dance performances on the telly.
Beyond these moments of feasting and merry-making, did you also know that the Mid-Autumn Festival was originally intended for the Chinese to give thanks to the gods? The event began more than 2,000 years ago with most scholars believing that it was derived from the tradition of worshipping the moon. In fact, one of the notable tales connected to this event was the story of Chang Er, who became a Moon Goddess after drinking the elixir of life to save her people from the tyrannical rule of a merciless king named Hou Yi.
The mooncake’s circular shape signifies domestic harmony and the fullness of the moon. As such, the Chinese commemorate this special day by exchanging mooncakes with their loved ones as a form of respect. With this interesting nugget of information in mind, consider fostering conversations on the beauty of preserving traditions while you and your loved ones indulge in your favourite Mid-Autumn Festival delicacies!
Need a few ideas on which mooncakes you must try if you're in Singapore this 2021 and where to get them? Check out our recommendations below.
Tantalise your tastebuds with Ding Bakery’s traditional White Lotus mooncakes (promo: SGD40, usual price: SGD100), where each of them is masterfully handmade using an award-winning recipe. For those who love the king of fruits, feast on the Mao Shan Wang Durian Snowskin mooncakes, which are made with fresh, authentic Mao Shan Wang Durian from the highlands of Pahang, Malaysia (promo: SGD119.40, usual price: SGD199).
Indulge in these treats without guilt as they’re made with less sugar, 100% natural ingredients and are free of preservatives.
Commemorate the spirit of togetherness with these bunny-shaped mooncakes, each handmade in the shape of a rabbit in mochi snow skin with gilded bunny ears and Japanese white bean and yuzu zest filling.
The mooncakes are presented in a full moon-inspired box with a Nappa-leather handle (SGD88). These are already sold out online, so consider dropping by the newly-opened Bynd Artisan + Sunday Folks Experience Store to check if they're still available.
Tuck into these limited-edition snow skin mooncakes, which are created in partnership with Chun Tsubaki. Inspired by the tasting notes of Glenfiddich's flagship expressions, the “Our Original Twelve” flavour features a white chocolate pear jam whisky truffle, while the “Our Solera Fifteen” flavour boasts a molten dark ganache whisky truffle.
Each set of four consists of two mooncakes and is now available via 1887 on Grab, Alcohol Delivery and iShopChangi with purchase of selected Glenfiddich products.
Enjoy a burst of tangy, refreshing flavours with Goodwood Park Hotel’s all-new Tropicana Snowskin mooncake (from SGD42). This eye-catching orange-and-white delight features a combination of coconut and passionate fruit purée and it’s studded with pineapple cubes and coconut flakes.
For an all-time favourite, there’s also the Premium Duo: Mao Shan Wang and Black Thorn Durian Snowkin mooncakes (from SGD72) to satisfy the cravings of durian lovers. Now open for pre-orders till 21 September.
Usher in the Mid-Autumn festivities with Mandarin Oriental’s three new snow skin mooncake flavours: Tieguanyin with Macadamia Nuts, BiluoChun Green Tea with Guava and Chestnut, and Pandan Coconut (SGD80).
Make a point to pick up the Cherry Garden set too, which includes baked mooncakes in Japanese-inspired Chestnut Paste with Hokkaido Milk, and Apricot and Melon Seeds flavours (from SGD48). Enjoy a 15% discount on all mooncake boxes for online orders with the code "MOON15”.
Marvel at Marina Bay Sands’ three nostalgic mooncake flavours: Low Sugar Lotus Paste with Melon Seeds, Premium Pandan with Melon Seeds, and Yam and Lotus Paste with Salted Egg Yolk, all of which have been thoughtfully crafted using all-natural, premium ingredients.
These are part of a gift set, which includes two tea-infuser tumblers containing eight mini baked mooncakes and two tins of tea leaves (SGD88).
Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) has created five types of snow skin mooncakes: Green Tea with American Ginseng, Shui Xian Oolong with Osmanthus and Longan, Butterfly Pea Flower with Organic Cereal and Cherry Blossom with Yuzu. Priced at SGD128 nett, these snow skin mooncakes are sold in a set of four pieces and come with four premium teas as well.
RWS also offers five traditional baked mooncake flavours, which retail at SGD66 nett for a box of four. Now open for pre-orders till 19 September while stocks last.
Venture out of your gastronomical comfort zone with The Fullerton Hotel’s new snow skin flavours: Raspberry Hokkaido Milk, Rose Green Tea with Pistachio and Osmanthus with Wolfberry (from SGD72).
For those who prefer baked goodies with a fun twist, try the all-new Rose Coconut and Oolong Tea with Dried Cranberries flavours (from SGD72). These premium goodies are now available till 21 September.
Celebrate age-old traditions and classic flavours with The Marmalade Pantry’s collection of baked mooncakes. Check out two of their latest flavours, Pandan Kaya with Melon Seeds and Classic Earl Grey Infused Lotus Paste.
Otherwise, indulge in their signatures, which include Baked Charcoal with Black Sesame and Macadamia Nuts and Double Yolk with White Lotus Paste. These mooncakes are encased in a limited-edition bag and are also available in four types of gift sets (from SGD72). Now open for orders till 17 September.
How will you be celebrating Mid-Autumn Festival this year?
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