Mooncakes 101 x Nine Mooncakes Worth Trying in Australia

As the Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, approaches on 15 September, mooncakes become a popular corporate and personal gift. This traditional lunar event, celebrated by Chinese, Vietnamese, and other Asian communities, revolves around family reunions, abundance, and thanksgiving and the sharing of a special festive delicacy - mooncakes.

Here's a guide to understanding their cultural significance and exploring some must-try varieties available in Australia.

Mooncakes 101 : what is Mooncake?

Mooncakes are traditional Chinese pastries enjoyed during the Mid-Autumn Festival, which celebrates family reunions, harvests, and thanksgiving. Typically round in shape, mooncakes come in various types and fillings. Traditional pastry mooncakes often feature rich fillings like lotus seed paste or red bean paste, sometimes combined with salted egg yolk. Snow skin mooncakes, with their chewy, mochi-like texture, are a modern variation, frequently filled with fruit, nuts, or custard. Su-style mooncakes are known for their flaky crust, and some versions include savory or meat fillings, providing a balance of sweet and salty flavors. For those who prefer something different, durian-flavoured mooncakes provide an exotic twist.

Additionally, Australia-made mooncakes, such as those from local chinese restaurant, highlight the creativity and craftsmanship of local artisans.

Mooncakes are often presented in beautifully designed and intricate packaging, making them ideal for gifting. This elegant presentation adds to the experience of giving and receiving mooncakes, making them a cherished gift during the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Nine Mooncakes Worth Trying in Australia

1. The Iconic:  Golden Century Mooncake ( Red Bean Paste / Custard ) 6pc

Experience the authentic taste of tradition with Golden Century's mooncakes, locally crafted by Sydney’s legendary Chinese restaurant, featuring classic red bean paste and creamy custard fillings.

 

2. The Classic: GuangZhou Restaurant Mooncake Double Egg Yolk & Lotus Seed Paste 4pc 750g

A traditional Cantonese choice featuring a rich, creamy lotus seed paste combined with the classic salted egg yolk.

3. The Modern: Maxim's Frozen Mooncakes Snowy Polar Lights (16pc, 480g)

Snow skin mooncakes with an array of refreshing fillings, ideal for those seeking a lighter dessert option.

4. Delicate Trial: Maxim's Mooncake Mini Assorted Mooncake (2pc, 140g)

A dual pack of classic and modern flavors offers you a taste of Hong Kong's renowned Maxim's brand.

5. Dare You Try:  Henan Black Thorn Durian Snowy Mooncake (240g)

For durian enthusiasts, this snow skin mooncake delivers a unique, aromatic experience.

6. Go Vegetarian: Godly Gong De Lin Vegetarian Mooncake Gift Set Jin Qiu (8pc, 648g)

An excellent choice for those seeking vegetarian options, featuring a variety of plant-based fillings. 

7. Flaky Fun: Daoxiangcun Suzhou Style Mooncake Gift Box (400g)

Known for their flaky, layered crusts, Suzhou-style mooncakes offer a delightful alternative with various flavors, from pepper salt to rosy fillings.

8. New Local:  G-lab Frozen Snowy Mooncake Grapes, Taro & Cream Cheese Filling (2pc)

A Sydney local creation from a boutique Asian-style dessert house, offering a fusion of fruity and creamy flavors in smoothy snowskin.

9. Savory Twist: Taste of Shanghai Puff Pastry Mooncakes with Pork Fillings (4pc)

Featuring a light, flaky puff pastry crust filled with juicy flavorful pork, this modern take combines traditional elements with a savory twist. Handmade by one of the best Shanghai cuisine restaurants in Sydney.

How to enjoy Mooncakes

Mooncakes are rich and indulgent, so they are best enjoyed in small portions. To enhance their flavors and balance their sweetness, pair them with tea, such as jasmine or oolong. When gifting mooncakes, it's thoughtful to consider the recipient's preferences and dietary needs to ensure the gift is both meaningful and enjoyable.

Beyond being a festive treat, mooncakes carry deep cultural significance and foster connections among people. eBest proudly serves Sydney and delivers non-chilled mooncakes nationwide. Whether you prefer traditional flavors or modern twists, order with us  as we are delighted to bring a taste of mooncakes to everyone for this Mid-Autumn Festival! 

Happy Moon Festival Australia!