Our favourite Mid-Autumn Festival (or more affectionately known as Mooncake Festival) is around the corner again! Every year, people celebrate the festivity by lighting candles and lanterns on the day of the full moon and indulge in decadent mooncakes.

For foodies like us, the best part of every year is seeing restaurants and hotels create the most unique and memorable mooncakes creations and they only seem to be getting better every year. With the ongoing trend of localising classics, we see more brands create mooncakes inspired by iconic local flavours. This 2018, you can expect a massive range of mooncakes—from elevated classic to one-of-a-kind creations, as well as mooncakes infused with Asian flavours.

Even if you’re not planning on feasting on these mooncakes, you can always choose to gift them to your family, friends and/or clients. The packaging is something to be mesmerized by too—of opulent boxes, pretty pastels and elegant designs, here are 6 Mooncakes You Need To Try This Mid-Autumn Festival 2018.

MAN FU YUAN MOONCAKES

InterContinental Singapore’s highly-lauded restaurant, Man Fu Yuan, introduces a range of baked and Snowskin mooncakes for this year’s festivities. These intricately-made mooncakes are encased in a gorgeous latticed chest with vibrant motifs that reflects InterContinental Singapore’s iconic centrepiece, The Lobby Lounge.

Making their first ever debut this year is a range of Snowskin mooncakes that are all infused with different types of premium tea. Look forward to irresistible flavours such as black sesame with ambrosial osmanthus, rich matcha with white chocolate, smooth white lotus with mandarin peel and Earl Grey with strawberry chocolate. If you prefer traditional baked mooncakes, you will be delighted to know that you can purchase classics such as baked mooncake with assorted nuts and baked mooncake with luscious white or red lotus paste with a choice of single or double yolks.

Looking for something healthy? Man Fu Yuan’s low-sugar white lotus paste mooncake, generously studded with crunchy macadamia nuts will win you over. You can purchase the mooncakes online from 22 July to 21 September 2018 at intercontinentalshoppe.sg and at the Man Fu Yuan Shoppe from 03 August to 24 September 2018.

Enjoy 25% early bird savings when you order the mooncakes from now until 31 August 2018, and an additional 5% savings when you make your purchase online. For more information, please visit ManFuYuan.sg, email sinhb-festive@ihg.com or call +65 6825 1131 or +65 6825 1132.

AWFULLY CHOCOLATE MOONCAKES

This Singapore-born chocolatier has always impressed us with their range of chocolate-based desserts. This year, be stoked about Awfully Chocolate’s intricately-made mooncakes and packaging. Mooncakes are very often purchased as gifts for loved ones, friends and acquaintances, and Awfully Chocolate takes pride in the packaging for this festival snack.

This year’s collection comes in a Chinese bamboo chest with a beautiful clasp that can definitely be reused as a decor after you’ve eaten the decadent Dark Chocolate Mooncakes (S$88 for a box of 4). The four flavours in the box are chocolate lotus paste and crunchy hazelnuts, white lotus paste with salted egg yolk, macadamia nuts and the unique chocolate brownie mooncake with toasted melon seeds.

Awfully Chocolate has also created the Chocolate Mooncake Truffles (S$88 a box) modelled after a mooncake. These adorable truffles come in flavours such as Hazelnut Chocolate with Nutella Yolk and Dark Chocolate with Espresso Yolk. Who can resist quality chocolate truffles?

Use our code ‘MC10′ to enjoy 10% off Awfully Chocolate’s mooncake hamper, mooncake collection, mooncake truffle, as well as fruit & nut full moons. You can also get free delivery when you spend S$120 and above.

Get them at the nearest Awfully Chocolate store this Mooncake Festival.

BAKERZIN MOONCAKES

Bakerzin is at the forefront of mooncake creations every year. Dishing out a plethora of types and flavours, they cater to a huge demographic. Whether you prefer classic flavours or modern and trendy mooncakes, Bakerzin has it all.

This 2018, Bakerzin has created the luxurious Royal Collection (S$66 a box, 1000 boxes available only) featuring their Signature Salted Egg Yolk Blend Mooncakes with a new look! The sleek and new mooncakes come in an array of colours—deep saffron, maroon, jade and charcoal. The flavours include Beetroot Gula Melaka, Osmanthus, Charcoal Tangerine Red Bean and the classic Pandan.

The Brilliance Collection (S$58 per box of 8) is perfect as a gift as it features 8 pastel-coloured snow skin mooncakes with fruit fillings. This year’s Brilliance Collection boasts a new added ingredient: Chia Seeds! With the added benefits of chia seeds, this is definitely a healthier option for the health-conscious people. The stand-out flavours are Cempedak, Honeydew and Strawberry.

Bakerzin’s mooncakes are available from now until 24 September 2018 at all Bakerzin outlets and online. The mooncakes will also be available for purchase at Mid-Autumn Festivals booths across Singapore, Cheers, FairPrice Xpress, and Qoo10. Pre-orders purchase at www.bakerzin.com will be available from 17 July to 9 September 2018.

From now until 2 September 2018, there’s an early bird discount of 15% on all Bakerzin’s mooncakes (except Splendour Collection which has 10% off).

THE RITZ-CARLTON, MILLENIA SINGAPORE MOONCAKES

The exchange of mooncakes is synonymous with Mid-Autumn Festival and every year, we are impressed with the creations from The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore. For the upcoming celebrations, satiate your taste buds with their curated selection of snow skin and traditional baked mooncakes.

Encased in luxe red or rose gold boxes, which also doubles up as a handy jewellery box with multiple storage compartments, these exquisite mooncake creations will impress both business associates and loved ones.

This time, there are two new flavours you can look forward to—the Irish Martini in the Assorted Mini Snowskin Martini series (S$76 for a box of 8) and White Lotus Seed Paste with Red Date and Longan (S$76 for a box of 4).

To further entice you, The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore will be offering an early bird promotion from now until 19 August 2018 for online purchases via www.rcmooncake.com.sg!

Online purchases are entitled to a 20% privilege on all baked and snowskin mooncakes (excluding the Mini Snowskin ‘Mao Shan Wang’ Durian mooncakes) and 15% privilege on the Mini Snowskin ‘Mao Shan Wang’ Durian mooncakes.

TUNGLOK MOONCAKES

With the ongoing emphasis on healthier choices and healthier living, most Singaporeans are becoming more aware of what they eat. Hence, this Mid-Autumn Festival, TungLok has introduced a whole range of healthier mooncakes—without compromising on taste! Using Allulose, a sugar with less calories, expect healthier mooncakes that are still lip-smackingly delicious!

Endorsed by the Health Promotion Board (HPB), the mooncakes are stamped with the healthier choice logo so you can be assured that it truly is healthy for you. The design on their boxes is also symbolic as goldfishes reflect the story of the Lantern Festival.

The limited edition TungLok Treasure Box (S$188+)—with its exquisite hand-crafted jewellery goldfishes and lotus flower—is the perfect gift for your business associates.

TungLok Perfect Duo (S$66+ for a box of 4) features its signature Double Yolk White Lotus and Double Yolk Red Lotus. Alternatively, go for something unique such as their Petals Mochi Snowskin Mooncake (S$60+) which comes in two incredible flavours—Brown Sugar Mochi with Red Bean and Yam and Brown Sugar Mochi with Peanut and Black Sesame.

From now until 31 August 2018, TungLokfirst, Most Valued Guest and UOB cardmembers get to enjoy 20% off from 2 to 10 boxes, 25% off from 11 to 49 boxes and 30% off from 50 boxes and above.

For more details on the mooncakes, visit www.tunglok.com.

SINGAPORE MARRIOTT TANG PLAZA HOTEL MOONCAKES

This Mid-Autumn Festival, Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel is elevating your celebrations to new heights with their stellar range of mooncakes. Featuring 11 exquisite mooncake creations that are handcrafted by the chefs of the award-winning Wan Hao Chinese restaurant, you can expect nothing short of culinary genius—unique flavours, traditional mastery and modern refinement.

If you are looking for something to impress your business associates or to spoil your loved ones, the Limited Edition Royal Gift Set (S$238) aims to go above and beyond with White Lotus Seed Paste Baked Mooncakes with Chrysanthemum, Mixed Grains, Serrano Ham & Salted Egg Yolk, accompanied with a bottle of Villa Girardi Amarone Della Valpolicella 2013 (375ml), wine opener and wine stopped.

For those who prefer something familiar, Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant is offering traditional recipes with a twist—by injecting local flavours. Drool-worthy options include the new Chicken Bak Kwa Baked Mooncakes with Assorted Nuts (S$70) and Cempedak Paste Baked Mooncakes with Pumpkin Seeds (S$78).

As for their snowskin renditions (S$68), the restaurant is launching three exciting flavours in the likes of Mango Yoghurt Snowskin Mooncakes with Lime Margarita Truffle, Mocha Snowskin Mooncakes with Milk Chocolate Royaltine and White Lotus Seed Paste Snowskin Mooncakes with Salted Egg Truffle.

Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel’s mooncakes are available for purchase from 20 August to 24 September 2018 at the hotel’s Forecourt Stall. Otherwise, you can pre-order online over at their website.

The annual Mid-Autumn Festival is commemorated widely across Asian countries as it is an important time when families and friends come together for reunion. Falling on the 15th of the eighth lunar month, it is often celebrated at night when there is a full bright moon. A symbolic tradition that is not to be missed out during this festival is the sharing of mooncakes over a pot of tea.

The Chinese believe that the roundness of the mooncakes represent togetherness and completeness, which are highly valued in their culture. The exchange of mooncakes with family, friends and professional relations therefore signifies unity and is used as a way of expressing well wishes for a better life.

Traditional mooncake pastries are round with fillings in it such as egg yolk, lotus seed paste and nuts. With the evolution of time, modern creations such as snowskin mooncakes contain the most interesting flavours like matcha and earl grey.

Do not fret if you are still unable to decide on where to get your mooncakes. From traditional to contemporary mooncakes, we got you covered in with these Places in Singapore to Get Your Mooncakes In Time For Mid-Autumn Festival 2016.

FOR THE FAMILY & KIDS

EMICAKES

Emicakes is renown for their durian pastries, and the mooncakes are no exception. This year, their durian mooncakes come in two versions – the green ones which are made up of Mao Shan Wang durian that is sweet and buttery; and the yellow ones D24 durians, which is prized for its strong bittersweet taste.

Families are sure to love this sweet treat, simply because it is a pure and decadent durian treat in the form of snowskin mooncakes.

The Mao Shan Wang mooncakes come in a box of 2 large pieces at S$48 or 5 minis at S$46, while the D24 mooncakes come in a box of 2 large pieces at S$38 or 5 minis at S$36.

From now till 21 Aug 2016, enjoy 35% off when you do a self-collection or in-store order. Subsequent orders from 22-31 Aug are at 25% off. If you are opting for delivery, a 30% promotion is applicable from now till 21 Aug 2016, and subsequent delivery orders are at 20% off.

Place your orders online at www.emicakes.com.sg or call the retail hotline +65 6749 6782.

IMPERIAL TREASURE GROUP

Everyone should be familiar with Imperial Treasure. The Singapore household name is one we can rely on for find Chinese cuisine, and this Mid-autumn Festival, they are set to impress with Autumn Allures.

The series of Imperial Treasure signature mooncakes are artisanally handmade, with classic silky smooth lotus seed paste produced with imported from Hong Kong. Nothing overly fancy; just premium quality featuring pure and delicate lotus paste mooncakes.

Popular combinations include the ones with white lotus paste, and come in a variation of four, double, single or no golden yolks. These mooncakes come in a matte gold box with lacquer finish, and prices start from S$56 for a box of 4 pieces. Our families loved it and so will yours!

A refreshing alternative is this Teochew Single Yolk Yam Pastry – feathery puffs enveloping a creamy, taro puree and a single salted egg yolk. These are S$52 for a box of 4 pieces.

You can enjoy a 15% discount off all mooncakes from 01 Aug to 15 Sep when you make your purchase via http://estore.imperialtreasure.com.

TUNGLOK GROUP

Whether you are looking to buy mooncakes for family, friends or associates, TungLok Group has a range of mooncakes in different packagings. But this year in particular, they are breaking away from traditions and has introduced very modern packaging that are no less presentable.

We are fans of TungLok’s Bite-sized Mooncakes (S$54) all these years because they are easy to eat (best for house parties!) and you won’t feel too guilty after having them. This year, TungLok has introduced two new bite-sized mooncake flavours – Red Bean with Almond, and Black and White Sesame Lotus.

TungLok’s Perfect Duo (S$62), with its double yolk white lotus and double yolk red lotus, is a timeless classic that will please the traditional folks. And there’s the mini snowskin collection which includes Jackfruit with Pomelo, Honey Mixed Nuts, and Durian with Chestnut.

Options are aplenty for sure, and TungLok mooncakes are available at all TungLok restaurants from 01 Aug to 15 Sep 2016. For enquiries and more information, you can call +65 9088 8008 or visit www.tunglok.com.

XIN CUISINE CHINESE RESTAURANT

For Mid-Autumn Festival 2016, Xin Cuisine is launching three new mooncakes – Assorted Nuts with French Raisins, Black Sesame Lotus Seed Paste with Strawberry Praline Snowskin Mooncake and Passion Fruit Paste with Plum Snowskin Mooncake. We love how they are like desserts, yet not cloyingly sweet. Definitely great for both young and old!

The classic flavours stay because those will never go wrong, and they include the signature Mini Egg Custard with Egg Yolk Mooncake and Teochew Yam Paste with Single Yolk (S$68 for a box of 4).

Fans of Xin Cuisine’s mooncakes will be familiar with its Peranakan Durian Snowskin Mooncake which are available in a box of 4 large pieces (S$68) or 6 mini pieces (S$56).

For readers of ladyironchef, Xin Cuisine is offering a very generous 30% off baked and snowskin mooncakes (except Premium Collection). This promotion is valid for collection by 12 Sep 2016.

To enjoy the discount, go to singaporeatrium.holidayinn.com/festive and use the promo code: “LADYIRONCHEF30″. The mooncakes are also available at Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium’s lobby, as well as eight locations islandwide.

FOR THE CLIENTS & BUSINESS ASSOCIATES

GRAND HYATT SINGAPORE

Our all-time favourite snowskin mooncakes are from Grand Hyatt Singapore. Every Mid-Autumn Festival, we would look forward to Grand Hyatt Singapore’s Snowskin Mooncakes (S$69 nett). The handmade mooncakes with a modern twist are presented in a square box with a Mother of Pearl texture with accents of rose gold, and they sure make great gifts.

The intriguing flavours include Strawberry, Lime Tequila Truffle; Caramel Macchiato Truffle; Matcha, Azuki Bean, Sake Truffle; Lychee Martini Truffle, and our favourite Champagne Truffle.

If you prefer the traditional baked mooncakes (S$69 nett), Grand Hyatt Singapore also has a range of double yolk and seeds-only option. The flavours for the traditional baked ones are slightly different from the ubiquitous choices; think red lotus double yolk with roasted melon seeds, white lotus double yolk with roasted melon seeds, and black sesame lotus double yolk with bamboo ash.

For purchases from now till 15 September 2016, you can enjoy an early bird discount of 15% off when you pay with selected credit cards.

Order your mooncakes online at singapore.grand.hyatt.com or call the retail hotline +65 6887 5492.

THE RITZ-CARLTON, MILLENIA SINGAPORE

The snowskin mooncakes from The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore come in an elegant blue box this year; so pretty, they are befitting of your most esteemed clients and business associates.

Sure, the choices out there are aplenty, but what makes The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore’s snowskin mooncakes so unique is the martini-based flavours.

Without being overly potent, the Assorted Mini Snowskin Martini mooncakes come in four flavours – Lycheetini, Berrytini, Coffeetini and Appletini. There are truffles encased in the middle of every mooncake, and they come with snow skin that is so light and easy to chew.

Other snowskin mooncakes that are non-alcohol based include flavours such as the Green Tea, Mini White Lotus Seed Paste with Black Sesame and White Lotus Seed Paste with Double Yolk.

The mooncakes can be purchased online at www.rcmooncake.com.sg, and online purchases from now till 12 Sept 2016 is entitled to a 15% discount. You can also order via +65 6434 5286 or email to rc.sinrz.summerpavilion@ritzcarlton.com.

SINGAPORE MARRIOTT TANG PLAZA HOTEL

Wan Hao at Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel is one of the most popular choice for mooncakes every year, and its festive bakes are often gifted to corporate clients as a gesture of appreciation.

This year, the mooncakes come in a red two-tier treasure chest hot-stamped with oriental trellis motif. Wan Hao’s signature mooncakes are low in sugar, and the signature is a White Lotus Seed Paste with Chicken Bak-kwah & Assorted Nuts Baked Mooncake. It comes in a mysterious charcoal shade, and when bit into, the salty-sweet combination is one-of-a-kind. The bak kwa bits are generous; we reckon this is one great surprise for your clients!

But of course, there are the perennial favourites if you want to stick to something traditional for your business partners. There are White Lotus Seed Paste ones with single and double yolk, or with Pine Nuts and Macadamia Nuts.

Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel’s mooncakes are available at the hotel’s Forecourt Stall, or you can order via www.singaporemarriott.com/mooncakes or call +65 6831 4708.

FOR THE LOVERS & FRIENDS

HILTON HOTEL SINGAPORE

Now, we are always up for unconventional flavours when it comes to mooncakes, and Hilton Hotel Singapore stands out this year with very surprising flavours.

Hilton Hotel Singapore introduces Cheesecake as a flavour to their range of mini snowskin mooncakes this year! It sounds a little farfetched but we fell in love with it right after our first bite. Chewy mochi-like skin with dense yet crumbly cheesecake filling, this velvety treat will surely be the talk of your party.

Other snowskin mooncake flavours include Popping Candy, a whimsical bright pink creation filled with white lotus paste and complete with everyone’s favourite popping candy; and Muscat White Grape, a lighter flavour featuring white lotus paste and white grape extract.

Prices start from S$55+ for a box of six mini pieces, and they are available at D9 Cakery (at the hotel lobby). We have a superb offer for the first 50 readers of Ladyironchef – quote “LIC50Hilton” when you  purchase 4 boxes of mooncakes to get a Sunday Brunch voucher for 2 pax (priced at $88++ per person). Orders are to be made via http://bit.ly/hiltonmooncakes.

LAURENT BERNARD CHOCOLATIER

The French name is renown for their chocolate desserts and finest pastries. When everyone talks about Laurent Bernard Chocolatier, we think of their signature chocolate soufflé that has been a staple in our lives for all these years.

And this Mid-Autumn festival, they are set to impress with, but of course, chocolate mooncakes! The Luxurious Chocolate Mooncake Box will surely bring a fresh experience in celebrating the Mid-Autumn festival.

Made with only the best chocolate in the world, there will be eight flavours in the collection, among which are standouts such as Milk Chocolate Earl Grey & Raspberry – milk chocolate creamy ganache infused with a earl grey; and Whisky – a shiny bronze mooncake with a creamy chocolate ganache infused with smoky Whisky and a pearl of caramel.

The chocolate mooncakes are available in limited quantities and they come in a box of 8 assorted flavours, 4 assorted flavours or individual pieces. You can get them from Laurent Bernard’s outlets at Robertson Quay and CBD (16 Collyer Quay #01-06) as well as Takashimaya B2 Atrium. More details on www.laurentbernard.com.sg.

80 Mohamed Sultan Rd
#01-11 The Pier at Robertson Quay
Singapore 239013
Tel: +65 6235 9007

MEI-XIN

You might have seen photos of the cutest Star Wars mooncakes all over social media, and they are from Hong Kong’s Mei-Xin. The renown brand doesn’t disappoint with their quality bakes, and they have extremely interesting mooncakes this year – be it novel flavours or creative gifts.

The Star Wars Set (S$58, U.P. S$104) includes 4 pieces of Egg Custard mooncakes (Stormtrooper) and 4 pieces of Chocolate Lava mooncakes (Darth Vader).

Are you a fan of lava-anything? Yes, same here. Hong Kong MX worked with the French Cacao Barry to present this indulgent and decadent ‘Lava Chocolate Mooncake’ – this is the ultimate combination of a dark chocolate mooncake crust with a rich chocolate lava.

Following last year’s popular and sell-out Liu Sha Mooncake, Mei-Xin reintroduces the baked mooncake with lava-custard filling made with crushed golden salted egg yolk. You can purchase the Star Wars mooncakes online here.

Besides the Star Wars mooncakes, Mei-Xin also has its usual range of traditional and snowskin mooncakes and you can find them at the major mooncake kiosks around Singapore. For more details, go to sgmeixin.com.

Mid-Autumn Festival is an annual celebration that occurs on the 15^th day of the 8^th month in the Chinese calendar – where the moon is the brightest and roundest. Consumption of these moon-shaped cakes is an ancient tradition that started since 3000 years ago. The festive event is symbolic of family reunions; the Chinese make it a point to return home on this day to have dinner with their families under the full moon.

The custom has evolved tremendously in present day and mooncakes are now widely exchanged commodities in Singapore. The practice of gifting mooncakes had become a method of maintaining personal and professional relations. This year’s Mid-Autumn Festival falls on 27 September 2015, but as usual, most hotels and restaurants in Singapore have already started selling boxes of tasty mooncakes that are available in all sorts of flavours and shapes.

From traditionally baked lotus-filled mooncakes to the contemporary snowskin mooncakes, here is our guide to the 9 Hotels & Restaurants in Singapore to get mooncakes for Mid-Autumn Festival 2015.

#1 CARLTON HOTEL SINGAPORE – WAH LOK CANTONESE RESTAURANT

And we are always full of praises for Carlton Hotel Singapore’s snowskin mooncakes. Have you tried the Red Velvet ones? Because you really should!

Every year, we look forward to this decadent treat. Inspired by Tuxedo’s signature Red Velvet cake, the Mini Red Velvet Snowskin Mooncake (S$62 for a box of eight) is amazing – filled with velvety cream cheese and crunchy royaltine, no red velvet fans should pass on this.

Another crowd-pleaser is the Mini ‘Mao Shan Wang’ Durian Snowskin Mooncakes (S$72 for a box of eight). This is Carlton Hotel Singapore’s signature mooncake flavour, and you can expect nothing short of copious durian pulp encased in a pillow-light snowskin.

Fans of Carlton Hotel Singapore would also be familiar with the Mini Walnut Moontarts (S$66 for a box of eight) that sell like hotcakes every year. What is essentially a moontart is smooth white lotus paste and egg yolk enveloped in a fragrant crust that boasts a crispy and slightly crumbly texture – just like a tart. The health nuts will be happy to know that there is a low sugar alternative to this too – at S$62 for a box of eight, this variation comes without egg yolk.

Carlton Hotel Singapore’s mooncakes are available from 29 Aug to 27 Sep, and there is a free local delivery for single location when you order 50 boxes or more. Early bird special includes a 20% discount for selected credits on purchases from 29 Aug to 11 Sep. The mooncakes are available at Carlton Hotel, Carlton City Hotel, Junction 8 Level 2 Atrium, Jem Level 1 Atrium and Tampines Mall Level 1 Atrium. You can order the mooncakes by calling the hotline at 6349 1292 or visiting www.carltonhotel.sg/packages/crowning-jewels-of-mid-autumn-2015.

#2 HOLIDAY INN SINGAPORE ATRIUM – XIN CUISINE

Of all the mooncakes packaging we have seen this year, Xin Cuisine at Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium has one of the prettiest and more meaningful, and it has won our hearts completely. To commemorate Singapore’s Golden Jubilee, the mooncakes are luxuriously showcased in a stunning blue box with fifty motifs of our national flower, Vanda Miss Joaquim.

Upon opening up the treasure box, we were received by a rainbow. Colourful snowskin mooncakes in assorted flavours await; talk about an aced presentation! The flavours were no less exciting.

The new Purple Sweet Potato with Macadamia Nuts Snowskin Mooncake is the ideal choice for the health nuts, and if you do not prefer your mooncakes to be overly sweet, then this is for you. Another new flavour to look out for is the Coffee White Lotus Seed Paste with Rum & Raisin Chocolate – sweet, luscious and with a touch of alcohol for those who want something more robust.

Of course, Singaporeans love their durian, and Xin Cuisine knows just how to please you with the Peranakan Durian Snowskin Mooncake. The durian filling is pillowed in a purplish blue skin – naturally coloured using Blue Pea flower. The snowskin mooncakes are priced at S$52 for a box of six.

If sticking to traditions is what you still prefer, the signature Mini Egg Custard with Egg Yolk Mooncake will please your tastebuds. At S$54 for a box of six, this is Xin Cuisine’s best-selling and award-winning creation, featuring creamy custard that is dense yet smooth, complete with a flavourful salted egg yolk.

Xin Cuisine’s mooncakes are available from 27 Aug to 27 Sep at the Hotel Lobby, as well as many offsite locations. You may call 6731 7173 for more information. 

Quote LadyIronChef upon check-out online at holidayinnfestive.oddle.me to get an exclusive 30% off Xin Cuisine’s mooncakes. This is valid when you collect your order between now till 25 Sep 2015.

#3 INTERCONTINENTAL SINGAPORE – MAN FU YUAN

InterContinental Singapore sits on the historic Bugis district, and the hotel is a notable fixture of the facade. Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, the mooncakes come in a special commemorative tin box, with illustrations by local artist Jacqueline Goh.

When we talk about InterContinental Singapore’s mooncakes, the first that comes to our minds are their time-honoured favourites – the Baked Lotus Mooncake series. The lotus paste is ever fragrant and smooth, and comes with either single or double yolk. This is a perennial favourite among our folks because they prefer theirs creamy yet not overly sweet. The prices vary for the lotus paste or white lotus paste, and single or double yolk.

There is also a low-sugar variation of the white lotus paste mooncakes (S$35 for  box of two, or S$64 for a box of four), and they are fabulously completed with crunchy macadamia nuts.

What stood out this year at InterContinental Singapore is the delicately-crafted Snowskin Tea Mooncake Selection (S$66 for a box of four); think elegant flavours such as Rose and Pistachio with White Lotus Paste (we love this one!),  Oolong with Black Sesame Paste, Japanese Matcha and Earl Grey and Baileys Truffle with White Lotus Paste.

InterContinental Singapore’s mooncakes are available from now till 27 Sep, and you can purchase them at Tea Hut (located at the hotel’s entrance) and nine other locations across Singapore, including Nex, Jurong Point, Junction 8, Century Square, Compass Point, Vivo City, Takashimaya, West Mall and Parkway Parade. Enjoy a 30% Early Bird discount from now till 30 Aug. For more information, please call 6820 8519.

You may also place your orders online at singapore.intercontinental.com/mooncakes.

#4 MANDARIN ORCHARD

A box of delicate mooncakes from Mandarin Orchard comes in the form of a regal gold-latticed gift box; so elegant, the receiver will be pleased. Fans of Mandarin Orchard’s classic mooncake - Baked Mooncake with Single/ Double Yolk and White Lotus Paste (S$60 for a box of four, single yolk and S$64 for a box of our, double yolk) - will be keen to know that this is made available again this year.

If you would like some alternative flavours, then the Baked Mooncake with Azuki Red Bean Paste and Pine Nuts (S$60 for a box of four) should tickle your taste buds; this is a vegetarian option! There is an even fancier flavour that Mandarin Orchard is using to up the ante – Baked Mooncake with Mixed Nuts and Jamón Ibérico (S$67 for a box of four); think salty meet savoury baked to a glorious shade of brown.

The all-new Mini Snow Skin Red Wine Cranberry Paste and Yuzu Lemongrass Mooncake may sound very complicated, but trust us when we say the combination is one so intriguing yet well-balanced. The popular Mini Snow Skin Lychee Martini and Chocolate Mooncake is making a comeback too! Both flavours are at S$56 for a box of four.

Mandarin Orchard’s mooncakes are available for purchase at Mandarin Orchard’s hotel deli counter at Level 1, as well as Takashimaya Square Basement 2, Jem Level 1, Junction 8 Level 2 Atrium, Tampines Mall Level 1 Atrium and Northpoint Shopping Centre Level 1.

From now till 27 Aug, DBS/ POSB Cardholders enjoy a 25% discount, and a 20% discount thereafter. Other credit card holders enjoy a 20% and 15% respectively – only for purchases made at the hotel’s deli counter.

#5 PARK HOTEL GROUP

We have no idea what took us so long, but we finally tried Park Hotel Group’s mooncakes this year and we loved it! Firstly, being very superficially driven by aesthetics (guilty), we were drawn by the visually-arresting box. Vibrant colours and contemporary prints, the lotus plant and pond symbolises joy and abundance while reminiscing simple joy celebrating mid-autumn festival with our families. They sure make great gifts for both young and old!

For the love of all things classic, celebrate with lotus paste goodness in the biggest form – Park Hotel Group introduces a 900grams (16cm) cake, designed for communal dining at parties. Probably the most attention-seeking mooncake in town this year, and we are so loving it!

They are available in three flavours – the Classical White Lotus Paste with Six Yolks (wow!) at S$68, Classical Teochew Mung Bean at S$48, and the Classical Red Bean and Winter Melon at S$48. Park Hotel Group uses only premium grade fresh lotus paste from Hong Kong, and every single yolk is hand-picked too. This means an impeccably smooth delight that you will not soon forget.

On to the sophistication is the collection of snowskin monocakes that come in an array of refreshing flavours. The new ones include Yuzu Paste with Korean Rice Wine and Apple with Cherry Brandy Truffle; you did not see that coming, did you? The young ones will love the Royal Topaz with Nougat and Chocolate Pops.

The mooncakes are available across all Park Hotel properties – Grand Park City Hall, Grand Park Orchard, Park Hotel Alexandra and Park Hotel Clarke Quay. For reservations and enquiries, please call 6432 5555. You may also visit parkhotelgroup.com/mooncakes for more information for 2015′s highlights.

#6 SINGAPORE MARRIOTT TANG PLAZA HOTEL – WAN HAO CHINESE RESTAURANT

Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel promises a captivating and memorable mid-autumn festival this year with their star restaurant, Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant. This year, Wan Hao pays homage to the traditions of the festivity with twelve impeccable mooncake flavours that are bound to please your tastebuds; they are low in sugar, too!

The mooncakes sit prettily in an elegant red chest-like box that is hot-stamped with gold peonies. Every piece of mooncake is meticulously handcrafted in-house, because Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant believes in preserving such traditions of baking the best mooncakes. And in these boxes are the most unpredictable mooncake flavours that are novel with a fusion twist; think Black Truffle, Waxed Duck and Single Yolk with White Lotus Seed Paste, as well as Roasted Chestnut (S$78 for a box of four). There is also a local flavour – Teh Tarik with Chocolate Pearls Snowskin Mooncake at S$60 for a box of eight – that is a dedication to SG50; we love this!

For the classics, we turn to perennial favourites that are ever comforting and heartwarming. Marriott’s versions are all made with less sugar – still not compromising on the taste and with sweetness that lingers, but perhaps in a more guilt-free way. You will love the White Lotus Seed Paste with Single/ Double Yolk (S$64 for a box of four and S$68 for a box of four respectively).

If all else fails, count on the ‘Mao Shan Wang’ Top Grade Durian Snowskin Mooncake (S$66 for a box of eight); because we Singaporeans cannot resist luscious bites of a durian treat, yes? By the way, talk about local favourites. There is also a White Lotus Seed Paste with Chicken Bak-kwah and Assorted Nuts Baked Mooncake (S$63 for a box of four)!

Wan Hao’s mooncakes are available at the hotel’s Forecourt Stall and various shopping malls. Customization of the mooncake boxes with complimentary hot-stamping of your company logo is also available for a minimum order of 50 boxes. For orders and enquiries, call 6831 4708 or visit www.singaporemarriott.com/mooncakes.

#7 TUNGLOK GROUP

TungLok Group is one of our favourite places to turn to when we need to get quality mooncakes as gifts. For so many years now, they have maintained the premium tastes of their mooncakes – both traditional and snowskin. What lured us even more this year is the very stunning packaging.

Be enchanted by these opulent boxes specially designed and printed by Tung Lok Group. Nothing overly complicated, yet no less elegant and presentable. You bet they make perfect gifts for corporate clients, families and your loved ones.

For 2015, TungLok introduces specially concocted snowskin creations – Banana Milk with Salted Caramel and Orange Apricot with Chocolate. These mini mooncakes are part of the Tutti Frutti Collection, and retail at S$54 for a box of 8, with four pieces per flavour. They are richer and creamier than the usual snowskin delights, but for those with more adventurous palettes, these snowskin treats shall be your sweet surrender.

You can also expect the classics TungLok Perfect Duo (S$62 per box), TungLok Four Seasons (S$58 per box) and TungLok Bite-sized Mooncakes (S$54 for a box of 16, with two pieces per flavour).

Our family’s favourite, and also TungLok’s best-seller, is the bite-sized mooncakes. Petite and super cute, these gems come in an assortment of flavours – think Pandan Lotus, Lotus with Orange Peel, and Pineapple. It comes in a box of 16 pieces, with 2 flavours each, and each box costs S$54.

All prices are subject to GST. You may enquire for more information at 9088 8008, or visit www.tunglok.com.

#8 FULLERTON HOTEL

Mooncakes from Fullerton Hotel come in the form of a treasure trove this year, and we got really excited upon receiving them! It was like receiving a huge drawer of presents, and we were to open the compartments one by one to unveil the surprise.

The red boxes are adorned with beautiful plum blossoms motifs, and the mooncakes selections include traditional and local flavours. Elegant and exquisite; that is how we think of Fullerton Hotel’s mooncakes. If you are a contemporary purveyor of the traditional bake, opt for intriguing local flavours such as Pandan with Gula Melaka Snow Skin Mooncake (S$58 per box). There is also a Green Bean with Sweet Potato and White Lotus Seed Paste Snow Skin Mooncake (S$58 per box).

Fullerton Hotel’s mooncakes are available at the hotel from 13 August 2015 to 27 September 2015.

#9 GRAND HYATT

We are pretty picky with our snowskin mooncakes – the skin has to be translucent and thin, the flavours have to be intriguing, best if there is a truffle in the middle to surprise us, preservatives-free, and on top of them all, they have to come in a gorgeous box. Well, Grand Hyatt’s collection has ticked them boxes – all of them.

This year, new snowskin mooncakes flavours include the Thousand Flower Blossom with Honey Truffle, and Strawberry and Lime Margarita Truffle. Of course, the ones that always please are the classic Champagne Truffle and Lychee Martini Truffle.

These box of eight assorted snowskin mooncakes are priced at S$69, and are available at the compounds of Grand Hyatt Singapore (The Shop at mezza9 and Lobby Shop), as well as Takashimaya Square Basement 2, Vivo City Level 1 Atrium, Chevron House Ground Level and Nex Level 1 Atrium.

From 24 Aug 2015 to 09 Sep 2015, enjoy a 20% discount with selected credit cards. Damai and Club at the Hyatt members enjoy a whopping 25% discount. For more information, visit singapore.grand.hyattrestaurants.com, or call 6887 5492.