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.

Seems like everyone is going gaga over the various Mooncake Fairs in Singapore for Mid-Autumn Festival 2015. We are no exception, and this is certainly a time of the year that we do not want to step on the weighing scale.

Does not really bother us that mooncakes are one of the most sinful treats, because we say it is all in the name of celebrations. Whether you like yours with fanciful flavours, or if you prefer sticking to the traditional ones, we have you covered with our picks on the Best Mooncakes for 2015.

If there is nothing here that you fancy, we have a compilation of all the Mooncake Fairs in Singapore that you can explore. Have fun taste-testing and sampling, and buy all mooncakes that you need for friends and families!

Mooncake fairs can be found at every parts of Singapore, and every fair has many booths that feature various brands and promotions. We are not sure how you are going to comb them all, but even if it takes days, it will be fun.

The periods differ for every fair, and this is the list to bookmark when you need a generic reference of the venue and its dates.

MOONCAKE FAIRS IN SINGAPORE FOR MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL 2015

1. Takashimaya Mooncake Fair (B2 Square) – 27 Aug to 27 Sep
2. Change Allery (Chevron House) – 31 Aug to 25 Sep
3. Vivocity – 1 to 27 Sep
4. Serangoon NEX – 10 to 27 Sep
5. Bugis Junction – 14 to 27 Sep
6. Junction 8 – 14 to 27 Sep
7. Causeway point – 14 to 27 Sep
8. Tampines Mall – 16 to 27 Sep
9. Bedok Mall – 16 to 27 Sep?
10. Atrium @ North Point – 14 to 27 Sep
11. Atrium @ Jurong Point – 7 to 27 Sep
12. Atrium @ AMK Hub – 14 to 27 Sep
13. Atrium @ Parkway Parade – 14 to 27 Sep

For more recommendations, read our guide on the Mooncakes you must try for Mid-Autumn Festival 2015.

The Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the most popular lunar festivals, and it is always a great time to spread the love by sending mooncakes to family, friends and business associates. Every year, we go on a hunt for the tastiest mooncakes with the prettiest packaging. And because they make such elegant gifts, we Chinese place a lot of attention and emphasis on our mooncake tradition.

Whether you are buying them as gifts or treating your family to a indulgence, here is our guide to the mooncakes that you must try for Mid-Autumn Festival 2013.

InterContinental Singapore, Man Fu Yuan

For Mid-Autumn Festival 2013, Man Fu Yuan collaborated with the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) to launch a competition for the design of its mooncake packaging. The winning design is an interpretation of ancient legends of the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Man Fu Yuan’s Snowskin Mooncake Collection (S$53.80 for a box of 4) comprises unique flavour combinations like the Green Tea Paste with Dragonball Jasmine Tea Infused Snowskin, White Lotus with Macadamia Nuts, Sesame Paste with White Sesame Seeds, and its much-lauded Pulot Hitam. Be prepared for a sensational journey to excite your taste buds!

With InterContinental Singapore being known for its strong Peranakan roots, the iconic Peranakan dessert inspires its newest creation – Pulot Hitam Mooncake. The snowskin mooncake is filled with goodness of black glutinous rice pudding infused with gula melaka. Fans of the Peranakan dessert will fall head over heels in love with this.

Its traditional baked mooncake collection consists of not only the usual favourites, but also a new range of low sugar White Lotus Paste Mooncakes – choose from either salted egg yolk (S54.80 for a box of 4) or macadamia nuts (S$52.80 for a box of 4) – that are made with 50 percent less sugar and with all natural ingredients.

Man Fu Yuan mooncakes are available for online purchase at www.facebook.com/ICSingapore. From now till 12 Aug, they are offering a pre-sale offer of 30% off total purchase price when you place your orders online. You can also get the mooncakes at Tea Hut (at the entrance of InterContinental Singapore), Junction 8, IMM, Jcube, Nex, VivoCity, Change Alley, Century Square, AMK Hub, Square 2, Takashimaya Square, and Alexandra Retail Centre. For more information, please call 6820 8519 / 8520 or email sinhb-festive@ihg.com

TungLok Group

The TungLok Group is synonymous with high quality and consistently good food, and is a household favourite for all who have a fine taste palate. This year, with TungLok’s Double Yolk White and Red Lotus Mooncakes (S$60 for a box of 4) in their specially-designed box, they are the best gifts to get for business partners and relatives.

The equally popular Shanghai Dream collection includes Double Yolk White Lotus (S$52 for a box of 4), Egg Yolk White Lotus (S$50 for a box of 4), Macademia Nuts White Lotus (S$50 for a box of 4), and Egg Yolk Pandan Lotus with Pistachios (S$50 for a box of 4). Together, they are an elegant indulgence and this is just the right touch for the oriental occasion.

Photo credit: Tunglok Group

If you are a fan of snowskin mooncakes, you cannot miss out on TungLok’s Mini Snowskin Mooncakes (S$52 for a box of 8). Other than the must-have classic favourite of white lotus and egg yolk, TungLok also has its ‘Tutti Frutti’ range with flavours of Durian paired with Chestnut, Honeydew with Tropical Fruits, Mango Apricot, and Passionfruit with Strawberry. That is not all. Health-conscious folks can opt for TungLok’s ‘New & Nourishing’ collection which comes in healthy alternatives like Chrysanthemum, Grains with Brown Sugar, Black Sesame, and Red Dates with Longan. There is definitely an option for everyone and every taste bud.

TungLok mooncakes are available at all TungLok restaurants as well as the following locations: Takashimaya B2 Square, all Fairprice Xpress and Cheers at Esso Stations, and selected Cheers stores. For general enquiries, please call the TungLok Mooncake hotline at 9088 8008, or visit Tunglok.com

Fairmont Singapore, Szechuan Court

There are several reasons why you should go to Fairmont Singapore to buy mooncakes from Szechuan Court. Firstly, Szechuan Court’s mooncakes come in beautiful peach shapes, which make them stand out from the crowd. Secondly, they come in familiar flavours like mango, Baileys, Rum & Raisin with Chocolate Truffle, but the highlight for me, is the Champagne Truffle with Chocolate Ganach; such a perfect combination for that yearly indulgence.

Lastly, Szechuan Court is having a 20% early bird special if you purchase before 19 Aug. And if you are a FAR Card member, there is an incredible 35% discount for purchase before 25 Aug. More details can be found on fsfestiveorders.com

Besides the mooncake booth at Szechuan Court, the mooncakes are also available at Bugis Junction, Funan Digitalife Mall, Junction 8, Nex, Takashimaya Square, VivoCity, Chevron House, J Cube, Lot 1, Parkway Parade, and Tampines Mall.

Photo Credit: ABR Holdings

Jewels of the Moon

Swensen’s is a household name in Singapore, and their ice cream mooncakes (S$29.80 for a box of 4) are a good treat for people of all ages. In addition to its all-time favourites such as Durian Royale, Sticky Chewy Chocolate and Strawberry Fields Forever, Swensen’s Jewels of the Moon collection for Mid-Autumn 2013 also features new flavours – Chempedak Bliss, Hazelnut Almond Delight, and Cappuccino Cookies Crunch. With these new exciting flavours, mid-autumn festival 2013 will surely be memorable.

Swensen’s ice cream mooncakes are available at all Swensen’s and Earle Swensen’s outlets from 1 Aug to 19 Sep 2013. For those of you who cannot wait till Mid-Autumn Festival to eat mooncakes, you get to enjoy an early bird special of 15% when you purchase before 5 Sep. There is also a 10% discount thereafter when you pay with selected credit cards. For more details, please visit Swensens.com.sg.

Marina Mandarin, Peach Blossoms

Peach Blossoms at Marina Mandarin Singapore offers the classic baked mooncakes like Double Yolk with White Lotus Paste (S$59 for a box of 4), Pine Nut with White Lotus Paste (S$53 for a box of 4), but the star of its Mid-Autumn creations for 2013 is the gigantic 6 1/2 inch big 8 Treasures (8-yolk) Baked Mooncake with White Lotus Paste (S$68). It is by far, the largest mooncake I have ever had in my life. It is not only good for sharing, but it also makes a terrific gift as everyone will definitely be amazed by the sheer size of the mooncake.

The mooncakes from Peach Blossoms are available from 12 Aug to 19 Sep 2013, and you can buy them from Marina Mandarin’s hotel lobby, Bishan Junction 8 Level 2 Atrium, and Bugis Junction Level 1. Click here for the order form, and for enquiries, call 6845 1118 or email peachblossoms.marina@meritushotels.com

Photo Credit: Pan Pacific Singapore

Pan Pacific Singapore, Hai Tien Lo

Over at Pan Pacific Singapore, Hai Tien Lo’s Executive Chef Lai Tong Ping and his team proudly presents an assortment of petite snowskin mooncakes. What I love about Hai Tien Lo’s mooncakes is their take on interesting flavours with a twist. Just imagine: White Coffee with Red Bean Paste, Oolong and Chrysanthemum Paste, Golden Corn Seaweed, and Guihua Seaweed – flavours you would not otherwise associate with mooncakes. They are perfect for those with a more adventurous palate.

With a contemporary and elegant multi-layered red box with Chinese motifs in black, Hai Tian Lo’s mooncakes make an excellent gift for corporate clients, friends and relatives. The mooncakes will be available for sale at Hai Tien Lo (Level 3) and Pacific Marketplace (Level 1) from 19 Aug to 19 Sep 2013. For more details, please contact +6826 8240 or email celebrate.sin@panpacific.com

The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as Mooncake Festival, is a popular lunar festival celebrated by Chinese. It is held on the 15th day of the eighth month in the Chinese calendar (3rd Oct this year), and people would celebrate by carrying lanterns and eating mooncakes.

Every year, hotels and restaurants put on their thinking caps and come up with the most innovative traditional and snowskin mooncake flavours to entice customers.

By now, I am sure your letter box is flooded with mooncakes promotions from the various credit cards, and you probably already have a list of places that you are considering.

Let me make your life easier by giving you recommendations on some of the mooncakes that you must try for Mid-Autumn Festival 2012.

Which is the best mooncake for 2012? Where to buy mooncakes for gifts? Read on to find out!

Crystal Jade

This Mid-Autumn Festival 2012, Crystal Jade is offering a limited edition Premium Gold Treasure box ($88 for a box of four) which comprises white lotus paste with double yolk, red lotus paste with double yolk, white lotus paste, and mixed nuts and ham.

For something different, you can go for Crystal Jade’s Kindred Bliss ($22 for a box), a selection of four yogurt and pudding mooncakes with mango, mixed berries, apple and original flavours. It’s perfect if you want something that is lighter in taste.

391 Orchard Road
#04-19 Takashimaya SC
Tel: +65 6512 0800
Available: 27 Aug to 30 Sep 2012

Jiang-Nan Chun Four Seasons

Tea lovers would be happy to know that Jiang-Nan Chun at Four Seasons is offering baked mooncake with low sugar Pu’er tea paste and pine nuts (S$57 for a box of 4). Their baked mooncake with silver lotus paste and double yolks (S$59 for a box of 4) is also one of my favourites in town.

190 Orchard Boulevard
Four Seasons Hotel
Tel: +65 6831 7220
Available: 1 to 30 Sep 2012

Mandarin Court Chinese Restaurant

I also like the baked mooncake with white lotus paste and single yolk ($55 for a box of four) from Mandarin Court Chinese Restaurant. If you are like me, a fan of traditional mooncake, this is another place to consider.

Other options include: baked mooncake with mixed nuts and Jamón Ibérico ($62 for a box of four), and baked mooncake with macadamia nuts and low sugar white lotus paste ($55 for a box of four).

333 Orchard Road
Level 35 Orchard Wing Mandarin Orchard
Tel: +65 6831 6262
Available: 24 Aug to 30 Sep 2012

Man Fu Yuan

For mooncake festival 2012, Man Fu Yuan’s mooncakes (first photo of this post) come in a classy packaging of gold and purple. Durian fans must not miss the snowskin ‘Mao shan wang’ durian mooncake with coconut.

You can get it in a box of four pieces, or as part of Man Fu Yuan’s sensational collection of snowskin mooncake combination ($54.80 for box of four), which includes three other flavours: green tea paste mooncake combined with fragrant dragonball Jasmine tea infused skin, lotus with macadamia nuts and sesame paste with white sesame seeds. The mooncakes not only look good, but they taste even better.

80 Middle Road
2F Intercontinental Hotel
Tel: +65 6825 1062
Available: 1 to 30 Sep 2012

Paradise Group

For those who are getting the mooncakes as a gift, go for Paradise Group. Their mooncakes come in an elegant Chinese Imperial box with striking blue and white porcelain design.

Paradise’s snowskin mooncakes ($48 for a box of eight) are infused with delicate Oriental flavours like Hakka lei cha in pandan snowskin; rose with purple glutinous rice in yam snowskin; sweet osmanthus in osmanthus snowskin; and imperial ‘Mao shan wang’ durian in mango snowskin. The flavours are definitely not for everyone, but those that love it, love it!

2 Orchard Turn
#04-07 ION Orchard
Tel: +65 6509 9660
Available: 19 Aug to 30 Sep 2012

Peony Jade Restaurant

If you are a fan of the flaky Teochew ‘orh ni’ mooncakes, then you have to get the ones from Peony Jade Restaurant: Teochew ‘orh ni’ mooncake with single egg yolk ($56 for a box of four) or the ‘orh ni’ mooncake with fragrant golden pumpkin ($54 for a box of four).

The traditional mooncakes from Peony Jade are also worth a mention. The chefs have created a low sugar white lotus paste with macadamia nuts & two yolk mooncake ($56 for a box of four).

3A River Valley Road
#02-02 Clarke Quay
Tel: +65 6338 0305
Available 3 to 30 Sep 2012

Raffles Hotel

Like many others, I had my first taste of the legendary champagne truffle mooncakes ($64 for a box of eight) a few years ago, and since then, they have become my all time favourite mooncakes. Yes, hall of fame standards – it is that good.

1 Beach Road
Raffles Hotel Singapore
Tel: +65 6577 8888
Available: 10 Aug to 30 Sep 2012

Swensen’s

Over at Swensen’s, you can get the popular ice cream mooncakes – available in six delicious flavours: strawberry fields forever, durian royale, Yummy Yam, Sticky Chewy Chocolate, Cookies ‘N’ Cream Dreams, and Mocha Almond Delight.

Ice cream mooncakes, what’s there not to like?

2 Orchard Turn
#B1-31 ION Orchard
Tel: +65 6884 5967
Available: 11 Aug to 30 Sep 2012

TWG Tea Salon

The mooncakes from TWG Tea Salon would win a prize if there was a competition for the prettiest mooncakes. For Mid-Autumn Festival 2012, TWG has unveiled a collection of eight mooncakes – four traditional and four snow skin mooncakes – infused with the most popular TWG Tea’s blends.

For the traditional mooncakes ($48 for a box of four), you have Constellation (gold) – brown lotus infused with Singapore breakfast tea, roasted melon seeds and a salted egg yolk; Moonlight (red) – white lotus paste infused with silver moon tea, filled with wild berries and red fruit marmalade heart; Dragon (chocolate brown) – lotus paste infused with 1837 black tea, sprinkled with chocolate chips and orange marmalade; and Pagoda (yellow) – moonlit night tea infused lotus paste with dried mango and chestnut heart.

2 Orchard Turn
#02-21 ION Orchard
Tel: +65 6735 1837
Available: 30 Aug to 30 Sep 2012

Xin Cuisine

Another place that you should check out for snowskin mooncakes ($48 for a box of six) is Xin Cuisine Chinese Restaurant at Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium.

With intriguing flavours like soursop and chocolate crunch; lavender chocolate and chempedak lotus paste; champagne chocolate and pandan lotus paste; peranakan mooncake with durian paste; rum and raisin chocolate and Chinese dates paste; and black truffle walnut and white lotus seed paste – there’s something for everyone.

317 Outram Road
4F Holiday Inn Atrium
Tel: +65 6732 3337
Available: 1 to 30 Sep 2012

The Hungry Ghost Festival is finally over, and in less than two weeks time, we will be celebrating Mooncake Festival 2011!

Mid-Autumn festival always comes early for me, I have been trying out different mooncakes for the past month. Which are the best mooncakes? Which are the some of the new mooncake flavours that you can’t miss?

Here are 5 mooncakes that you must try for Mid-Autumn Festival 2011.

Mooncake is a Chinese bakery product traditionally eaten during the Mid-Autumn Festival. From the traditional baked mooncakes with lotus paste, to snowskin mooncakes with truffles – there are so many mooncakes to choose from.

I prefer traditional baked mooncakes to snowskin mooncakes. I don’t know about you, but I feel that Mid-Autumn Festival is all about having a traditional baked mooncake with a pot of tea. Snowskin mooncakes are nice, but to me, they will never replace the traditional baked mooncake with single yolk and white lotus paste.

Sure, I wouldn’t mind trying out samples of the new exotic flavours at the various mooncake fairs, but if I am buying them as gifts, I’d stick with the traditional baked mooncakes and some of the more popular snowskin mooncakes.

Mandarin Orchard Singapore Mooncakes

Among the four mini snowskin mooncakes from Mandarin Orchard Singapore, my favourite is the Lychee Martini (picture above). For Mooncake Festival 2011, Mandarin Orchard is selling their mini snowskin selection of four flavours (8 pieces) for $58. The other three flavours are Almond with Black Sesame Paste Mooncake, Purple Sweet Potato and Amaretto Truffle Mooncake and Green Tea and Melon Seeds Mooncake.

If you want something special for traditional baked mooncakes, you must try the Baked Mooncake with Mixed Nuts and Jamón ibérico ($58 for a box of 4). Oh my god, Jamón ibérico in a mooncake! By the way, I saw a mailer from Citibank – they have a ’15% off’ mooncake promotion for Mandarin Orchard’s mooncakes.

Mandarin Court Chinese Restaurant
333 Orchard Road Level 35
Orchard Wing Mandarin Orchard Singapore
Tel: +65 6831 6262
From 5 Aug to 12 Sep 2011

Deli Counter
Outside Mandarin Gallery main entrance
From 13 Aug to 12 Sep 2011

Jewels Artisan Chocolate Mooncakes

The Korean Black Garlic mooncake ($56.8 for 8 pieces) from Jewels Artisan Chocolate is surely one of the most exotic mooncake flavours in the market. The combination of black garlic and mooncake may seem a little intimidating, but the garlic taste was actually quite subtle.

In the hands of Chocolatier Then Chui Foong, chocolates become something more. Her other snowskin mooncake creations – Champagne Ganache Truffle, Dark Chocolate Crunchy Pearl, Espresso Truffle and Salted Caramel Truffle – are equally brilliant.

Jewels Artisan Chocolate
181 Orchard Road #02-31/32
From 12 Aug to 11 Sept 2011

Takashimaya Mooncake Fair
Basement 2 Ngee Ann City
391 Orchard Road
From 18 Aug to 11 Sept 2011

Entertainment Centre Atrium (Outside Carrefour)
Suntec City Mall
3 Temasek Boulevard
From 29 Aug 2011 to 11 Sept 2011

Pan Pacific Singapore Mooncakes

One of the mooncakes that caught my attention for Mooncakes Festival 2011 is the Hazelnut Feutilletine snowskin mooncake from Pan Pacific Singapore. Hazelnut feutilletine!!

A box of 8 petite snowskin mooncakes is available at $58, and it includes other interesting flavours like Apricot Brandy with Sweet Potato, Black Forest with Chocolate Pearls and Champagne Strawberry.

Hai Tian Lo
7 Raffles Boulevard
37F Pan Pacific hotel
Tel: +65 6826 8338

Mid-Autumn Festive Booth
7 Raffles Boulevard
Level 1 Pan Pacific hotel

Four Seasons Hotel Mooncake

Four Seasons Hotel Singapore Mooncakes

For traditional Baked Mooncake, get the one from Four Seasons Hotel. The traditional Baked Mooncake with Silver Lotus Paste and Single Yolk is $59 for a box of 4 (picture above). The chefs at Jiang Nan Chun have also created baked Mooncake with Home Made XO chili sauce and mixed nuts and Baked Mooncake with Mixed Berries ($59 for a box of 4).

Jiang Nan Chun
190 Orchard Boulevard
Four Seasons Hotel
Tel: +65 6831 7220

Raffles Hotel Mooncakes

My all time favourite is the Champagne Truffle Mooncake from Raffles Hotel. This is quite possibly one of the best mooncakes in Singapore!

Royal China Restaurant
1 Beach Road
#03-09 Raffles Hotel
Tel: +65 6338 3363

Raffles Hotel Mooncake Booth
1 Beach Road
North Bridge Road Entrance

Besides the popular Takashimaya Mooncake fair, there are also mooncake fairs at various shopping malls like Vivocity, Ion Orchard, IMM, Jurong Point, NEX, Century Square, Suntec City and Junction 8. This is the best way to satisfy your mooncake cravings. Unleash the inner aunty-mentality in you, and try all the samples at the mooncake fairs!

Some people like traditional mooncakes, while others prefer snowskin mooncake, no matter what it is, I hope you are eating it. Have a good Mid-Autumn Festival!

For most people, it seems almost like an annual ritual during the Singapore Mooncake Festival to visit the Takashimaya Mooncake Fair as you can find all the mooncakes by the different restaurants and hotels there. Be it buying mooncakes, or just hanging around to try the various new mooncakes flavor for 2010, the response to the Takashimaya Mooncake fair is always overwhelming.

But if you hate to squeeze with the crowd just for a box of mooncake, go to Raffles City level 3 – there’s a smaller Mooncake fair with 22 participating retailers.

I know this post is kind of late since most newspapers, magazines and food blogs have written on some of the must-try new mooncakes flavors for 2010. Nonetheless, I decided to share a list of the interesting mooncakes flavors that I want to try during the Mooncake Festival 2010. So lets find out which are the best Mooncakes in Singapore 2010.

Goodwood Park Hotel Mooncakes

Goodwood Park Hotel has a strong reputation for its durian pastries and desserts, with the durian puff and cake among the most popular items on it’s menu. Naturally, one of the signature mooncake of Goodwood Park Hotel is the D24 Durian Paste Snowskin Mooncakes ($50 for 4 pcs). Their mooncakes are definitely a must-try if you like durian, but please stay 10 feet from me after you have them.

22 Scotts Road
Tel: +65 6730 1786

Marriott Hotel Mooncakes

I’m not sure about you, but I prefer the traditional baked mooncakes to the snowskin mooncakes. The white lotus seed paste with single yolk ($49 for 4 pcs) from Marriott Hotel may sounds boring, but I think it is exactly what I need for the Mooncake Festival 2010. How many yolks do you like in your baked mooncakes?

320 Orchard Rd
Tel: +65 6735 5800

Raffles Hotel Mooncakes

52 bucks for a box of 8 ridiculously tiny snowskin mooncakes? I must be mad to pay for this. Tell me again: why am I doing this? Oh, it’s champagne truffle! Right. Everybody knows about the famous Champagne truffle mooncakes from Raffles Hotel. Enough said.

(North Bridge Road Entrance)
1 Beach Road
Tel: +65 6412 1122

Paradise Group Mooncakes

Being a fan of the Chinese cuisine at Taste Paradise, I must say I’m quite curious how their mooncakes fare against the more experienced hotels and restaurants. Some of the creations from Paradise Group include: Golden Pomelo, Fragrant Black Sesame, Sweet Custard with Cashew Nuts, and at just $38 for a box of 8, their mooncakes are priced slightly lower than the ones from the hotels.

Any Paradise Restaurants in Singapore
Tel: +65 6288 8961

The Regent Singapore Mooncakes

Consumers are a very fickle-minded bunch, and we want novelty.

Every year, the chefs from the different hotels and restaurants will think of new creations to satisfy the consumers’ growing demand for different flavors. For the Mooncake festival 2010, The Regent Singapore came up with Baked Ham & Pork Floss with assorted nuts and the Ginger Paste with Pine Nuts snowskin mooncakes. Personally, I feel that it’s really an acquired taste, but by all means go ahead if you are game enough to try the exotic mooncakes.

1 Cuscaden Road
Tel: +65 6733 8888

* * *

Which are the best mooncakes in Singapore 2010? Let us know which mooncakes have you tried, and which are the ones that you are tempted to get! Have a good Mooncake Festival 2010 indulging in all the different mooncakes!