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The Mid-Autumn Festival- Mooncakes Galore

When it turned an art of giving into business practice, Hong Kong ushered in a whole new era of the mooncake during the mid-autumn festival celebrations.

The Mid-Autumn Festival, one of the most important Chinese holidays, traces its roots back to a time when farmers rejoiced in bountiful harvests. Traditionally, the festival celebrates three revered customs: gathering – of family and friends, often gazing at the full moon; thanksgiving – to local deities; and praying – wishing for longevity and good fortune.

Today, Chinese communities across the world celebrate the festival, which falls on the 15th day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar- a full moon, by the lighting and displaying of colourful lanterns, moon-gazing and eating mooncakes. And Hong Kong is no exception; the city hosts several lantern festivals with the largest and most popular in Victoria Park in Causeway Bay. The Tai Hang Dragon Dance is world renowned and attracts thousands of spectators.

Above all, though, Hong Kong has elevated the making and giving of mooncakes to an art form and an integral part of the city’s business practice. Millions of mooncakes are purchased each year, most of them as gifts wrapped in ever-fancier boxes. The variety of mooncakes has also proliferated, from classical lotus seed with egg yolk to ice cream and snow-skin-moon cakes to mini-mooncakes. Many hotels, restaurants and even international confectioners prepare their own mooncakes, all beautifully packaged, creating yet more modern recipes for this ancient cake.

Mooncakes make for a great gift to take home to your friends and family. For traditional mooncakes we recommend either the exquisitely made Loon Yuen mooncakes from Holiday Inn Golden Mile in Tsim Sha Tsui, or the signature mooncakes from East Ocean Restaurant Group. For sheer wow factor, check out the China Tang x Shanghai Tang’s Silver Limited Edition Mooncake Set in which the box opens to a decoratively illuminated shadow box to much oohs and aahs.

Whatever your choice, be sure to join in with the locals in soaking up the festive atmosphere. Happy Mid-Autumn Festival!