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Best alternative mooncakes to try this Mid-Autumn Festival 2023

By Celia Lee 25 August 2023 | Last Updated 21 September 2023

Header image courtesy of The Cakery

Mooncake season is upon us again! If you are not a fan of the traditional treat with double egg yolk and lotus seed paste, or simply want to spice things up this Mid-Autumn Festival, look no further. Hong Kong has no shortage of innovative substitutes when it comes to mooncakes, and we have rounded up the best alternative options on offer this Mid-Autumn Festival 2023.

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Photo: The Cakery

The Cakery

Known for its health-conscious treats that cater to a range of dietary requirements, The Cakery is offering a selection of vegan mochi and lava mini mooncakes for your Mid-Autumn celebrations. Six flavours are available this year, including the health-forward matcha mochi, the fragrant Earl Grey black sugar mochi, the lighter red date mochi, the indulgent chocolate hazelnut lava, the aromatic coconut peanut lava, and the rich black sesame lava mooncake. The six flavours come in an elegantly designed box that is entirely recyclable, making this a health- and environmentally-conscious choice for Mid-Autumn celebrations.

You can place an order on The Cakery’s online shop and pick up from their store from 11 September to 2 October.

The Cakery, locations across Hong Kong Island

Landmark Mandarin Oriental

At LMO this Mid-Autumn, patrons are treated to two mooncake gift sets that champion sustainable packaging and health-forward foods. The Mooncake Bento by LMO encases six mini egg custard mooncakes in an adorable, corn-fibre double-decker bento box.

After enjoying your custardy delights, you can repurpose the packaging as microwavable containers for daily use or simply return them to the hotel where they will be used as containers for in-room amenities. Those who choose to return the full set before the end of October will be treated to a complimentary drink at one of LMO’s dining destinations: Amber, Somm, or MO Bar.

The limited-edition Amber x Esca vegetarian mooncakes, a collaboration between the contemporary French restaurant and local vegetarian brand, offers two unique flavours: the pumpkin kabocha with pumpkin seed and Ān soy, vegan Conspiracy chocolate dak lak cocoa, and almonds. These alternative mooncakes are available in limited quantities, so be sure to order a set before they are all gone!

Both collections can be ordered on LMO’s online shop or purchased in-person at Amber, MO Bar, or The Oriental Spa while stock lasts. The bento boxes can be picked up from the second-floor hotel entrance from 21 August to 29 September, and the Amber x Esca vegetarian mooncakes from 11 to 15 and 18 to 22 September.

The Landmark Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, 15 Queen’s Road Central, Central

The Peninsula

Alongside its traditional offerings, The Peninsula has created iconic new flavours. The indulgent chocolate egg custard mooncakes are reimaged with a chocolate brownie, macadamia, and toffee filling, making this mooncake the perfect dessert for your Mid-Autumn gatherings.

For something a little more refreshing, the assorted fruits edition offers two appetising flavours infused with the iconic egg custard filling: strawberries and mango and passion fruit. Mochi aficionados will be delighted by the limited-edition sesame paste mochi mooncakes—a reimagining of the traditional lotus seed paste mooncake with sesame, peanuts, and chewy mochi—offered by Spring Moon, the hotel’s Chinese restaurant.

Browse the full range of The Peninsula’s offerings and make an order at The Peninsula Boutique online or at The Peninsula Boutique & Café. Spring Moon’s offerings can be collected at Hankow 1 at The Peninsula.

The Peninsula Boutique and Café, The Peninsula Arcade, Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui

Hankow 1, 6/F, The Peninsula Hong Kong, Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui

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Ān Soy

The soy-based project Ān Soy, led by chef Vicky Lau of Tate Dining Room and Mora, is introducing a series of vegetarian mooncakes infused with the brand’s own soymilk in collaboration with local vegetarian food brand Esca. This collection of mooncakes features six pieces of delightful pastries, with three oozing black sesame mooncakes with Ān soymilk, while the Esca creation—the aromatic osmanthus salted egg soymilk financiers—makes for a lighter alternative.

Early-bird offers are available now till 30 August. Pick-up and delivery are available from 19 to 20 September. Orders can be placed online.

Ān Soy, G/F, Date by Tate Dining Room, 210 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan

Matchali

As the go-to location for all things matcha-related, you can expect Matchali’s mooncake offerings to star the health-boosting green tea. As part of another Esca collaboration, two flavours are on offer this year, the fragrant matcha almond and the indulgent matcha red bean, available in three gift sets. The Tranquillity mooncake set offers both flavours alongside ceremonial-grade matcha and hojicha, while the Harmony mooncake set and Full Moon set offer them alongside hojicha or matcha, a tea bowl, tea scoop, and tea whisk.

Orders can be placed online and picked up from Matchali or delivered to your door.

Matchali, 5 Moon Street, Wan Chai

Lune de Blossom

Local bakery Lune de Blossom is introducing an adorable mooncake set, featuring its signature lava filling. Collaborating with Maid’s Diary, this mooncake set features handmade lava mooncakes in three flavours: classic custard, caramel coffee, and melon cheese, and comes in a giftbox with an adorable design. A selection of Maid’s Diary merchandise can also be added to your order.

Also on offer from Lune de Blossom is the Starry Moon Night lava mooncake gift box which comes in two variations, each containing eight pieces of mooncakes: classic custard, caramel coffee, and melon cheese; or tangerine peel custard, coconut latte, and classic custard. All mooncakes are handmade and crafted with Lune de Blossom’s signature rose pattern on the pastry.

Finally, the handmade rose mooncakes are an elegant delight that would make the perfect gift for anyone. Encased in a glass box are three flavours of mooncakes: the Dajia taro salted egg, hand-fried pineapple salted egg, and Chinese red bean.

Early-bird offers are available for each set, more information on discounts can be found online. All mooncake sets can be ordered from Lune de Blossom’s website for pick-up or delivery.

Lune de Blossom, locations across Hong Kong

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Photo: Regent Hong Kong

Regent Hong Kong

Regent Hong Kong is offering a varied selection of mooncakes this Mid-Autumn Festival for you to elevate your celebrations. The mini egg custard mooncakes from its two-Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant Lai Ching Heen are sure to impress, while a new selection of mini assorted mooncakes is also available, including flavours such as red bean paste with mandarin peel, green tea custard, and Earl Grey tea custard. Orders can be placed online on Regent’s online shop for pick-up or delivery.

Regent Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui

Photo: Paul Lafayet

Paul Lafayet

The Paul Lafayet artistic mooncake gift box offers four custard mooncakes in unique flavours including crème brûlée, genmaicha, Manuka honey, and Earl Grey tea. All are encased in a beautifully illustrated box featuring Mid-Autumn-themed mythical figures, making this an aesthetically pleasing gift for your loved ones. It also comes with a light-up lantern with cut-out star shapes for that extra festive touch! Orders can be placed online.

Paul Lafayet, locations across Hong Kong

Photo: Mother Pearl

Mother Pearl

Collaborating with local vegan brand Moono, the nutritious bubble tea expert Mother Pearl is offering a plant-based and gluten-free option to celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival. The Moon Tale Petal Fable mooncake gift box features two unique flavours: taro rose oolong and jasmine osmanthus matcha-chi, as well as Mother Pearl’s signature loose-leaf tea pouches to pair the mooncakes with a curated selection of tea. Orders can be placed in stores or online.

Mother Pearl, locations across Hong Kong

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Photo: Hyatt Centric Victoria Harbour Hong Kong

Hyatt Centric Victoria Harbour

If you are looking for mooncakes with a distinctly local touch, Hyatt Centric’s selection is the perfect choice. Collaborating with the Michelin-recommended egg waffles specialist Lee Keung Kee, the hotel’s Mid-Autumn collection combines two Hong Kong treats in a unique creation. The Hyatt Centric Victoria Harbour Hong Kong x Lee Keung Kee Egg Waffles mooncakes feature aromatic and creamy egg waffle custard wrapped in a pastry crust, and comes with peanut butter and condensed milk—a nod to the traditional waffle.

Orders can be placed online for pick-up at The Farmhouse Deli at Hyatt Centric or for delivery.

The Farmhouse Deli, 2/F, Hyatt Centric Victoria Harbour Hong Kong, 1 North Point Estate Lane, North Point

Photo: Green Common

Green Common

Green Common is bringing back its signature vegan custard mooncakes this Mid-Autumn Festival! As always, the plant-based brand ensures its festive treats are locally made with vegan ingredients, offering a healthier alternative for city dwellers to celebrate the season of gathering and reunion. Orders can be placed online for pick-up at Green Common’s Nina Mall 2 location in September.

Green Common, locations across Hong Kong

Photo: Agnès B. Café

Agnès B. Café

Agnès B. is introducing a new mooncake flavour this Mid-Autumn Festival. The yoghurt custard with strawberry joins the classic egg custard and chocolate custard mooncakes in a series of round, orange gift boxes alongside a starlight projector torch that shines star-themed patterns when switched on, and rose Darjeeling tea. Orders can be placed online for pick-up from Agnès B.’s Fashion Walk, K11 Art Mall, and Yoho Mall locations.

Agnès B. Café, locations across Hong Kong

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Photo: Dang Wen Li by Dominique Ansel

Dang Wen Li by Dominique Ansel

Celebrate the season with Dang Wen Li’s latest Mid-Autumn Festival offerings! The Jade Rabbit deluxe mooncake gift box resembles a traditional Chinese home, revealing an inside design centred around a lantern that reveals vibrant patterns when lit up. Housed within this exquisitely designed box are six pieces of hand-crafted mooncakes: three classic custard and three Earl Grey custard flavour. Orders can be placed in store or online from now till 30 September.

Dang Wen Li by Dominique Ansel, locations across Hong Kong

Photo: Lady M

Lady M

Lady M is offering a Moonglow mooncake gift box this year. Six pieces of custard mooncakes are stored in a beautiful gift box that can be repurposed as a jewellery or collectibles case. Featuring three irresistible flavours, yuzu milk, pandan matcha, and lychee rose, the mooncake gift box is an elegant gift for your loved ones, and can be redeemed from most Lady M boutiques until 2 October.

Lady M, locations across Hong Kong

Photo: Mott 32

Mott 32

Mott 32’s Mid-Autumn creations take inspiration from natural ingredients as well as its signature Chinese dishes. The Mott 32 mooncake gift box features four unique flavours: matcha forest as a nod to the restaurant’s signature dessert—the Bamboo Green Forest; mango coconut references the Cantonese dim sum treat lo mai chi (糯米糍; no6 mai5 ci4; Cantonese mochi); chrysanthemum red date showcases two revered ingredients in Cantonese cuisine; and yuzu umeshu is a nod to Mott 32’s signature cocktails. Orders can be placed online for pick-up from the restaurant.

Mott 32, Standard Chartered Bank Building, 4–4A Des Voeux Road Central, Central

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Photo: Ming Court

Ralph's Coffee by Ralph Lauren

Ralph’s Coffee trike lava mooncakes tin box houses six pieces of festive delights in one of the cutest parcels on the market. The brand’s signature green trike–short for tricycle—coffee cart is miniaturised and transformed into a tin box, complete with a flower-filled basket and a little green and white umbrella. Sliding open the trike’s cabinet and you will find a selection of mini mooncakes in custard lava and matcha lava flavours. Orders can be placed online and picked up in stores.

Ralph’s Coffee, locations across Hong Kong

Yue

Sheraton’s Chinese restaurant Yue is offering a selection of gift sets to accompany the Mid-Autumn celebrations. The Lantau Moonlight mooncake six-piece sets come filled with a choice of three flavours mini egg custard, mini strawberry yoghurt egg custard, and mini black sesame egg custard. Place your orders online now to pick-up at the restaurant from 21 August to 27 September.

Yue, 2/F, Sheraton Hong Kong Tung Chung Hotel, 9 Yi Tung Road, Tung Chung

Shangri-La Hotels

To celebrate the season of reunion and gathering, Shangri-La Hotels is offering a diverse series of mooncakes for all to enjoy. The Shangri-La Group signature mooncake series includes three varieties of 50-year aged mandarin peel red bean paste mooncakes: rose, yuzu, and osmanthus.

Summer Palace at Island Shangri-La is offering the brand-new Summer Palace chocolate and coffee molten lava custard mooncakes duo, which is sure to impress at every gathering. For a full list of offerings from Island Shangri-La, click here.

Over at Kowloon Shangri-La, the highlight of Shang Palace’s Mid-Autumn offerings has got to be its snow skin mooncakes, which comes in three flavours: Musang King durian, Black Thorn durian, and mango, cheese, and passion fruit. Fans of mochi can also check out the mini mooncakes with red bean, yuzu paste, and mochi available in matcha or hojicha flavour. For a full list of offerings from Kowloon Shangri-La, click here.

Hung Tong at Kerry Hotel is offering mini egg custard mooncakes as well as a mini mooncakes trio box featuring three unique flavours: coffee lava custard, Manuka honey egg custard, and pomelo pineapple custard. For a full list of offerings from Kerry Hotel, click here.

Orders can be placed online at Shangri-La Boutique’s website for pick-up or delivery.

Island Shangri-La Hong Kong, Pacific Place, Supreme Court Road, Admiralty

Kowloon Shangri-La Hong Kong, 64 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East

Kerry Hotel Hong Kong, 38 Hung Luen Road, Hung Hom Bay, Hung Hom

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Photo: Four Seasons Hong Kong

Lung King Heen at the Four Seasons

Lung King Heen is offering a selection of favourites and new flavours in its mooncake series this year. The box of six white lotus seed paste mooncakes with salted egg yolk and black truffle infuses the rich aroma of the “black diamond” into the traditional treat; the preserved egg and pickled ginger mooncakes are uniquely crafted with house-pickled ginger and preserved egg yolk; the cream custard mooncakes with toasted pine nuts contrasts the velvety texture of custard with crunchy pine nuts; and the new white lotus seed paste mooncakes with Wuyi rare orchid, hazelnuts, and salted egg yolk balances rich traditional flavours with aromatic floral notes of oolong tea.

If you are sharing mooncakes with a large group this Mid-Autumn, the assorted signature mooncakes box is the perfect choice, featuring all of the above-mentioned flavours.

You can place your order on Four Seasons’ online shop. Mooncakes are available for collection from 15 to 28 September at the Four Seasons Cake Shop.

Four Seasons Cake Shop, Lobby, Four Seasons Hong Kong, 8 Finance Street, Central

The Mira

The Mira has different mooncake offerings this year, starting with the Cuisine Cuisine restaurant selection. Alongside traditional lotus and custard treats, its Five Fortunes set includes mooncake flavours of cranberry and blueberry, matcha and pineapple, and kumquat.

Collaborating with local confectionary brand Bombshell, The Mira is introducing a fabulous Mid-Autumn treat for patrons to enjoy. Eight custard mini mooncakes are accompanied by a five-inch Lotus Luna Bomb, which can be smashed to reveal a myriad of sweets, including chocolate rabbits, marshmallows, and jellybeans. Orders can be placed online for pick-up or delivery.

The Mira Hong Kong, Mira Place, 118–130 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui

La Maison du Chocolat

This year, La Maison du Chocolat is combining two of everyone’s favourite treats: mooncakes and chocolate! A choice of two colourful gift boxes is available, both great options to give to your loved ones this Mid-Autumn Festival. The highlight of the collection is the Radiant Mooncake gift box with four unexpected flavours inside. It includes a chocolate mooncake, a hazelnut praline with vanilla custard mooncakes, a chocolate and raspberry mooncake, and an Earl Grey tea with vanilla mustard mooncake. For chocolate lovers, Paris chocolatiers have crafted the Moon Chocolate gift box, filled with a selection of creamy and praline chocolate. The collection is available in stores and online.

La Maison du Chocolat, locations across Hong Kong

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Photo: Social Place

Social Place

Two alternative mooncake options are available from Social Place this Mid-Autumn Festival, on top of its more traditional offerings. Get ready for the dual lava mooncake collection and the vegetarian mooncake collection! Patrons will be delighted with a duo of treats in the first option, which includes aromatic truffle black sesame lava mooncake and the classic custard lava mooncake. For plant-based eaters, the second collection features three innovative flavours that are sure to impress: walnut purple sweet potato, matcha red bean, and walnut and goji berry.

Social Place, locations across Hong Kong

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Celia Lee

Staff writer

Born and raised in Hong Kong and educated in the UK, Celia is passionate about culture, food, and different happenings in the city. When she’s not busy writing, you can find her scouting for new and trendy restaurants, getting lost in a bookstore, or baking up a storm at home.

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