In Vietnam, the Mid-autumn Festival, or Tết Trung Thu, is a time for nibbling on mooncakes and sipping tea with loved ones. This cherished tradition involves indulging in golden baked mooncakes and soft sticky rice mooncakes on the night of the harvest moon. If you happen to find yourself in Vietnam during this festival, get ready to experience the joy and excitement of your own mooncake celebration. Here’s everything you need to know about Vietnam’s mooncake tradition.
The Enchanting Story of Mooncakes
Before taking your first bite of Vietnamese mooncakes, let’s delve into their fascinating history. The term “mooncake” originated during China’s Song Dynasty (1127-1279). By the time of the Ming Dynasty, mooncakes had become a regular part of the harvest moon festival. While the exact arrival of mooncakes in Vietnam remains unknown, Vietnamese cuisine has often been influenced by Chinese traditions throughout the centuries.
In Vietnam, Tết Trung Thu is a special time for reunion and harmony. Every year, after a bountiful harvest, families and relatives gather under the light of the full moon to relax, sing songs, and drink tea. Children eagerly participate, staying up late, carrying star lanterns, and listening for the captivating beats of lion dancers. Square mooncakes symbolize the earth, while round mooncakes represent the sky, making them the perfect treat for this magical night.
From Traditional to Trendy: Flavors That Mesmerize
In the past, Vietnam only had two types of mooncakes. Savory mixed paste mooncakes, prepared with up to ten ingredients including lime leaves, smoked sausage, lotus seeds, and secret sauces or wine, were baked in square molds and offered on family altars or shared at home. Round mung bean mooncakes, made with sticky rice flour, were consumed fresh and could be offered in Buddhist pagodas or enjoyed at home.
Today, the choices have expanded exponentially. Traditional bakeries offer mooncakes made with lotus seed, coconut meat, black sesame, nuts, and young rice, designed for sharing among family and friends. Adventurous bakers have even introduced pistachio, coffee, chocolate, jelly, strawberry, and durian flavors to cater to diverse palates.
TIP: Mooncakes pair perfectly with hot green tea, especially the savory ones which go well with oolong tea. For the sweet mooncakes, opt for floral teas to complement their flavors.
Mooncakes: The Perfect Gift
Gifting mooncakes has become a beloved tradition during Tết Trung Thu. The presentation of these cakes is as important as their taste. Each year, bakeries create new styles, colors, and flavors, and design beautiful boxes to showcase the mooncakes as luxurious gift sets.
As the festival approaches, you’ll witness mooncake stalls popping up on streets across Vietnam. Top hotels compete to offer artistic mooncake sets with carefully thought-out concepts for businesses to gift their esteemed clients. The ideal time to send mooncakes to your loved ones is two weeks before the holiday, which always falls on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month.
Delightful Surprises in Every Bite
One of the delightful aspects of eating mooncakes is the anticipation of discovering the filling beneath their crusts. In the past, not all mooncakes had fillings, and finding a salted duck egg yolk inside was considered a stroke of luck. Today, mooncakes are plentifully filled with salted duck egg yolks, and some even contain two yolks for those who crave an extra surprise.
Beyond the traditional round and square mooncakes, you can find whimsical creations shaped like rabbits, lanterns, fish, and peonies. Mooncakes with snow skin (bánh dẻo) or flaky crusts (bánh nướng) are also gaining popularity. Bakers often adorn their mooncakes with gold leaf or infuse them with crunchy nuts, chocolate truffles, or tropical jams. The best mooncakes are always made with fresh ingredients and without preservatives, best enjoyed within a week or two.
Create Your Own Mooncake Memories
With a wide range of options available, the first step is to find mooncakes that suit your preferences. Some people enjoy indulging in large cakes, while others prefer bite-sized treats. Every city in Vietnam has its own established bakeries, but it can be an adventure to explore until you discover the design and flavors that intrigue you. Here are some interesting places to shop for mooncakes in Vietnam:
Hanoi
In Hanoi, prestigious five-star hotels like the Metropole and Intercontinental debut beautiful sets of premium mooncakes each year. Small bakeries such as The Vuu Cakes offer lovely mooncake sets that you can conveniently order online. You can also find specialty mooncakes at places like Marou Chocolate or support a good cause by purchasing mooncakes from Hopebox online.
Ho Chi Minh City
For traditional expertise and presentation, head to Hy Lam Mon, a bakery that has been making mooncakes in Ho Chi Minh City for many years. Hotel des Arts is another fantastic option for mooncakes that are crafted with artistry and flair. Additionally, The Bakes Saigon offers unique sets that will captivate your taste buds. Don’t forget to look out for afternoon tea and mooncake promotions at the city’s top hotels.
As you savor each delectable slice of mooncake on the night of October 1, 2020, sit outside and let the glow of the full moon reflect in your tea cup. Create unforgettable memories and revel in the enchantment of Vietnam’s mooncake tradition.