Vietnamese Mooncake Marvels: A Delicious Journey Through Vietnam’s Best Bakeries

The Mid-Autumn Festival, a vibrant celebration across many Asian cultures, wouldn’t be complete without the delectable mooncake. This traditional pastry boasts a rich history, morphing over centuries to reflect evolving tastes and societal influences. While its core essence remains rooted in tradition, the mooncake’s form and flavor have undergone a remarkable transformation.

Traditional Vietnamese Mooncakes: A Symbol of Unity and Prosperity

Vietnamese mooncakes, known for their rich cultural significance, have long been a cherished part of the Mid-Autumn Festival. These traditional pastries are often filled with a variety of ingredients, including mung bean paste, red bean paste, salted egg yolk, and assorted fruits. The square shape, symbolizing the earth, is a common feature, reflecting the deep-rooted cultural values of family reunion, harmony, and prosperity.

One of the most notable types of Vietnamese mooncakes is the “bánh nướng” (baked mooncake) characterized by its crispy crust and sweet, savory filling. This type of mooncake is often enjoyed for its delightful contrast in textures and flavors. Another popular variety is the “bánh dẻo” (sticky rice mooncake) which boasts a soft, chewy crust and a sweet filling, offering a different yet equally satisfying experience. 

A Wave of Modern Interpretations

In recent years, a wave of innovation has swept through the world of mooncakes, transforming this traditional delicacy into a canvas for culinary creativity. Modern interpretations now feature a dazzling array of flavors, from the slightly bitter matcha to the indulgent chocolate, catering to diverse palates and preferences. Traditional molds have given way to intricate designs, showcasing artistic craftsmanship and attention to detail. Textures have also become more varied, incorporating elements like ice cream and mousse, adding a contemporary twist to the classic treat.

The traditional shapes of mooncakes have been reinvented, with creative designs inspired by animals, flowers, and other objects, making them visually appealing and fun to eat. These modern mooncakes not only retain the symbolic meanings of family reunion and harmony but also reflect the dynamic and evolving nature of culinary traditions.

Balancing Innovation and Heritage

Today, mooncakes continue to evolve, with new flavors and designs being introduced every year. This evolution has made mooncakes a versatile treat that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds. Whether it’s a traditional lotus seed paste mooncake or a modern creation with exotic fillings, mooncakes have become a delightful fusion of tradition and innovation, celebrated the rich cultural heritage while embraced contemporary tastes.

As we look forward to the Mid-Autumn Festival each year, the anticipation of discovering new and exciting mooncake flavors and designs adds to the joy of the celebration. The mooncake’s journey from a simple pastry to a gourmet delicacy is a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of bakers and the enduring appeal of this beloved treat.

A Guide to Mooncake Shops in Ho Chi Minh City

VLS suggests some popular traditional and trendy mooncake shops in HCMC to help you find the perfect treat:

Traditional Treasures

• Kinh Do Bakery: One of the oldest mooncake brands in Vietnam, Kinh Do offers a variety of designs and flavors. Their offerings have been upgraded over the years, making them a favorite among many consumers.
• Hy Lam Mon Bakery: Specializing in Chinese pastries and mooncakes, Hy Lam Mon is a well-known brand in Saigon with a long history (over 20 years) and multiple locations (10 stores in Ho Chi Minh City).
• Nhu Lan Bakery: In a market filled with foreign mooncakes, Nhu Lan stands out with its emphasis on “high-quality Vietnamese goods,” preserving traditional flavors.
• Brodard Bakery: With over 70 years of experience, Brodard is renowned for its high-quality cakes and luxurious, delicately designed cake boxes, perfect for those seeking luxury and modernity.

Modern Marvels

• Givral Bakery: With over 70 years of history, Givral is a top destination for French pastries and quality mooncakes, offering 28 different fillings, including vegetarian and mixed eggs.
• Phúc Long Coffee & Tea: Known for its tea and coffee, Phúc Long also offers an exclusive collection of mooncakes each year, featuring unique flavors like golden lava, cheese tiramisu, coconut coffee, and green tea.
• The 350F Dessert & Coffee: Popular among Gen Z for its fruit tart, The 350F offers a unique collection of mooncakes with natural, less sweet flavors and exquisite designs for this Mid-Autumn Festival event.
• Cai Lo Nuong Bakery: Known for its use of fresh fruit and less sweet cakes, Cai Lo Nuong offers a diverse range of mooncakes with unique flavors like rose cake with guava and safflower filling, and red apple cake with wolfberry.

Making Your Own Vietnamese Mooncakes!

In addition to purchasing delicious mooncakes from stores, if you want to experience making your own mooncakes, join VLS’s Fundraising Mooncake Making Workshop! 

Workshop details:

• RSVP: https://forms.gle/hXcA2PjnTLcwmosZ7
• Location & Date: 

• VLS District 1: 45 Đinh Tiên Hoàng, Bến Nghé Ward, District 1, HCMC
  • September 7th, 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM
• VLS Thao Dien: 43A-43B Xuân Thủy, Thảo Điền Ward, Thủ Đức, HCMC
  • September 7th, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• VLS District 7: 82 Nam Phúc – Lễ Jardin, C Street, Tân Phú Ward, District 7, HCMC
  • September 8th, 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM
• Fee: 580,000 VND /box of 6 mooncakes

All net proceeds from the workshops will be donated to the VLS charity fund, supporting our upcoming 2024 Mid-Autumn charity trip.

Learn more about the VLS’s 2024 Mid-Autumn Charity Program: 2024 Mid-Autumn Charity Trip: Celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival & Make a Difference (vlstudies.com)

Join us in crafting your own mooncakes and celebrating this special occasion!