17 UNUSUAL MOONCAKE FLAVOURS YOU NEED TO TRY THIS MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL

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1 17 UNUSUAL MOONCAKE FLAVOURS YOU NEED TO TRY THIS MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL If you're bored of the usual lotus and red bean offerings, why not try these new and innovative flavours? 24 AUG 2018 BY SEAN THAM & XIE HUIQUN 1 of 18 Conversation-starter mooncakes The Mid-Autumn Festival falls on Sept 24. You know what this means that it s time for mooncakes! Already, purveyors have started to pimp their offerings. That s a smart move, since there s a plethora of new flavours that are hitting the shelves this year.

The origins of this harvest festival go back some 3,000 years, and mooncakes are so-named because these tasty baked treats were meant to be eaten while gazing at the bright lunar surface.

2 The origins of this harvest festival go back some 3,000 years, and mooncakes are so-named because these tasty baked treats were meant to be eaten while gazing at the bright lunar surface. Folklore suggests that mooncakes were used during the Ming revolution, when secret messages of rebellion against the reigning Mongol empire were smuggled within the baked goods. These tasty cakes today contain everything from champagne to caramel and chocolate, instead of messages. And they re big business, as you know, many luxury hotels and pâtissières consider mooncakes to be a chance to show off their culinary skills. Now, you might be a fan of the more traditional baked-skin cake with lotus paste and a salted egg core. But don t turn your nose up at the new offerings. We ve highlighted 17 that you should try. Strong showings from mooncake-makers include those with a yummy alcoholic twist, as well as the incorporation of local flavours like teh tarik. Munch on!

3 2 of 18 Açaí Berry and Chia Seeds Snowskin Mooncake Where: Raffles Hotel Singapore Price: S$72 for a box of 8 Availability: 1 June 16 September (online), 3 August 24 September (hotel lobby) This mooncake is possibly the healthiest you can find. The new snowskin offering from the Raffles Hotel has a lotus paste filling, and a core of Greek yoghurt with açaí berry and chia seeds, known to be superfoods that are rich in anti-oxidants. The core has a refreshing, tangy taste that balances out the sweetness of the lotus paste. A sinful and indulgent treat, but one with a big nutritional punch thanks to some wholesome ingredients. Raffles Hotel Singapore, 1 Beach Rd, Singapore Opens 9am 8pm, Tel:

4 3 of 18 Barrel-aged Sazerac 6 year-old Rye with Coffee and Chocolate Mooncake Where: Regent Hotel Singapore Price: S$73 for a box of 8 Availability: 1 August 24 September (online), 20 August 24 September (in Summer Palace Restaurant)

5 The absolute must-try from this hotel is the Barrel-aged Sazerac 6 year-old Rye with Coffee and Chocolate Mooncake. A collaboration between Summer Palace dim sum chef Leong Kwok Sing and Manhattan bar manager Philip Bischoff, this exquisite snowskin mooncake exuded the spicy smell of the American whiskey the moment we broke into the cake. What s special is the fact that the whiskey in the mooncake has been further aged for 25 days at the Regent s unique Rickhouse. There, the whiskey matures in portwashed oak barrels, a process that gives the whiskey a intensely sweeter and aromatic flavour. Don t fear, you re not going to get a moutful of alcohol when you bite into the cake. What takes dominance are the nutty notes of the dense chocolateand-coffee paste. Overall, this mooncake has a pleasing, tiramisu-like flavour, making it quite the conversation-starter if you re eating this in a group. Regent Hotel Singapore, Summer Palace, Level 3, 1 Cuscaden Rd, Singapore Opens 12pm 2.30pm and 6.30pm 10.30pm, Tel: /9

4 of 18 Barrel-aged La Louisiane Cocktail with Yuzu and Green Bean Paste Mooncake Where: Regent Hotel Singapore Price: S$73 for a box of 8 Availability: 1 August 24 September

6 4 of 18 Barrel-aged La Louisiane Cocktail with Yuzu and Green Bean Paste Mooncake Where: Regent Hotel Singapore Price: S$73 for a box of 8 Availability: 1 August 24 September (online), 20 August 24 September (in Summer Palace Restaurant) The other new flavour from the Regent is another play on alcohol. This time, it s all found in the very core of the cake.

The snowskin cake is a mostly green bean paste concoction, but there s a surprise in the centre one that contains the very spirit of a Creole cocktail. The core itself is encased in a chocolate shell.

7 The snowskin cake is a mostly green bean paste concoction, but there s a surprise in the centre one that contains the very spirit of a Creole cocktail. The core itself is encased in a chocolate shell. Inside is a yuzu filling infused with a cocktail mix of High West s OMG Pure Rye whiskey, Mancino Rosso vermouth and Dom Benedictine liqueur. This mixture is poured into barrels in the Regent s Rickhouse and are aged for a month before they re used in the mooncake. The maturation process helps infuse the flavours and leaves the mix with a sweet, sharp taste that s all a contrast to the traditional green bean flavour. Regent Hotel Singapore, Summer Palace, Level 3, 1 Cuscaden Rd, Singapore Opens 12pm 2.30pm and 6.30pm 10.30pm, Tel: /9

8 5 of 18 Mini Salted Egg Custard Mooncake Where: Hua Ting Orchard Hotel Price: $69 for a box of 8 Availability: 16 August 24 September (hotel lobby) Salted egg yolk crisps, buns and croissants are still all the rage. Hua Ting s Mini Salted Egg Custard Mooncake is a snowskin rendition that has a sweet-and-savoury custard filling. The custard contains delectable chunks of salted egg but do note that this one is served cold, which makes the inner filling more crumbly than velvet-y. Still, it s a unique cake with chunks of salted egg in every bite and and we liked the soft, chewy snowskin. Hua Ting Orchard Hotel, 442 Orchard Rd, Singapore Available for sale from 12pm 8pm at Hotel Lobby Kiosk, Tel:

6 of 18 Blueberry with Vintage Hua Diao Wine Mooncake Where: Hua Ting Restaurant @

9 6 of 18 Blueberry with Vintage Hua Diao Wine Mooncake Where: Hua Ting Orchard Hotel Price: $69 for a box of 8 Availability: 16 August 24 September (hotel lobby)

10 When Hua Ting Restaurant released its Blueberry with Vintage Hua Diao Wine Mooncake in 2016, it became a best-seller. The luscious lilac-hued snowskin mooncake features the tart taste of blueberries (the inner layers of the cake are speckled with generous bits of the berry), and each bite is punctuated with definitive hints of 30-year-old Chen Nian Hua Tiao (Vintage Rice Wine). Hua Ting Orchard Hotel, 442 Orchard Rd, Singapore , available for sale from 12pm 8pm at Hotel Lobby Kiosk, Tel:

7 of 18 Sea Salt Caramel with Taro and Shredded Coconut Mooncake Where: Cherry Garden Restaurant @ Mandarin Oriental Singapore Price: S$82 for a box of 4 Availability: 16 August 24 September

11 7 of 18 Sea Salt Caramel with Taro and Shredded Coconut Mooncake Where: Cherry Garden Mandarin Oriental Singapore Price: S$82 for a box of 4 Availability: 16 August 24 September (in-store and hotel lobby) Cherry Garden Restaurant s newly released Sea Salt Caramel with Taro and Shredded Coconut Mooncake is a creative mix of Chinese and western ingredients. The baked skin features delicious sea salt caramel, while inner core of taro contains fine shreds of coconut, set in lotus paste with sea salt. It s an explosion on the palate, with the sweet taro and coconut taking centre stage. Cherry Garden Mandarin Oriental Singapore, 5 Raffles Ave, Singapore , Opens 12pm 230pm and 630pm 1030pm, Tel:

12 8 of 18 Chicken Bak-Kwa Baked with Assorted Nuts Mooncake Where: Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel Price: S$70 for a box of 4 Availability: 20 August 24 September (hotel lobby) If you re into savoury mooncakes, this one from Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel is for you. The Chicken Bak-Kwa Baked with Assorted Nuts Mooncake puts the chicken bak kwa at front-and-centre, with chunky pieces found in the filling. Sesame paste and sweet rice flour bind together a medley of nutrient-rich ingredients melon seeds, American almonds, sesame seeds, macadamia nuts, melon candy and kumquat. A very rich and crunchy treat. Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel, 320 Orchard Road, Singapore , Tel:

9 of 18 Mango Yoghurt with Lime Margarita Truffle Mooncake Where: Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel Price: S$68 for a box of 8 Availability: 20 August 24 September (hotel lobby) Among the new

13 9 of 18 Mango Yoghurt with Lime Margarita Truffle Mooncake Where: Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel Price: S$68 for a box of 8 Availability: 20 August 24 September (hotel lobby) Among the new additions to the mooncake family at the Marriott Tang Plaza is the Mango Yoghurt with Lime Margarita Truffle Mooncake. We like the sweet and sour flavour that comes from the mango purée, yoghurt and white chocolate filling that wraps around the core of a tequila-infused lime truffle. So naughty.

Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel, 320 Orchard Road, Singapore 238865, Tel: 6831 4708 http://www.singaporemarriott.

14 Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel, 320 Orchard Road, Singapore , Tel: of 18 Teh Tarik with Chocolate Truffle Snowskin Mooncake Where: Grand Hyatt Hotel Price: S$78 for a box of 8

Availability: 1 August 24 September (online), 17 August 24 September (Lobby Shop @ hotel s ground floor) Local tea, anyone?

15 Availability: 1 August 24 September (online), 17 August 24 September (Lobby hotel s ground floor) Local tea, anyone? Grand Hyatt s new Teh Tarik with Chocolate Truffle Snowskin Mooncake has captured our attention. Expect rich flavours, and an intense creaminess that comes from an indulgent chocolate and teh tarik truffle core an unexpected but perfect complement to the mooncake s lotus paste. Grand Hyatt Hotel, 10 Scotts Road, Singapore Opens 11am 10.30pm, Tel: store.grandhyattsingapore.com 11 of 18 Milo Dinosaur Snowskin Mooncake Where: The Fullerton Hotel Singapore

16 Price: S$61 for a box of 4 Availability: 11 August 24 September (online and in-store) The Fullerton s decidedly local take on mooncakes has us hooked! We particularly like the Milo Dinosaur Snowskin Mooncake that features supple snowskin on the outside, and smooth, milk lotus seed paste and crispy Milo bits on the inside. Another equally delectable option is the Yuzu with Chia Seeds Snowskin Mooncake, with a tangy paste. A crowd favourite is the Pandan with Gula Melaka Snow Skin Mooncake a harmonious blend of aromatic pandan and palm sugar. The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, The Fullerton Cake Boutique, 1 Fullerton Square, Singapore Opens 10am 8pm, Tel: shop.fullertonhotels.com

17 12 of 18 Salted Yolk Hae Bee Hiam Mooncake Where: Antoinette Price: S$60 for a box of 4 Availability: From 16 July, while stocks last (pre-orders online, via or phone calls), From 13 August, while stocks last (in-store) It s spicy, it s sweet, it s salty, and features a huge burst of flavour of of Hae Bee Hiam from the first bite. Created by Antoinette s owner Chef Pang Kok Keong, the Salted Yolk Hae Bee Hiam Mooncake is one that caters to the everyday Singaporean who loves a little spiciness in everything they eat. This is the first mooncake, to our knowledge, that features Hae Bee Hiam. It s worked in with the salted egg yolk, and encrusted in the middle of the lotus seed paste studded with pumpkin seeds. Chef Pang also took a less sugar added approach for the paste, which led to a very balanced and we must say addictive offering. Antoinette, Mandarin Gallery, 333A Orchard Road, #02-33/34, Singapore Opens 11am 10pm, Tel: , sweets@sugardaddy.com.sg

13 of 18 The Awfully Chocolate Mooncake Collection Where: Awfully Chocolate Price: S$88 for a box of 4 (1 flavour each) Availability: 22 August 24 September (online and in-store) We wish life was

18 13 of 18 The Awfully Chocolate Mooncake Collection Where: Awfully Chocolate Price: S$88 for a box of 4 (1 flavour each) Availability: 22 August 24 September (online and in-store) We wish life was like a box of mooncakes. At least, when Awfully Chocolate is involved! The presentation is lovely, and so is the selection. Note-worthy in this presentation are the Chocolate Brownie with Melon Seed, which is a moist, textured bite; and the Crunchy Hazelnut Croquant, with chocolate lotus paste and hazelnuts wrapped in a chocolate skin. Delish!

Awfully Chocolate, Available in all 16 stores, Opens 10am 10pm, Tel: 6345 8212 awfullychocolate.

19 Awfully Chocolate, Available in all 16 stores, Opens 10am 10pm, Tel: awfullychocolate.online 14 of 18 Lychee & Soursop Mooncake Where: Hai Tien Pan Pacific Singapore Price: S$68.80 for a box of 4 Availability: 23 July 24 September (online)

20 Palate-cleansing and refreshing that s what this Lychee & Soursop Mooncake from Pan Pacific s Hai Tien Lou is. You re first struck by the pretty, jade-green hue, and when you take a bite, you find the light fruitiness to be utterly delicious. Prepare yourself for a contrast of flavours, as the sweet, lychee paste is complemented by zesty bits of soursop. Then, there s the delightful, herbaceous after-taste that makes this cake very more-ish. Pan Pacific Singapore, 7 Raffles Boulevard, Marina Square, Mooncake Level 1, Hai Tien Level 3, Singapore , Opens 11am to 9pm, Tel: pacificmarketplace.sg 15 of 18 White Lotus Paste and Charcoal Black Sesame Paste with Pine Nuts Mooncake

21 Where: Peach Marina Mandarin Singapore Price: S$68.80 for a box of 4 Availability: 16 August 24 September (online and in-store) Peach Blossoms celebrates this Mid-Autumn festival with its new White Lotus Paste and Charcoal Black Sesame Paste with Pine Nuts Mooncake. When we tried this one, we were struck by the delightful fragrance of black sesame and crunch from the pine nuts. Another offering is the classic Charcoal Black Sesame Paste with Melon Seeds and Gold Dust Mooncake, which is topped off with a sprinkle of gold dust for a luxe little extra. Marina Mandarin Singapore, 6 Raffles Boulevard, Marina Square, Singapore Buy at Cafe Mocha (Level 1), open from 10am 7pm; and Peach Blossoms (Level 5), open from 7pm 10pm. Tel:

16 of 18 Black Truffle Sea Salt Dark Chocolate with White Lotus Seed Paste Mooncake Where: Li Bai Cantonese Restaurant @ Sheraton Towers Singapore Price: S$62 for a box of 8 Availability: 22 August

22 16 of 18 Black Truffle Sea Salt Dark Chocolate with White Lotus Seed Paste Mooncake Where: Li Bai Cantonese Sheraton Towers Singapore Price: S$62 for a box of 8 Availability: 22 August 24 September (in-store and hotel lobby) Chefs at Li Bai bring a touch of opulence to mini snowskin mooncakes with the new Black Truffle Sea Salt Dark Chocolate with White Lotus Seed Paste Mooncake. The bittersweet dark chocolate works well with the touch of saltiness from the sea salt.

23 There s a pleasant aftertaste and lingering, earthy fragrance of truffle that makes this mooncake one not to miss. On the other end of the flavour spectrum is the refreshing Lemon and Lemongrass with White Lotus Seed Paste Mooncake that melds citrusy and lemony flavours with sweet lotus paste. Li Bai Cantonese Restaurant, Sheraton Towers Singapore, 39 Scotts Rd, Singapore Li Bai Cantonese Restaurant opens from 11.30am 10.30pm. Also get the mooncakes from the Hotel Lobby, fro 11am 9.30pm. Tel: of 18 Honeydew Dry Gin, Strawberry Vodka, Orange Whiskey and Yuzu Sake Mooncakes Where: The Marmalade Pantry

24 Price: S$68 for a box of 8 (2 pieces per flavour) Availability: 1 August 24 September (online & in-stores) The Cocktail Collection comprises four alcohol-infused flavours from The Marmalade Pantry, and are a good mix of pleasantly sharp and sweet tastes. The Pantry s first attempt at snowskin mooncakes is, to us, a huge success. The Honeydew Dry Gin Mooncake is packed with fruity, punchy honeydew flavour and bold-tasting dry gin, whereas the Strawberry Vodka Mooncake is a flavour sensation with its strawberry paste and a slightly heavier vodka truffle. The Orange Whiskey Mooncake has a tangy orange paste and a luxurious Macallan 12 Year Old Whisky-inflused truffle. Finally, the Yuzu Sake Mooncake is a mix of zesty flavours of yuzu and deep tones of the Sake. The Marmalade Novena, Oasia Hotel Novena, 8 Sinaran Drive, #01-02/04, Singapore Check with the store on mooncake pick-up timings. Tel:

18 of 18 Mini Golden Lava Mooncake Where: Blue Lotus Restaurant Price: S$78 for a box of 8 Availability: Available now for online pre-orders, while stocks last. In-store from 26 August.

25 18 of 18 Mini Golden Lava Mooncake Where: Blue Lotus Restaurant Price: S$78 for a box of 8 Availability: Available now for online pre-orders, while stocks last. In-store from 26 August. Blue Lotus Restaurant s Mini Golden Lava Mooncake ought to be served warm, as the soft and buttery baked skin mooncake comprises a delectable golden salted egg yolk and molten custard filling that oozes out as you bite in.

26 It s deliciously similar to a molten lava bun. We love the old-school, 4-tier tingkat tin box that the mooncakes come in. Nab them quick, as they are limited in quantity! The Blue Lotus, 31 Ocean Way, #01-13 Quayside Isle, Singapore , Opens 6pm 10pm (Mondays to Fridays) 11.30am 3pm and 6pm 10pm (Weekends), Tel:

CONRAD MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL

CONRAD MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL CONRAD MID-AUTUMN 2017 FESTIVAL MANGO GIN GREEN TEA BUBBLE TEA CREAM AND WITH WITH CHEESE TONIC YUZU TRUFFLE BUTTERSCOTCH SIGNATURE FILO The Custard and Bak Kwa in Crispy Charcoal Filo Pastry is a new