The Mid-Autumn Festival is an ancient traditional festival in China, which can already be found recorded in the “Book of Rites”. On this day, families gather together to not only enjoy sumptuous dishes but also share mooncakes, a custom that has been passed down for centuries.
As time passes, mooncakes have gradually evolved with rich regional characteristics and diverse filling options. From the Beijing-style in the north to the Guangzhou-style in the south, from the Suzhou-style in Jiangsu to the Dian-style in Yunnan, and further to the Taiwan-style, Shanxi-style, Hainan-style, each type of mooncake carries the cultural charm of its respective region.
When it comes to fillings, the creativity is boundless, covering a range of flavors from traditional to modern. Classic choices such as red bean paste, date paste, lotus seed paste, chestnut, five kernels, and salted egg yolk cater to the taste buds of most people. More innovative options involve incorporating fruits, vegetables, beans, and even seafood like dried shrimp, abalone, or meat like Yunhui ham cubes into the mooncakes, challenging diners’ imagination. Of course, mooncakes can also be simply classified into three categories: sweet, savory, and fresh based on taste preferences, but what remains unchanged is that each bite of mooncake is a beautiful wish for family reunion, happiness, and fulfillment.
