Cantonese mooncakes, originating from the traditional pastry of Cantonese cuisine in Guangzhou, are renowned for their diverse fillings, showcasing rich textures and flavors. The fillings of these mooncakes include a variety of choices such as lotus seed paste, red bean paste, five nuts, and fruit, representing the essence of Cantonese pastry culture. Famous brands like Lianxiang Lou and Guangzhou Restaurant offer classic masterpieces, thanks to their exquisite craftsmanship.
Lotus seed paste mooncakes, as the star product of Cantonese mooncakes, are filled with pure lotus seed paste, featuring a delicate and fragrant taste, especially praised when produced by Lianxiang Lou. In comparison, red bean paste mooncakes use red beans as the ingredient to create a smooth and creamy filling, providing a gentler experience than lotus seed paste.
Five-nut mooncakes, as the name suggests, contain various nuts such as almonds and walnuts, with the crispy nuts blending together to create a multi-layered taste experience. On the other hand, fruit mooncakes are filled with fresh dried fruits like orange peel and pineapple, offering a refreshing sweetness, suitable for those who enjoy natural fruity aromas.
Char siu mooncakes, representing the meat-filled mooncakes, feature a unique char siu pork filling that is delicious and distinct, adding a savory option to the mooncake family.
Apart from these classic styles, the innovation of Cantonese mooncakes has never stopped, with new flavors like salted egg yolk lotus paste and savory five-nut ham constantly emerging, catering to the preferences of more consumers. It is worth mentioning that the production of five-nut large mooncakes in Zhanjiang’s Wuchuan Jinjiu area is particularly distinctive, showcasing the charm of local characteristics.
Through these diverse choices, Cantonese mooncakes not only preserve a long-standing culinary culture but also continuously incorporate modern innovative elements, continuously attracting the love and exploration of a wide range of diners.
