When it comes to exploring the culinary wonders of Vietnam, mooncakes are an essential part of the journey. Vietnamese mooncakes, deeply rooted in tradition, offer a delectable taste of the country's gastronomic delights. If you go on a Vietnam travel during the Mid-Autumn Festival, do not forget to indulge in a wide range of mooncake flavors!

1. Origin and Meaning of Vietnamese Mooncakes

The word 'mooncake' first appeared during China's Song Dynasty (1127-1279) and later spread to neighboring countries, including Vietnam. Mooncakes have become an integral part of the country's culinary culture and are associated with the Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam, a special time for reunion and harmony, bringing family members together.

Vietnamese mooncakes carry a rich history and deep cultural significance. They are made in square or round shapes to express gratitude towards nature. The round mooncakes symbolize a complete and abundant life, while the square mooncakes represent the freedom and happiness of individuals.

2. Types of Vietnamese mooncakes

Over time, with the creativity of bakers, mooncakes in Vietnam have become more diverse. Modern and traditional mooncakes now differ in terms of crust and flavors.

Based on the crust, there are two main types: glutinous soft crust and baked crust. The glutinous soft crust is white, soft, and sticky, made from cooked glutinous flour, sugar water, grapefruit attar, and cooking oil. aked mooncakes have a brownish-yellow crust, with a firm yet soft and buttery texture. They are made from wheat flour, sugar water, cooking oil, and baking powder. High-quality sugar water is essential to achieve a soft and golden-brown cake.
Based on the stuffing: Vietnamese mooncakes can be divided into sweet and salty varieties. Sweet mooncakes are modern, filled with ingredients like green beans, red beans, lotus seeds, mangoes and coconut milk, taro, among others. On the other hand, salty mooncakes are traditional and the most popular. They feature fillings such as mixed, roasted chicken, sausage, salted eggs, and more.

3. TOP 8 Vietnamese mooncake flavors to try this Mid-Autumn Festival

Visit Vietnam during the Mid-Autumn festival, here are the top 8 must-try mooncake flavors for you to enjoy a delightful treat.

3.1. Mixed paste mooncake - A traditional Vietnamese mooncake

Since the early days, savory-filled mooncakes have been deeply ingrained in the memories of many generations of Vietnamese people. Savory mixed-paste mooncakes were made with a combination of up to 10 ingredients, including lime leaves, smoked sausage, lotus seeds, and a secret sauce or wine. Vietnamese mooncakes can be offered at Buddhist pagodas, enjoyed in the comfort of one's home, or presented as thoughtful Mid Autumn Festival gifts to friends and partners.

3.2. Vietnamese mooncakes with red/green bean paste

Red or green bean paste mooncakes are a delightful variation of the traditional mooncake. These Vietnamese mooncakes feature a filling made from either red beans or green beans, offering a mildly sweet and earthy flavor. The smooth and velvety paste is encased in a tender crust, creating a perfect balance of textures. Red or green bean paste mooncakes are a popular choice among those who prefer a lighter and less sweet option.

3.3. Lotus seed paste mooncake

Lotus seeds are highly esteemed in Vietnamese cuisine for their numerous health benefits. Lotus seed paste is created by steaming and grinding dried lotus seeds, resulting in a sweet and velvety filling for mooncakes. There are also variations that feature a salted egg yolk at the center, adding a savory contrast to the overall taste experience.

3.4. Salted egg yolk custard lava mooncake

Salted egg yolk custard lava mooncakes are a decadent delight that has gained immense popularity in recent years. Encased within a delicate crust, these mooncakes conceal a luscious and creamy salted egg yolk custard filling that oozes out like molten lava. The combination of the rich and savory salted egg yolk with the sweet and velvety custard creates a tantalizing contrast of flavors.

3.5. Matcha mooncake

Green tea is renowned for imparting a refreshing and vibrant flavor to a variety of Vietnamese delicacies. Green tea mooncakes feature a unique twist on traditional crusts with a soft and slightly chewy snow skin texture reminiscent of mochi. Each bite of a green tea mooncake delights the palate with the essence of fresh matcha, leaving behind a delightful and lingering sweetness.

3.6. Vietnamese yellow sticky rice with mung bean and fried onion paste

"Yellow sticky rice with mung bean and fried onion" mooncake or "Xoi Xeo" mooncake is a combination of baked crust with a filling made from mung beans, fried shallots, and shredded pork floss, reminiscent of the familiar Vietnamese breakfast dish - "Xoi Xeo". The harmonious blend of ingredients creates a savory, chewy, rich, and crispy flavor that will surely leave a lasting impression after just one bite.

3.7. Coconut mooncake

If you want to find a sweet treat, indulge in the enticing flavors of coconut with a tenderly sweet filling that makes for the most wonderful and wholesome mooncake experience. One popular combination of Vietnamese mooncakes features shredded coconut, young coconut milk, lotus seed, and sesame seed.

3.8. Vietnamese mooncakes with black sesame paste

Black sesame seeds possess a distinct aroma that adds an enticing allure to mooncakes. While traditional flavors may be familiar, the black sesame filling brings a refreshing twist. Black sesame Vietnamese mooncakes typically combine finely ground black beans for a soft and chewy base, complemented by the fragrant black sesame seeds. Apart from its delightful taste, this mooncake also contains antioxidants that promote good health.

>>> Discover: Vietnamese desserts: TOP 10 tasty treats to satisfy your sweet tooth

4. The 5 top-rated Vietnamese mooncake brands

To discover the finest Vietnamese mooncakes, you can visit these reputable brands, renowned for their quality and trusted by the Vietnamese people for indulgence and choosing gifts for the Mid Autumn Festival.

Bao Phuong: Bao Phuong is one of the few brands that have preserved the authentic value, methods, and traditional flavors of mooncakes throughout the years. It is the go-to place for excellent quality mooncakes and the simple joy of tradition shared with family.
Dong Phuong: Founded in the 1950s, Dong Phuong is a bakery brand beloved not only in Hai Phong but also in neighboring provinces. Dong Phuong Vietnamese mooncakes are produced using traditional methods, with all-natural ingredients that exude rustic charm and traditional flavors.
Madame Huong: Inspired by the refined European colors and the elegant image of the Trang An people, Madame Huong's mooncakes achieve a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity. The diverse and enticing range of products, flavors, and captivating designs cater to even the most demanding customers.

Kinh Do: Kinh Do is a brand deeply ingrained in the memories of generations of Vietnamese people. Their Vietnamese mooncakes can be found on every street during the Mid-Autumn Festival season, offering both traditional and modern flavors, exquisite packaging, and a strict hygiene process.
Givral: Givral is a renowned French bakery brand in Saigon with a long history and baking expertise dating back to the 1950s. Infused with French influences, Givral's mooncakes exude elegance and sophistication, captivating countless generations of Vietnamese people during each Mid-Autumn Festival.

To immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of the Mid-Autumn Festival and savor the most delicious Vietnamese mooncakes, you should visit Hoi An Ancient Town, Hanoi Old Quarter, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang. These places are beautifully decorated and host the most vibrant and impressive Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations.

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Vietnamese mooncakes are not just a traditional delicacy but also a symbol of unity, gratitude, and celebration. Vietnamese mooncakes come in various flavors, textures, and fillings to satisfy every palate. With the 8 recommendations mentioned above, let's come to Vietnam, embrace the rich heritage and indulge in the mouthwatering flavors of Vietnamese mooncakes, creating cherished memories and fostering a sense of togetherness with your loved ones.

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