Mid Autumn 2012

Terrible me will post a delayed entry on this! This year, I was probably impressed with fewer flavours or have taken a dipped interest in Mid-Autumn hence the lack of frenzied buying of mooncakes. I suppose this is posted to remember what to buy next year!

Assorted (HKD 172.50), Wing Wah

The original intent was to get custard mooncakes that Hongkong is famous for but it was sold out way in advance of Mid-Autumn and I had to make do with the remaining flavours. At a lovely 40% discount almost 2 months ahead of Mid-Autumn, they sure know how to get the most of the pie!

Red Bean Paste with Double Yolk Mooncake, Wing Wah

Moderately sweet with a smooth paste, I would consider eating red bean mooncakes from now on because of this. Did not fancy the misalignment of yolks though, there were two on the same side!

White Lotus Paste

Smooth and just right in terms of sweetness. Somehow, the Hongkong chefs are able to nail the mastery of mooncakes so well with these basics. 

Mixed Nuts

I found this hard to like - too sweet and the lard bits all over.

Champagne Truffle ($64), Raffles Hotel

I was first acquainted with Raffles Hotel because of their alcoholic Mooncake range and though the chef who created them has since moved on, Raffles Hotel still comes to mind with every mention.



The snowskin is incredibly soft unlike some that I’ve tried that hardens after being refrigerated. Loved the mocha skin, banana fragrance and alcohol rush. I remember the alcoholic punch being much stronger years back though!



Irresistible, still.

D24 Durian Snowskin ($33, 2 pcs) Goodwood Park

Years back, I waved it off as too “kueh-like”, fast forward to today, the kueh texture did not change. Definitely comparing D24 to Mao Shan Wang is way out of league. This was creamy and easier on the palette for non-durian fans.

Mao Shan Wang in Organic Pandan Skin ($40, 2 pcs), Peony Jade

The mao shan wang paste is rich and definitely pungent, the snowskin is smooth too – No wonder it gets sold out every single year. Two thumbs up for unforgettable durian Mooncake this year and I trust we will be back for more next year.


 

Baked Mooncake with Chestnut Puree ($15), TWG

The whole Mooncake tasted more like a cookie than Mooncake with chestnuts, preserved mango cubes and a crust that was more cookie based than Mooncake. The waxed texture made it different from the usual Mooncake crusts too. Overall a refreshing take but this was too sweet as compared to the morsels given for sampling. It did not go down too well with the old fogies, probably too different for comfort!

 

White Lotus Paste with Single Yolk, Grand Park City Hall

Personal favourite this year and in the most unassuming manner. Hardly sweet yet incredibly smooth. One main grouse though, the egg yolk was oddly shaped – an indication of human intervention with additional ingredients kneaded in. Regardless, it made me pay attention to Grand Park City Hall. Well done!



Piglet ($0.70), Da Dong

Not forgetting my favourite childhood snack. These were burnt and bitter. What a great pity!

Until the next Mid-autumn!