Being Chinese, we celebrate Mid Autumn Festival 中秋節 every year. It is always on the 15th day of the 8th month of the Chinese lunar calendar, promising the roundest, fullest full moon of the year. Part of the tradition is to eat mooncakes月餅, a baked pastry with fillings. The most popular versions we used to get in HK are with lotus seed paste or mixed nuts filling, plus salted egg yolk(s). Over the years, mooncakes have evolved. Bakeries have introduced other flavours of fillings such as red bean and lava custard; and some places sell a version called “snow skin” where the exterior is not baked and is made with glutinous rice flour.
Origin of Mooncakes
Do you know the origin of mooncakes? The one version that is forever stuck in my head is that it was created by rebellions in the Yuan Dynasty, who hid secret messages inside baked pastries, and distributed them to plan a revolt to overthrow the ruling Mongols, leading to the fall of Yuan and the rise of Ming Dynasty.
Buying Mooncakes in Vancouver
This year, Mid Autumn Festival lands on September 21, 2021. If you are interested in making your own mooncakes, check out Mama Lam’s recipe for Baked Chinese Mooncake with Salted Egg Yolk Custard Filling that I shared last year. Otherwise, if you are looking to support local businesses and buy some at a store, here are some ideas for you.
Beaucoup Bakery
2150 Fir Street, Vancouver
604-732-4222
beaucoupbakery.com
Menu: The La Petite Lune collection inspired by the classic The Little Prince. You will find different gift boxes of mooncakes and tarts ranging from $22 to $55.
Note: Order online for pick-up between Sept. 10 and Sept. 21, 2021
Buttermere Patisserie
636 Main Street, Vancouver
778-956-7789
buttermere.ca
Menu: A box of 6 beautifully designed and crafted snow skin mooncakes for $60
Note: Order online by September 18 for pick-up and delivery between Sept. 12 and Sept. 21, 2021
Chatime
Various locations across Greater Vancouver
chatime.com
Menu: Mooncakes hand-crafted by Bake Code, a sister brand of Chatime. Available in a gift set of 6 unique flavours ($58), or mix and match your own gift set of 2 for $19. When you buy the gift set of 6, you’ll receive a special edition box sleeve that transforms into a mini photo booth.
Note: Pick up in person at participating Chatime locations until September 21, 2021. While quantities last.
Maxim’s Bakery
Various locations across Greater Vancouver (including Coquitlam Henderson Place, Metrotown, Richmond Centre and Surrey Central City)
Menu: They have traditional, snow skin and lava custard mooncakes available.
Note: Pick-up in-store or order for delivery via email at maxims.bakery@gmail.com or by phone at 604-876-8266.
Nam Dae Moon Rice Cake
Unit 2132 – 3779 Sexsmith Road Unit, Richmond
778-297-6999
namdaemoon.ca
Menu: Rice or Snow Skin Mooncakes, with flavours include Matcha & Red Bean Rice Mooncake 抹茶紅豆米月餅, Coconut Cranberry Rice Mooncakes 椰蓉蔓越莓米月餅, Mung Bean Lava Snow Skin Mooncakes 綠豆流沙冰皮月餅, and Salted Egg Yolk Custard Snow Skin Mooncake 奶黃咸蛋黄冰皮月餅. Rice mooncakes can be re-steamed and enjoyed warm. Sold in a set of 3 for $10.
Note: To order, call 778-297-6999. Pre-order only for pick-up until September 21.
Paragon Tea Room
2207 Cambie St, Vancouver
604-616-8386
paragontearoom.com
Menu: Salty Sugar x Paragon Tea-Infused LAVA Mooncake, box of 6 for $68.95. Early bird offer ends August 27, 2021.
Note: Pre-order online for pick-up/delivery after Sept. 6, 2021.
Saint Germain Bakery
Various locations across Greater Vancouver (including Aberdeen Centre, Coquitlam Centre, Metrotown, Richmond Centre and Guildford Town Centre)
saintgermainbakery.com
Menu: Various flavours in box of 4 or 8. Price varies.
Note: Order online for pick-up at one of the locations. Early bird discount of 15% off until September 10, 2021.
Soirette
1433 W Pender Street, Vancouver
604-558-3308
soirette.com
Menu: Clair de Lune Collection Mooncakes – a box of 8 mooncakes for $108.
Note: Pre-order for pick-up or delivery between September 3 and 21. Soirette has recently announced its closure and its last day of operation will be September 21. This will be your last opportunity to try their mooncakes until/if they start a new venture!
Teapurin
teapurin.com
Menu: Japanese Tea Snow Skin Mooncakes. Box of 6 is $56. Available August 27-September 21.
Note: DM Teapurin on Instagram to enquire about price and pre-order. At the moment, they are all sold out but they will post updates when more slots become available.
TWG Canada
32 West 2nd Ave, Vancouver
604-336-1070
vansingdg.com
Menu: The Moon Dance Tea Mooncake Collection Music Gift Box comes in a set of two mooncakes paired with Moon Dance Tea for $128. Or a set of four mooncakes only for $118. You have the choice between traditional and snow skin mooncakes.
Note: Orders placed after August 25 will have the option of creating your own gift boxes with the flavours of your choice, with free delivery, for orders of 6 boxes or more. Order online at www.VansingDG.com or via email at sales@vansingdg.com. Pickup is available at TWG Tea office in Vancouver starting September 1, 2021.
Mooncakes for Charity
If you want to buy some mooncakes to celebrate the special occasion, while supporting a good cause, you can order through BC Children’s Hospital’s Mid Autumn Festival for Children initiative. Purchase mooncakes from The Boss Bakery or restaurant gift cards by September 19 and part of the proceeds will be donated to BC Children’s Hospital.
VanFoodies.com 
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