2024 Mid-Autumn Festival Guide: Where To Buy Mooncakes In Manila
The Mid-Autumn Festival, known as 中秋节 (Zhōngqiū Jié) in Chinese, is a time-honored tradition celebrated by millions around the world, including in the Philippines. This festival is not just a celebration; it’s a deeply rooted expression of unity, prosperity, and cultural heritage.
As families and friends gather under the radiant glow of the full moon, they partake in a ritual that has been passed down through generations: the sharing of mooncakes, or 月饼 (yuèbǐng). These intricately designed pastries are more than just sweet treats; they embody the essence of the festival, symbolizing completeness, harmony, and hope for a prosperous future.
The Symbolism and Significance of Mooncakes
Mooncakes, with their rich flavors and beautiful packaging, serve as a bridge between the past and the present. From the traditional lotus seed paste with salted egg yolk to the innovative and contemporary flavors like matcha or even durian, each mooncake carries with it a story—a story of the Mid-Autumn Festival and its significance in Chinese culture. For Chinese communities around the world, including the Chinese-Filipinos, or Chinoys, eating mooncakes during this season is a cherished tradition.
It’s a way to honor their cultural roots while sharing a piece of their heritage with others. In recent years, this tradition has also been embraced by many Filipinos, who have come to appreciate the symbolism and delicious taste of mooncakes as they join in the celebrations with their Chinoy friends and neighbors.
A Tradition Embraced by Chinoys and Filipinos Alike
The importance of eating mooncakes goes beyond mere tradition. In Chinese culture, mooncakes represent family unity and the idea of completeness, as their round shape mirrors the full moon—a symbol of reunion.
The act of giving and sharing mooncakes is also a gesture of goodwill, a way to express wishes for prosperity, good health, and happiness. For Chinoys, mooncakes are a way to connect with their cultural heritage, a taste of home that brings back memories of family gatherings and festive joy.
And as more Filipinos participate in Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations, mooncakes have become a symbol of cultural exchange, bringing people together regardless of their background.
What are mooncakes made of?
Mooncakes are traditional Chinese pastries typically made of a dense, sweet filling encased in a thin, tender crust. The filling often consists of lotus seed paste or red bean paste, but it can also include other ingredients like jujube paste, mung bean paste, or mixed nuts.
Many mooncakes also contain salted egg yolks in the center, symbolizing the full moon. The crust is usually made from flour, golden syrup, lye water, and vegetable oil, giving it a soft, chewy texture.
Modern variations may feature unique flavors such as matcha, chocolate, and even ice cream, catering to diverse tastes while preserving the rich cultural significance of the mooncake in Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations.
Top Places To Buy Mooncakes In Manila (2024)
Finding the perfect mooncake can be a daunting task, given the sheer variety available. Whether you’re searching for a luxurious, artisanal mooncake set to impress a VIP or you’re in the market for a more budget-friendly option that still delivers on taste and tradition, the choices can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve curated this guide to help you navigate the best mooncake offerings for 2024.
Luxury Mooncake Sets
For those looking to indulge in the finest mooncakes this Mid-Autumn Festival, luxury mooncake sets are the way to go. These mooncakes are crafted with premium ingredients, from golden salted egg yolks to rich lotus seed paste, ensuring an unforgettable taste experience.
They often come in exquisite packaging, such as hand-painted boxes or elaborate tins, making them perfect for gifting to VIPs, business associates, or simply treating yourself. Many brands also offer limited-edition flavors that elevate the traditional mooncake to a new level of culinary artistry. Here are some of the top picks for luxury mooncakes This year
Manila Hotel
Celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival with The Manila Hotel’s exquisite selection of mooncakes, a delightful treat symbolizing reunion and togetherness. Available from September 1 to 30, 2024, at Red Jade and Delicatessen, these mooncakes come in various traditional and innovative flavors, perfect for sharing with family and friends.
| Price Range | Solo Boxes – PHP 388 each
Box of Four – PHP 2,288 |
| Flavors | Single Yolk Red Bean
Orange Peel Red Bean Pure White Lotus with Single Yolk Milk Golden Sand Red Dates, Mung Bean Rose Paste |
| Address | One Rizal Park, Ermita, Manila, 0913 Metro Manila |
| Contact | +632 8527 0011, +632 5301 5500, +63 998 950 1912 |
| restaurantrsvn@themanilahotel.com |
This year’s selection features traditional flavors like Single Yolk Red Bean, Orange Peel Red Bean, Pure White Lotus with Single Yolk, Milk Golden Sand, Red Dates, Mung Bean, and Rose Paste. Solo boxes are Php 388 each, while an elegant silk brocade box of Four is Php 2,288.
Bulk order discounts are available from September 1 to 30: 10% off for 5-10 boxes, 15% off for 11-15 boxes, and 20% off for 16 boxes or more. Discounts apply to the Box of Four in the same flavor.
Conrad Manila
Conrad Manila celebrates the Mid-Autumn Festival with its exclusive “Moonlit Opulence” mooncake collection, available at China Blue by Jereme Leung until September 20. This limited-edition set features four unique mooncakes and a premium CBJL Chinese tea, a 100% organic green tea infused with Jasmine flowers, blending tradition with modern elegance.
| Price Range | Bulk Order Special Rate (minimum of 15 boxes): PHP 3,950 net from July 15 to September 20. |
| Flavors | Baked White Lotus Single Salted Egg Yolk, Baked Red Bean Single Salted Egg Yolk, Baked Mixed Nut Salted Caramel, and Teoh Chew Single Salted Egg Yolk Taro. |
| Address | Seaside Boulevard, Coral Way, Pasay, 1300 Metro Manila |
| Contact | +639176504043, +632 8833 9999 |
| Mel.Garrido@ConradHotels.com |
Hilton Manila
Hilton Manila is delighted to present its Lunar Legacy Hilton Mooncake, a stunning selection of handcrafted mooncakes designed to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival. The collection is showcased in luxurious ruby red boxes with intricate golden accents, reminiscent of traditional Chinese cabinets, each revealing an assortment of flavors masterfully created by Chef Kevin Xu Qiao Yuan.
| Item | Price | Flavors |
| Luxury Set 豪华礼盒套装 | PHP 12,888++ | Choice of traditional, boutique, or snow skin mooncakes (box of six) inclusive of Dalmore 12 Years. Includes: 传统月饼, 精品月饼, 雪皮月饼. |
| Traditional Baked 传统月饼 | PHP 3,088++ per box of 6 | Mixed Nuts with Ham (金腿五仁), Red Bean with Salted Egg (咸蛋黄红豆沙), White Lotus with Salted Egg (蛋黄低糖清香白莲蓉) |
| Boutique 精品月饼 | PHP 2,888++ per box of 6 | Low Sugar Chestnut (低糖板栗蓉), Yam with Salted Egg (咸蛋黄纯正香芋), Milk Custard (金沙奶黄), Spicy Beef (香辣牛肉), Coconut (椰肉椰蓉馅), Black Sesame (低糖黑芝麻) |
| Snow Skin 雪皮月饼 | PHP 2,888++ per box of 6 | Purple Taro with Salted Egg (咸蛋黄紫薯), Durian (广式榴莲), Mango (金丝芒果), Peach (鲜果水蜜桃), Honey Pomelo (蜂蜜柚子), Oolong Tea White Lotus (乌龙茶莲蓉) |
| Shanghainese 鲜肉月饼 | PHP 888 per box of 6 | Pork Meatballs (金典鲜肉月饼), Red Bean with Nuts (果仁红豆), Spicy Beef (香辣牛肉) |
| DIY Mooncake Kit | PHP 788++ | Includes one (1) mooncake mold, 70g mooncake paste, and 30g mooncake skin (月饼成型模具和冰皮月饼套装) |
| Address | 1 Newport Blvd, Newport City,Pasay, Manila, 1309, Philippines | |
| Contact | +632 7 239 7788 , +63 917 848 6404 | |
| MNLPH_F&BInquiries@hilton.com | ||
For corporate clients, Hilton Manila offers special rates on all Lunar Legacy mooncakes, excluding the Shanghainese varieties. Options include a Corporate Box priced at PHP 888++ and a Corporate Box of 4 for PHP 1,588++. Customized boxes are also available with a minimum order of 200 units, ensuring each gift exudes elegance and thoughtfulness.
Edsa Shangri-La
Celebrate cherished reunions and boundless bliss this Mid-Autumn Festival at Edsa Shangri-La, Manila. The season’s warmth and joy are beautifully embodied in the festival’s timeless traditions, weaving together nature’s embrace and the love of those closest to us.
| Price Range | Rectangular Box – PHP 3,888 | Box of 8 small mooncakes.
Square Box – PHP 3,688| Box of 4 large mooncakes. 2-in-1 Box – PHP 2,088 | Box of 2 large mooncakes 1 piece large mooncake – PHP 788 1 piece small mooncake – PHP 488 |
| Flavors | White Lotus, Red Bean, Mixed Nuts, Mixed Nuts with Hennessy, Black Sesame, and Snow Skin Purple Yam. |
| Address | 1 Garden Way, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong, 1550 Metro Manila |
| Contact | +63 2 8231 2116 |
| cs.shangri-laboutiquePH@gols.com.hk |
This year, Summer Palace presents an exquisite collection of homemade and handcrafted mooncakes, rooted in Cantonese culinary tradition. Offered in artfully adorned gift boxes, the collection features six varieties that range from authentic classics to local flavors, available in single offerings or elegant sets.
This year, Summer Palace presents an exquisite collection of homemade and handcrafted mooncakes, rooted in Cantonese culinary tradition. Offered in artfully adorned gift boxes, the collection features six varieties that range from authentic classics to local flavors, available in single offerings or elegant sets.
Marco Polo
Marco Polo Ortigas Manila ushers in the Mid-Autumn Festival with their Mid Autumn Mooncake Treasures. As the festival approaches, Lung Hin continues to honor this cherished celebration with its premium mooncakes, perfect for gathering families and friends during this auspicious time. The festival, deeply rooted in tradition, signifies prosperity, good fortune, and the blessings of the full moon.
| Price Range | Individual Box | Php 828 net
Box of 4 | Php 3,288 net Box of 6 | Php 4,888 net Limited Edition Box of 4 | Php 3,488 net Limited Edition Box of 6 | Php 4,988 net |
| Flavors | Red Bean in Single Egg Yolk, White Lotus with Single Egg Yolk, Red Lotus with Single Egg Yolk, Mixed Nuts |
| Address | Ortigas Center, Meralco Avenue and Street, Sapphire Rd, Pasig, 1600 Metro Manila |
| Contact | (+63 2) 8786 9400 |
| restaurant.mnl@marcopolohotels.com. |
Lung Hin’s mooncakes feature a delightful range of traditional flavors, including Red Bean with Single Egg Yolk, White Lotus with Single Egg Yolk, Red Lotus with Single Egg Yolk, and Mixed Nuts. Each flavor is carefully crafted to evoke the essence of the Mid-Autumn Festival, bringing both delicious tastes and a sense of shared heritage to every table.
Grand Hyatt Manila
Grand Hyatt Manila is thrilled to unveil its exclusive Mid-Autumn Festival mooncake collection, available for pre-order until September 15, 2024. Crafted by the skilled Chinese chefs of No. 8 China House, this year’s mooncake offerings feature a delightful mix of classic and modern flavors, perfect for celebrating this cherished festival. Each mooncake is meticulously prepared using premium ingredients, ensuring a rich and authentic taste that brings the essence of the festival to life. Whether enjoyed as a personal treat or shared with loved ones, these luxury mooncake sets are designed to make your Mid-Autumn celebrations truly memorable.
| Price Range | Box of 1: PHP 498 net
Box of 4: PHP 2,588 net Box of 4 + Bottle of Wine: PHP 3,688 net |
| Flavors | White Lotus with Salted Egg Yolk (low sugar), White Lotus (low sugar) ● Red Bean, Black Sesame, Green Tea (new), Mixed Nuts with Maotai (new), Chili Conpoy (new) |
| Address | 8th Avenue corner 35th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Philippines |
| Contact | +632 8838 1234 |
| florentine.manila.grand@hyatt.com |
Choose from a variety of beautifully curated hampers, including a box of four mooncakes paired with a bottle of wine for PHP 3,688 net, a hamper with a bottle of fine wine and a P1,000 dining voucher for PHP 8,888 net, or a luxurious option with the Macallan 12-year double cask for PHP 12,888 net.
The collection is available at Florentine, located in the hotel lobby. Guests can pre-order the Box of 4 Mooncakes and Box of 4 Mooncakes with wine and receive up to 25% discount. For orders of 10 boxes or more, a 48-hour lead time is required. Enjoy complimentary delivery to a single location for orders of 50 boxes and above, making it easy to share the joy of the season with loved ones.
Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria
Xin Tian Di at Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria is a premier destination for those seeking high-quality mooncakes during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Known for its exceptional Cantonese cuisine, Xin Tian Di crafts its mooncakes with the same level of precision and elegance.
| Price Range | 1 Piece – PHP 688
Box of 4 – PHP 2888 |
| Flavors | White Lotus, Red Lotus, Wintermelon |
| Address | Ortigas Ave, Corner Asian Development Bank Ave, Quezon City, Philippines (Directly connected to Robinsons Galleria Mall from the 3rd and 4th floors) |
| Contact | +639602598418 |
| fandb.reservations@ihg.com |
Their mooncakes come in a variety of traditional flavors, such as lotus seed paste with salted egg yolk, as well as more modern twists like red bean and green tea. Each mooncake is beautifully packaged, making them perfect for gifting to loved ones or business partners.
Located in the heart of Ortigas, Xin Tian Di offers a premium experience for mooncake enthusiasts who want to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival with luxury and taste. Along with mooncakes, guests can also enjoy a selection of Cantonese delicacies at the restaurant, making the visit even more memorable. Due to the high demand, pre-orders are highly recommended to secure your mooncakes ahead of the festivities.
Budget Friendly Mooncake Sets
If you’re looking for delicious mooncakes that won’t break the bank, there are plenty of options that deliver great flavor and quality at a more accessible price point. Here are some of the best affordable mooncake sets available this year:
Eng Bee Tin
One of the most iconic mooncake brands in the Philippines, Eng Bee Tin is famous for its classic hopia and its delectable mooncakes. This year, they offer a new flavor: Coconut cream custard in addition to their usual flavors such as traditional lotus seed paste with salted egg yolk, red bean, and ube.
| Price Range | Mooncake Mini PHP 135
Regular Size (in can) PHP 180 to PHP 260 2-in-1 – PHP 400 to PHP 470 4-in-1 Supreme Classics Set PHP 840 |
| Flavors | Coconut Cream Custard Mooncake (New Flavor), Durian, Mango Jam, Ube 1 Egg, Pandan 1 Egg, Premium XO Floss, White Lotus 2 Eggs, Ube with 2 Eggs, Black Mongo 2 Eggs, Snow Mooncake with Rose Petal 1 Egg, White Empress, White Mongo 1 Egg |
| Address | 628 Ongpin Street, Binondo, Manila |
| Contact | (02) 8288-8888 |
| Website | ubedelivery.com |
Eng Bee Tin’s mooncakes are beautifully packaged in vibrant boxes, perfect for gifting to family and friends. These are available at Eng Bee Tin’s numerous branches across Metro Manila and can also be ordered online through their website or popular delivery apps for added convenience.
Salazar Bakery
For a truly authentic taste of Chinatown, Salazar Bakery stands out as a favorite among those seeking high-quality, traditional mooncakes. Established in the heart of Binondo, Salazar Bakery has been crafting Filipino-Chinese delicacies for decades, and their mooncakes are a reflection of this rich culinary heritage.
| Price Range | Box of 4s – Amoy Style – Small – PHP 1640
Box of 4s – Amoy Style – Medium – PHP 1820 Box of 4s – Amoy Style – Large – PHP 3070 Box of 4s – Canton Style – PHP 2250 1 pc Zhuang Yuan (Large) – PHP 430 1 pc Zhuang Yuan (Medium) – PHP 250 1 pc Bang Yan, Tan Hua – PHP 430 4 pcs Jin Shi – PHP 250 8 pcs Hui Yan – PHP 250 16 pcs Ju Ren – PHP 250 32pcs Xiu Cai – PHP 320 Combo A – Assorted 2 Eggs – PHP 950 Combo B – Assorted 1 Egg – PHP 910 Combo C – Assorted – PHP 890 Combo D – Assorted – PHP 870 * Prices are subjected to change without prior notice |
| Flavors | White Lotus Cream, Sweet Mixed Nuts, Lotus Cream, Black Mongo, Sweet Mixed Nuts with Egg, White Lotus Cream with Egg, Lotus Cream with Egg, Black Mongo with Egg |
| Address | 779-785 Ongpin St., Sta. Cruz, Manila |
| Contact | 8733-13-92 or 8733-13-97 |
Their mooncakes are a must-try for those who appreciate traditional flavors and textures. You can visit their bakery in Chinatown or order online to have these delicacies delivered to your door. Take note that if you buy 5 tin cans of mooncakes, you can get 1 tin can for free.
Diao Eng Chay
Diao Eng Chay, one of Manila’s oldest and most revered Chinese-Filipino bakeries, has built a legacy of excellence through decades of crafting exceptional mooncakes. Known for their quality and authenticity, these mooncakes have become a beloved part of the Mid-Autumn Festival. Using time-honored techniques, DECS ensures that each mooncake offers a delightful taste of history, perfect for celebrating tradition with loved ones.
| Price Range & Flavors | DEC Box of 4s Lotus – PHP 1120
DEC 1 pc Lotus – PHP 280 Kee Wah 8 pcs mini mooncake – PHP 2288 Kee Wah 4 mini mooncake 1188 Kee Wah 4 large mooncake Kee Wah White Lotus – PHP 3288 Kee Wah Golden Lotus – PHP 3288 Maxim Low Sugar – PHP 270 Maxim White Lotus – PHP 2600 Maxim Golden Lotus – PHP 2600 |
| Address | Zone 028, 845 Salazar St, Binondo, Manila, 1006 Metro Manila |
| Contact | 8244-86-83 |
While mooncakes are the star of the season, DECS is also famous for their dimsum and dumpling platters, a school lunch favorite for many. They offer a variety of Chinese delicacies, from smoked duck trays to different hopia flavors available at their Binondo branch. Despite the bustling surroundings of shops and restaurants, Diao Eng Chay has remained in its original building for several decades, continuing to be a hidden gem in the heart of Binondo.
They continue to stay true to their roots, crafting mooncakes using age-old techniques that ensure every bite is a taste of history. Their mooncakes are available at their branches in Binondo and through select delivery services.
Polland Hopia
Polland Hopia is another iconic brand beloved by many Filipino-Chinese families for its consistently delicious mooncakes and hopia. With decades of experience, Polland is known for its quality and wide range of flavors that appeal to both traditionalists and modern palates.
| Price Range | Mini Mooncake Set 9 PCS (50 grams each) – 500
Regular Size With Egg – PHP 150 to PHP 180 |
| Flavors | Lotus Seed with Egg, Mixed Nuts with Egg, Yellow Mongo with Egg, Ube with Egg, Black Mongo with Egg |
| Address | Many branches: https://pollandhopia.com/pages/store-branches |
| Contact | 287314995 |
| Website | https://pollandhopia.com/ |
Polland’s mooncakes are often sold in elegant packaging, making them ideal gifts during the Mid-Autumn Festival. You can pick up their mooncakes at any Polland branch or place an order through their online store for delivery right to your home.
Celebrate with Mooncakes
Whether you’re splurging on a luxury mooncake set or opting for a budget-friendly option, the joy of sharing these traditional pastries with loved ones remains the same. The Mid-Autumn Festival is a time to celebrate togetherness, and mooncakes are at the heart of this celebration. So, whether you’re gifting or indulging, make sure to pick up some of the best mooncakes 2024 has to offer and make this Mid-Autumn Festival one to remember.