For thousands of years, the Chinese people have related the fullness of the moon to the symbolism of reunion between loved ones, and the Mid-Autumn Festival is commemorated based on that principle. Celebrated during the period of the Autumn Equinox, the moon is said to be at its most beautiful.

During the Sung dynasty (A.D. 960-1280), the Chinese people were unhappy being under the control of Mongolia. Intent in orchestrating a surprise rebellion and with the Moon Festival approaching, the leaders of the rebellion ordered the making of special cakes that were going to function as a secret message conveyor. Messages were scribbled onto tiny pieces of paper and hidden inside these cakes. These mooncakes were then passed onto others, on the pretext of being a season gift.

On the night of the Moon Festival, the rebels succeeded in their mission and overthrew the government. Moon cakes are thus eaten in commemoration of this awe-inspiring event after. Today, mooncakes are consumed for their taste and presentation than the legends that revolve around its origins!

Several chefs embark on an adventure to simultaneously reinvent the old and design the new. From the classic baked mooncakes with lightly sweetened lotus paste to the chocolate and ice-cream mooncakes, there is always something to suit the different taste preferences.

Here are some top picks for this season's mooncakes;

• Yam Moonpie by Meritus Mandarin
  This year, Meritus Mandarin looks set to differentiate from the other mooncakes available in the market. Executive Chef Yang Lai Fatt adds a quirky twist to the traditional mooncakes by introducing the first ever Yam Moonpie that is unique in appearance as well as in taste. Baked to a golden brown, its moist skin blended well with the smooth textured and lightly sweetened yam filling within. This selection was certainly different from the mooncakes that you are used to, but is excellently recreated. Rating: 4/5
  
  The Yam Moonpie is priced at $36 per box (4 pieces) and is available at Meritus Mandarin from now till 6 th October. Other favourites like the White Lotus Paste with Double Egg Yolks and the Golden Ingots are also offered during this season.
  
  Contact the Restaurant Reservation at 6831 6069

• Mini Bing-Pi Golden Chrysanthemum and Lotus Seed Paste with Yolk by Ritz Carlton
  Hand made by Chef Fok Kai Yee and his team at Summer Pavilion, the favourites like the White Lotus Seed and Green Tea Paste with Yolk are further complemented by the newly added Golden Chrysanthemum and Lotus Seed Paste with Yolk mooncake.
  
  Chrysanthemum, known for its medicinal and cooling properties, provides a healthy alternative to the existing range of mooncakes out in the market. In addition, this flower represents longevity and wisdom and makes this new range a choice gift for family and friends. Cased in an elegant gold packaging, the Ritz Carlton Mooncakes are ideal to celebrate this season. Rating: 4.5/5
  The Mini Bing-Pi Golden Chrysanthemum and Lotus Seed Paste with Yolk range is available at $33 per box (6 pieces). Other classic favourites like the White Lotus Seed Paste with Double Yolk and the Chocolate Mooncake are priced at $45++ each (4 pieces).
  Those who are interested, please contact Ritz Carlton at 6434 5286

• Azuki Bean, Figs & Gingerand Pistachio by Häagen Daz
  Having indulged in their quality ice-cream over the years, one can be sure that their ice-cream mooncakes will be just as dazzling. Rich, creamy and divinely coated in luxurious white or dark Belgian chocolate, these delectable mooncakes are now available in exotic new flavours like Azuki Bean, Figs & Ginger and Pistachio that has a zesty Mango Sorbet in its core, and sprinkled with gold flakes. Using only the freshest of ingredients, Häagen Daz holds true to its principle of offering its customers perfection in quality and craftsmanship.
  There are 3 different selections available for sale in Petite at $48 (Vanilla, Chocolate, Coffee and Strawberry), Classic at $68 (Vanilla, Macadamia Nut, Cookies & Cream and the new Azuki Bean) and Precious at $88 (Rum Raisin, Figs & Ginger, Pistachio Nuts and Durian).
  Those who are interested can get these delights at the many Häagen Daz outlets around Singapore .

• D-24 Durian Mooncakes by Goodwood Park Hotel
  
  A hot favourite amongst the many durian lovers here in Singapore , the fresh D-24 durian snowskin mooncakes from Goodwood Park Hotel sure needs no introduction. Finely crafted and baked with a generous serving of fresh durian in every mooncake, each of these pale yellow delights are satisfyingly heartwarming and delicious.
  
  This year, Goodwood Park Hotel is offering a nutritious alternative of the Yam Paste with Red Dates in Snowskin, which is the perfect gift for the elderly folks and health conscious alike. Red dates are said to promote healthy blood and oxygen circulation and is used widely in traditional Chinese medicine. When infused into the yam, the mooncake is a blend of natural sweetness and wholesome goodness. Furthermore, the combination of red dates and yam is seen to be ideal for clients as it symbolizes the bestowing of good health (red dates) and luck in an abundant harvest (yam).
  
  The D-24 Durian Paste in Snowskin is priced at $41.30 for a box of 4. Individual mooncakes can also be purchased at $10.80 each at the Deli (Hotel Lobby). The all new Yam Paste with Red Dates in Snowskin is priced at $33.80 for a box of 4 and similarly can be purchased individually at $9 each. Holders of e xclusive credit cards and the Goodwood Park Hotel’s Gourmet Card are entitled to enjoy 15% discount.
  
  Call 67301867 or 6730 1868 daily for enquiries and orders (from 10am to 8pm daily) 
  
  
• Tung Lok: Single Yolk Pandan Lotus with Pistachios
  For years, the masterful chefs from Tung Lok have served up timeless quality mooncakes that have been loved by the young and old. In juxtaposing tradition with a contemporary edge, all their mooncakes are encased in a Shanghai inspired packaging, featuring beautiful Shanghainese women that exude elegance amidst a vibrant backdrop of colours. This year’s new creation, the Single Yolk Pandan Lotus with Pistachios is definitely baked to perfection! With a distinct aroma of pistachios, the fragrant and full-flavoured pandan lotus filling within is covered by a fine layer of baked skin. Other popular selections include the Tung Lok bite-sized mooncakes that feature a variety of 16 enticing flavours of Kiwi, Honeydew, Pandan Lotus and many others, as well as the Tung Lok Mediacorp Mooncakes which showcases the 95.8FM and Love 97.2FM DJs on its packaging.
  
  The Single Yolk Pandan Lotus with Pistachios is priced at $38 (box of 4). The Tung Lok Bite-Sized Mooncakes at $40, and the Tung Lok Mediacorp Mooncakes at $32 for the new creations, and $38 for a traditional box of 4. All UOB credit and debit card holders are entitled special privileges.
  
  For all enquiries, please contact the Tung Lok Group at 9088 8008.

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