(Editor's note: The mooncakes from the establishments mentioned are non-Halal unless stated otherwise)

Mooncakes have always been the staple dish for the Mid-Autumn Festival. Without mooncakes, one can hardly fathom why we celebrate the festival at all. Traditionally, they come in the flavours like lotus seed paste, five assorted nuts and the red bean paste.

Now with the creativity of modern chefs, the art of mooncakes has evolved into a national sport where exciting and exotic flavours surface every year to out do the last. From the iconic Musang King durian, Dom Pérignon champagne to Parmesan cheese, this year’s mooncakes sport some of the most exotic flavours yet.

Along with the unique flavours, there is also much attention paid to the packaging of the mooncakes. Many have moved on from the traditional square boxes to creating a number of unique silhouettes for the gift packaging including a four-tiered cylindrical shaped box.

Now, let us explore the new delights that hotels in Kuala Lumpur have in-store for the Mid-Autumn Festival 2014.

Hilton Kuala Lumpur (Halal)
There is not a single year that we are not blown away by Hilton’s mooncake creations. This year, Hilton is still featuring its iconic Musang King and Blue Moon mooncakes but it also has a new flavour called the Autumn Jade. This mooncake is made with pandan and Parmesan cheese with mandarin orange infused chocolate soft centre that gives an exciting infusion of the modern palate. Along with the new flavour, Hilton features a new cylindrical box with peony motif for those purchasing the mooncakes in pieces of 4 per set. (Tel: +603 2264 2405)

Prince Hotel & Residence KL (Pork free)
What better mooncakes befitting of the luxurious palate than alcohol flavoured mooncakes? The Prince has created a variety of flavours including chocolate and whisky flavoured mooncake that caters to the more refined taste buds. For non-alcohol consumers, have a taste of the Yam Paste and Japanese Red Bean Compote mooncake that is inspired by the Japanese ‘mochi’ flavour and texture. (Tel: +603 2170 8888)

The Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur
To celebrate the coming of the Mid-Autumn Festival, Li Yen at The Ritz-Carlton is releasing a limited edition, exclusively handmade Dom Pérignon Rosé Champagne flavoured mooncake along with a variety of traditional flavours. With a decadent champagne flavour comes an equally decadent packaging created in collaboration with talented Malaysian designer, Khoon Hooi. This year, the box will be an exclusive jewellery case made from leather and silk with peonies laser cut patterns, which we think will be a crowd-pleaser for all. (Tel: +603 2782 9033)

Shangri-La Hotel Kuala Lumpur  (Pork free)
Year after year, Shangri-La never fails to amaze us with its unique packaging design and this year, the box comes in a bi-fold shape with intricate floral detailing that opens in the middle, revealing a Oriental wooden drawer inspired design. It is a sophisticated look that makes the perfect gift box to send family and friends during the festivities. If you are looking for unique flavours, have a try of the avocado custard cream flavour in snowskin - a pleasant buttery surprise to the palate. (Tel: +603 20743560)

 

Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur (Halal)
This season, savour a medley of exquisite mooncakes by Lai Po Heen at Mandarin Oriental including bamboo charcoal, dragon fruit and chocolate caviar flavours. Our best pick is definitely the passion fruit and caramelized banana mooncake encased in a dark 24k chocolate that showcases a velvety smoothness unlike any other. Sold in a box of 4s or 6s, these enticing creations are encased in a decadent two-tiered gift box in red and black oriental motifs, made with exclusive gifting in mind. (Tel: +603 2179 8797)

 

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