Illustration by Kayley (@deanchora) and Lee Enn (@zenigiri)

A full moon is often a wondrous sight to behold; and on Day 15 of the 8th month of the Chinese calendar, it is cause for celebration. Every year, on this day, Chinese people celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival. During this time, it is believed that the moon is at its fullest and shines most brightly. Mooncakes (月饼 yue bing) are eaten as they represent a symbol of unity and togetherness among family members. These days, mooncakes come in a wide range of flavours, from classics such as the famous Lotus Paste to modern iterations like jelly versions. With the Mid-Autumn Festival approaching soon, it is the perfect time to try out the delectable mooncake flavours listed below!

This flavour is an oldie but a goodie. As an enduring classic, there is nothing quite like its smooth silky texture with a hint of sweetness. Lotus seeds in the filling provide a satisfying crunch to the whole thing. For some variety, go for the types that have an egg yolk - or two.

Photo by CiCi Li

Similar to the Lotus Paste mooncake, this is a well-loved classic flavour. Its sweet taste is a bit like a red bean bao, but even better, since it is complemented by the rich flavour and smoothness of the mooncake skin.

Whether you are a durian lover or hater, no one can deny that the King of Fruits reigns supreme in Malaysia. Any treat or dessert out there has a durian-flavoured counterpart, and the same applies to mooncakes too! For those who truly love this iconic fruit, snowskin durian mooncake is a must-try flavour while it's still available.

Originating from Hong Kong, this style of mooncake is unique since it doesn't have to be baked. Perfect for those who want to try their hand at making mooncakes, but don’t have an oven! Made with sweet glutinous rice, it has a unique texture compared to traditional mooncakes.

Red dates are naturally sweet, so they make the perfect natural substitute for sugar in this mooncake. With a rich, sticky texture, those who enjoy filling and satisfying treats will definitely enjoy this flavour. Don't worry if you are health conscious, as low sugar varieties are becoming increasingly common.

Maybe you’re hesitant to try out mooncakes for the first time - so how about testing the waters with something more familiar? This flavour really puts the cake in mooncake: a fusion of Asian and Western flavours, it is sure to leave a lasting impression.

This one is for the adventurous and probably not for the faint of heart! This mooncake includes satay peanut sauce within the paste for a crunchy texture and savoury flavour. One of the stranger offerings out there, this is a must-try for those looking for something unusual to satisfy their gastronomic curiosity.

You will most likely encounter this mooncake on social media; after all, these are probably the prettiest of all  mooncakes and can be made in a wide variety of flavours. With a light and refreshing taste, it is a world apart from traditional-style mooncakes. A standout in terms of both looks and taste, you can bet that it is worth a try!

Even if you are trying mooncakes for the first time this year, or preparing for your annual celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival with your family, there is truly a flavour for everyone. Nowadays, mooncakes are more accessible than ever, appearing everywhere from speciality shops to supermarkets to online vendors. And for those looking to try their hand at making their own, recipes and ingredients are readily available, allowing you to create your own perfectly customised mooncakes.

Whether it’s a modern spin featuring exotic flavours or an ever-popular classic, there is a whole world of flavours out there to explore, so you’re bound to find something you love. Happy Mid-Autumn Festival!