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Ask a QuestionGuangzhou-style moon cakes are one of the best choices for the Chinese people when celebrating the Mid Autumn Festival. Sweet or salty, Guangzhou-style moon cakes are golden yellow in color, beautifully shaped and soft, with thin skin and clear and delicate patterns.
Having moon cake is the traditional activity in mid-autumn festival (mid-autumn day). Everywhere of China will have moon cake that day and as well as every Chinese no mater at home or abroad.
This traditional food is related to the Mid-Autumn Festival tightly. The festival is for lunar worship and moon watching; moon cakes are regarded as an indispensable delicacy on this occasion. Because of its central role in the Mid-Autumn festival, moon cakes remained popular even in recent years. For many, moon cakes form a central part of the Mid-Autumn festival experience such that it is now commonly known as 'Moon cake Festival'.
Guangzhou mooncakes, part of Cantonese cuisine, are known for their flaky or soft crusts and rich, flavorful fillings. Unlike some other regional mooncakes, they often balance sweetness with subtle savory notes, using high-quality ingredients like lotus seed paste, red bean paste, salted egg yolks, and even tropical fruits. Traditionally, they’re round (symbolizing the full moon and unity) and often stamped with beautiful patterns or Chinese characters, making them as visually appealing as they are tasty.
Guangzhou offers a wonderful range of mooncakes, but these classics are a must-try for any first-time taster
Lotus Seed Paste with Salted Egg Yolk (莲蓉蛋黄月饼)
The most iconic and beloved variety! To make the filling, dried lotus seeds are soaked, simmered for hours until tender, then mashed and sweetened to create a silky-smooth paste. The center features one or two golden salted egg yolks—cured in brine to develop a rich, creamy, slightly savory flavor—that symbolize the glowing full moon. When you bite into it, the sweet lotus paste and umami yolk blend perfectly, with the crust adding a delicate texture. It’s not just a dessert but a status symbol during the Mid-Autumn Festival, often gifted to express sincerity.
Red Bean Paste Mooncake (豆沙月饼)
A comforting classic made with slow-cooked red beans turned into a creamy paste. It’s slightly less sweet than lotus seed paste, with a natural bean flavor that’s warm and satisfying. It’s a great option for those who prefer a more understated sweetness.
Five-Nut Mooncake (五仁月饼)
For nut lovers! This variety is filled with a mix of roasted nuts and seeds, such as walnuts, almonds, cashews, sesame seeds, and melon seeds, bound together with a sweet syrup. It has a crunchy texture and a fragrant, nutty taste—though it’s an acquired flavor for some.
Modern Innovations
Guangzhou’s innovative bakeries keep the tradition fresh with creative twists. Ice skin mooncakes are a summer favorite—their soft, chewy rice flour crust (no baking required!) wraps fillings like fresh mango, coconut, or matcha, and they’re stored chilled for a cool, refreshing bite. Snowy mooncakes have a light, fluffy crust made with glutinous rice and vegetable oil, filled with flavors like taro, red bean, or even chocolate. Some brands also offer low-sugar or vegan options, using natural sweeteners or plant-based ingredients to cater to health-conscious eaters.
Mooncakes are the soul of the Mid-Autumn Festival, a holiday steeped in legend and tradition. One popular tale says mooncakes were used to hide secret messages during ancient times to coordinate a rebellion against invaders—today, they carry messages of love and unity instead. On the festival night, families set up tables outdoors, laying out mooncakes, fruits (like pomelos and grapes), and tea. They chat, admire the bright full moon, and tell stories about Chang’e, the lady who lives on the moon in Chinese mythology. Giving mooncakes as gifts is a cherished custom: beautifully packaged boxes are exchanged between families, friends, and coworkers, symbolizing wishes for harmony and prosperity. Sharing a single mooncake by cutting it into equal slices ensures everyone gets a piece, reinforcing the value of family togetherness.
Guangzhou is dotted with renowned bakeries and brands famous for their mooncakes, both during the festival season and year-round (though they’re most abundant around Mid-Autumn)
Guangzhou Restaurant (广州酒家)
A legendary Cantonese culinary institution founded in 1935, often called the “aristocrat of mooncakes.” They adhere to strict traditional craftsmanship—each mooncake is hand-kneaded, filled, and stamped with the restaurant’s logo. Their signature double-yolk lotus seed paste mooncake is a bestseller, with two plump yolks that add extra richness. The shop also offers beautifully designed gift boxes, perfect for souvenirs. Address: 2 Wenming Road, Yuexiu District (a 10-minute walk from Beijing Road Pedestrian Street). Opening hours: 7:30 AM – 10:00 PM. Average price per mooncake: ¥15–¥30.
陶陶居 (Taotaoju)
Established in 1880, this time-honored brand is famous for its flaky-crust mooncakes (su bing yue bing). The crust is layered and crispy, shattering slightly when you take a bite, contrasting with the smooth fillings. Their red bean paste mooncake uses top-grade red beans from Northeast China, slow-cooked to a velvety consistency. With multiple branches across the city, the Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street location is most convenient for tourists. Address example: 20 Taikang Road, Yuexiu District. Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 10:30 PM. Average price per mooncake: ¥12–¥25.
Local Supermarkets and Convenience Stores
During the Mid-Autumn Festival, supermarkets like Carrefour and Vanguard, as well as convenience stores like 7-Eleven, stock a wide range of mooncakes, from budget-friendly options to premium brands.
1. Choose reputable brands: Opt for time-honored names like Guangzhou Restaurant or Taotaoju for authentic, high-quality mooncakes.
2. Check the best-before date: Traditional mooncakes have a shelf life of 15–30 days, while ice skin ones need refrigeration and expire faster (5–7 days).
3. Consider gift vs. personal use: Gift boxes are beautifully packaged but pricier; loose mooncakes are better for trying different flavors yourself.
4. Ask about fillings: If you have nut allergies or prefer less sugar, don’t hesitate to inquire—many shops offer low-sugar or nut-free options.
5. Timing matters: Prices drop slightly after the Mid-Autumn Festival, but popular flavors may sell out quickly during the peak season (1 month before the festival).
From on request
From on request
From $ 364
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