Mooncake Madness: A Global Exploration of Unusual Flavors

Introduction

The Mid-Autumn Festival, a celebration of the moon's fullness and harvest, is incomplete without the indulgence of mooncakes. Traditionally, these delectable pastries are filled with classic flavors like lotus seed paste, red bean paste, and salted egg yolk. However, in recent years, mooncake innovation has taken flight, giving rise to a plethora of unusual and unexpected flavors from around the world.

Mooncakes are traditionally associated with classic fillings like lotus seed paste, red bean paste, and salted egg yolk, but in recent years, mooncake varieties have expanded to include some unusual and unexpected flavors from across the world. These unique mooncakes cater to modern tastes, dietary preferences, and even the desire for novelty. Let’s take a look at some of the weird and creative mooncake variations that have emerged globally:

Join us on a global culinary adventure as we explore the fascinating world of mooncake madness and discover some of the most unique and creative variations that have emerged.

1. Ice Cream Mooncakes

Originating in places like Hong Kong and Singapore, ice cream mooncakes are a modern twist on the traditional pastry. Instead of dense fillings, these mooncakes are filled with various ice cream flavors such as vanilla, chocolate, and matcha. The outer layer is often made of chocolate or a thin snow-skin coating, giving them a cool, refreshing edge. Brands like Häagen-Dazs and Godiva have popularized this variation.

2. Durian Mooncakes

The infamous durian fruit, known for its strong smell and polarizing taste, has found its way into mooncakes. Popular in Southeast Asia, particularly in Malaysia and Singapore, durian mooncakes feature creamy durian filling wrapped in snow-skin or traditional baked crusts. Durian lovers praise this mooncake for its pungent aroma and rich taste, but it’s certainly an acquired taste for those unfamiliar with the fruit.

Four seasons Durian Mooncake

3. Coriander Mooncake

Yes, indeed. You read it right. Coriander Mooncake!! As per Asian Parent Taiwanese coriander noodle brand Mr Coriander and Hong Kong Bakery Qui Xi collaborated to create this interesting mooncake as a special “healthy” version.  The mooncake has a sight green tea flavour on the first bite based on the people who did try it. Will you try it?

4. Cheeseburger Mooncakes

In China, some bakeries have introduced cheeseburger mooncakes, a strange fusion of Western fast food and traditional pastry. These mooncakes are filled with minced beef, cheese, onions, and ketchup, mimicking the flavor profile of a cheeseburger. While not a mooncake in the traditional sense, these savory variations cater to a younger audience looking for fun and quirky snacks.

4. Spam Mooncakes

Yes, you read that correctly—Spam mooncakes. In Hawaii and some parts of East Asia, mooncakes filled with Spam (the canned meat) have gained popularity. This salty and savory mooncake breaks away from the sweet fillings, offering a more protein-packed option. Spam’s strong presence in Hawaiian and Filipino cuisine has likely inspired this unusual fusion, though it’s definitely a mooncake that not everyone would rush to try.

6. Kimchi Mooncakes

In Korea, the incorporation of local ingredients into mooncakes has led to the creation of kimchi mooncakes. These mooncakes have a spicy, tangy filling made from Korea’s famous fermented cabbage dish, kimchi. Though it may sound strange, this fusion reflects Korea’s love for kimchi and its effort to bring a local flair to the Mid-Autumn Festival.

7. Curry Mooncakes

Another savory variation is the curry mooncake, which has gained popularity in parts of Asia, especially Malaysia and Singapore. These mooncakes are filled with spicy chicken or beef curry, combining the bold, aromatic flavors of curry with the flaky mooncake crust. They are a hit among those who prefer savory snacks over the traditional sweet versions.

8. Salted Caramel and Popcorn Mooncakes

For those with a sweet tooth, some bakeries have introduced salted caramel and popcorn mooncakes. This playful version combines the crunch of popcorn with gooey salted caramel, all wrapped in a snow-skin or traditional mooncake shell. This flavor has been especially popular in Western countries where salted caramel has become a favorite.

9. Wine-Infused Mooncakes

For adults looking to enjoy their mooncakes with a bit of a kick, wine-infused mooncakes have emerged as a trendy option. These mooncakes are made with fillings infused with red wine, champagne, or even whiskey, offering a sophisticated and slightly boozy twist. Found in upscale markets in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and even North America, these mooncakes cater to more mature palates.

10. Coffee and Chocolate Mooncakes

Mooncakes filled with coffee and chocolate cater to the global love for these two flavors. In places like Taiwan and Singapore, you can find mooncakes made with rich espresso fillings or creamy chocolate ganache. They are a hit with those who enjoy rich, bold flavors and offer a delightful combination of traditional and modern tastes.

11. Avocado Mooncakes

In line with global health trends, avocado mooncakes have appeared in some Asian markets, particularly in trendy cities like Hong Kong and Shanghai. The smooth, buttery texture of avocado works surprisingly well in mooncakes, often paired with nuts, matcha, or other superfoods. These mooncakes are marketed as healthier options, targeting health-conscious consumers.

12. Matcha and Red Bean Mooncakes

While matcha (green tea) and red bean are traditional flavors, combining the two into a mooncake has become a trendy option in recent years, especially in Japan and Taiwan. The slight bitterness of matcha balances well with the sweetness of red bean, making it a favorite among younger consumers who appreciate Japanese flavors.

13. Bacon and Egg Mooncakes

A playful take on the traditional mooncake, some bakeries have introduced bacon and egg mooncakes, mimicking the flavors of a classic breakfast dish. These savory mooncakes have a filling of scrambled eggs, bacon bits, and sometimes even cheese. While unusual, these mooncakes have gained a following among those who prefer non-traditional mooncake flavors.

The World of Mooncake Innovation

From ice cream to Spam and kimchi, the world of mooncakes has expanded far beyond its traditional roots, reflecting modern tastes and global influences. These weird mooncake varieties not only offer a fun and creative twist on tradition but also showcase how food can evolve while still preserving cultural heritage. Whether you’re a fan of sweet, savory, or downright unusual flavors, there’s likely a mooncake out there to surprise and delight you!

As we kept researching we found a wide range of varieties out of the ordinary! We will bring you more but do leave your comments on if you will try any of these flavours. If you are interested read the history of mooncakes