Artisanal Mooncakes for Purists and ‘Modernists’

Today, the mooncake’s variety and flavor are constantly evolving. At this time of year, people are overwhelmed by the growing array of mooncakes on the market. So, to appeal to both purists and “modernists” alike, Lai Ching Yuen, a majestic restaurant that serves up authentic Cantonese cuisine in Grand Millennium Kuala Lumpur, has created a series of artisanal, pork-free traditional and contemporary mooncakes. For the purists, Lai Ching Yuen’s Cantonese-style mooncakes will please your palate and walk you down memory lane. Golden brown, delicate and yet chewy, caramel-ly baked pastry encases perfectly sweet, smooth, rich classic fillings, such as red (azuki) bean paste, pure white lotus paste, pure white lotus paste with salted duck-egg yolk, and, for textural and flavor contrasts, assorted fruits and nuts.

(Image by Grand Millennium, Kuala Lumpur) If you fancy a little change, however, the restaurant’s mini snow-skin mooncakes are a pleasure to nibble at. Pleasantly chewy and somewhat tender no-bake mooncake pastry is made with cooked glutinous rice flour and then wraps around unique house-made fillings, which blend homely lotus paste with all-natural flavors, such as passion fruit, durian, green tea, and spirulina. Tucked away in elegant gift boxes, Lai Ching Yuen mooncakes make perfect presents this Mid-Autumn Festival. They can be purchased at the restaurant this festive season, while stocks last. The Fortune Mooncake Gift Box, at RM112++, comes with four traditional mooncakes of your choice, whereas the Full Mooncake Gift Box, at RM108++, comes with eight mini snow-skin mooncakes of your choice. Or you can simply buy the mooncakes, whichever ones you fancy, individually; they are priced anywhere between RM12.80++ and RM29.80++ for a piece. For enquiries, call Grand Millennium, Kuala Lumpur at 03-2117 4180. Search for the Best Pan Mee in Klang Valley Search for the Best Chinese Restaurants in Klang Valley