A Slice of Moonlit Magic: Where to Find Metro Manila’s Most Irresistible Mooncakes

Oh, my darlings, can you feel that crisp, cool breeze whispering through the city? It’s not just the signal that the holidays are inching closer; it’s also a gentle reminder that the annual Mooncake Festival is back! As a Filipina writer who absolutely adores anything that brings families together, especially when delicious food is involved, this celebration truly holds a special place in my heart. We’re talking about the symbolic Chinese tradition that lights up our calendars every 15th day of the eighth lunar month, and this year, it’s all happening around Monday, October 6!

The Mid-Autumn Festival, as it’s also known, isn’t just for our Chinese-Filipino friends; it’s a beautiful tradition embraced by communities worldwide, including our vibrant Metro Manila. Imagine this: families gathering under the enchanting glow of a full moon, sharing stories, laughter, and, of course, those exquisitely crafted mooncakes. It’s a time for unity, for joy, and for simply being together—values that deeply resonate with us Filipinos, don’t you agree? It’s our own version of a grand salo-salo, just with a touch of ancient elegance.

Now, let’s be real, the undisputed stars of this mid-autumn show are always the mooncakes themselves! From time-honored classics that taste like a warm embrace to daring, contemporary fusion flavors that tickle your adventurous palate, Metro Manila is absolutely brimming with delightful options. Hotels, restaurants, and even independent food businesses are pulling out all the stops to present these edible works of art. So, whether you’re planning a heartfelt gift for your dearest tita, seeking the perfect treat for your family’s moon-gazing party, or simply indulging your own sweet cravings, I’ve got you covered! Let’s dive into where you can grab these irresistible Chinese pastries to-go!

A Feast for the Senses: Where to Find Your Perfect Mooncake in Manila

Get ready, because the variety this year is simply astounding. Prepare your taste buds, my friends!

Hong Kong MX Mooncake PH: Innovation Meets Tradition

Hong Kong’s leading mooncake brand has truly elevated their game! I’m absolutely obsessed with their playful yet sophisticated approach. This year, they’ve introduced a Super Lemon Mooncake, elegantly packaged in a vibrant yellow octagonal gift box. Just imagine lava-filled goodness with a zesty, citrusy fragrance—it’s like a burst of sunshine in every bite! It’s perfect for those who love a refreshing twist to their traditional treats.

And for the young at heart (or those with kids, or simply just because!), the MX Pokémon Mooncake Gift Box is an absolute must-see. Featuring adorable imprints of Pikachu and iconic Poké Ball details, this isn’t just a dessert; it’s a collectible! It even comes with a themed eco-bag for all the fans out there. How cute is that?

Of course, we can’t forget their original, beloved flavors. The Lotus Seed Mooncakes with two egg yolks are always a classic, while the Lava Assorted Mooncakes come in a luxurious set of six: Lava Custard, Lava Chocolate, Lava Cheese, Lava Coconut, Lava Caramel Macchiato, and Lava Black Truffle Custard. Can you even pick just one favorite?

For my health-conscious readers, don’t fret! They also offer a fantastic Low-Sugar Series, including the Low (Reduced) Sugar Mixed Nuts Mooncake and the crowd-favorite Low (Reduced) Sugar Lotus Seed Paste Mooncake with Egg Yolk. Now everyone can join in the mooncake revelry!

Luxury Hotel Collections: A Touch of Elegance for Your Mid-Autumn Festivities

Our beautiful hotels in Manila are never ones to shy away from grand celebrations, and the Mooncake Festival is no exception. Prepare to be enchanted by their exquisite collections!

• Hilton Manila: Nestled within Newport World Resorts, Hilton Manila presents its Celestial Moonbeam mooncake collection. Designed to resemble a handbag inspired by traditional Chinese textile art, these are not just mooncakes, they’re fashion statements! They offer five distinct sets: the Traditional Set (which comes with a tin of Chinese red tea—oh, how delightful!), Boutique Set, Snow Skin, Shanghainese Set, and even a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Set. Prices range from P688 to P3,988, offering something for every budget and taste.
• Manila Marriott Hotel: Their Man Ho mooncakes are available in a tantalizing array of flavors. Think Red Lotus Paste, Lotus Paste, and Matcha Paste, all lovingly paired with salted yolk, each priced at a sweet P338. Don’t miss their Snow Skin with Custard, also at P338. These culinary delights come in elegant boxes of four or six pieces, priced at P2,288 and P2,888, respectively. You can pre-order these beauties until Friday, October 10.
• Hotel Okura Manila: Known for their exquisite offerings, Hotel Okura Manila previously featured their highly anticipated Akizuki Mooncake Box collection. Crafted by Yawaragi’s award-winning pastry team, this collection, whose name Akizuki means “Autumn Moon,” included four delightful mooncakes: Green Tea, Red Bean, White Lotus, and the luxurious XO Conpoy. While their collection was available until September 30, it’s a testament to the artistry you can expect from their culinary team for future celebrations!
• Solaire Resort North: Up north in Quezon City, Solaire Resort North offers a charming mini mooncakes collection called the Standard Series, available in boxes of two or four. These bite-sized wonders are filled with White Lotus Paste with double salted egg yolk, Red Bean Paste with almonds, Pandan Lotus Paste with single salted egg yolk, Ube Paste (a delightful Filipino twist!), Lava custard, and Assorted Fruit Nuts with Kam Hua Ham. What a spread!
• Solaire Resort Entertainment City: For my southbound friends in Parañaque City, Solaire Resort Entertainment City serves up both traditional and modern flavors. Their traditional mooncakes offer various paste options like White Coffee, Chocolate, Orange, and Pineapple. Another traditional type features Salted Egg Yolk, White Lotus Paste, Red Bean Paste, Pandan Paste, and Ube Paste. If you’re into something a bit more contemporary, their Snow Skin Series boasts four exciting flavors: Pineapple Paste, White Coffee Paste, Matcha Paste, and Chocolate Paste. Decisions, decisions!
• Kee Wah Bakery: While online orders might have closed, fret not! Kee Wah Bakery’s Supreme Mooncake collection is still available in physical branches like Robinsons Magnolia, SM Aura Premiere, and S Maison. Their offerings include a tin of Chinese Ham Mooncake with Assorted Nuts and Mini White Lotus Seed Paste with Yolk, both priced at P375. For those looking for bigger sets, their mooncake boxes, featuring flavors like White Lotus Seed Paste with Two Yolks, Golden Lotus Seed Paste with Four Yolks, and Chinese Ham, come in four or eight pieces, ranging from P1,400 to P3,600. Perfect for grand family gatherings!
• Shangri-La EDSA: The Shangri-La Boutique at EDSA Shangri-La is presenting new, exciting products this year: Hojicha and Snow Skin Champagne Chocolate. Imagine the exquisite taste! Of course, their timeless classics like Red Bean, White Lotus, Black Sesame, and Mixed Nuts are also available. Mini mooncakes are priced at P488, regular-sized at P788, a box of two at P2,088, and their beautiful square box at P3,688. So many options for gifting!
• Makati Shangri-La: Their Heartfelt Shangri-La Mid-Autumn Collection, themed “Moonlit City,” is a sight to behold. It offers six delightful varieties: White Lotus Seed with Double Egg Yolk, Assorted nuts and Chinese Ham, Jasmine Tea, Coconut and Sesame, Red Bean with Aged Orange Skin, and the intriguing Red Wine and Dried Raspberry. Prices vary from P1,688 to P4,388, depending on size and quantity. You can choose boxes of two or four, and decide between large or small mooncakes. These Shangri-La treats have been available since July 8 and will be sold until October 6.
• The Peninsula Boutique: For truly authentic Hong Kong mooncakes, The Peninsula Boutique in Makati City is your go-to. Their set of four Mini Egg Custard Mooncakes is priced at P3,888. Feeling generous? A set of eight assorted mooncakes, featuring four Lotus Seed Paste and four Egg Custard, is available for P5,888. These are truly luxury in a box!
• Grand Hyatt Manila: Located in BGC, Grand Hyatt Manila presents mooncakes in two exciting styles: traditional and “twist.” Their collection includes classic flavors like White Lotus, Red Bean, Black Sesame, Ube, and Mixed Nuts. For the adventurous, their snowskin creations come in flavors such as Raspberry, Sangria, and Croquant. All these delectable mooncake sets are presented in elegant, pastel pink boxes, inspired by the plate motifs of No. 8 China House. They are available until October 6 – so hurry!
• New World Makati Hotel: This year, New World Makati Hotel celebrates the Mid-Autumn Festival with “A Canvas of Connection,” their 2025 mooncake collection. (Yes, you read that right, they’re thinking ahead!). The lantern-shaped box, a true piece of art inspired by traditional paper-cutting, beautifully symbolizes reunion, prosperity, and togetherness. It’s truly a gift that speaks volumes.
• City of Dreams Manila: Down in Parañaque City, City of Dreams Manila’s Cantonese restaurant, Crystal Dragon, is offering a special celebratory menu from October 1 to 19 for both lunch and dinner. They feature a unique dessert set with a Cranberry Mango Lava Snow Skin Mooncake and an Oven-baked Traditional Mini Red Bean Mooncake, perfectly paired with Chilled Honey Lemon Tea, fresh pomelo, and mallow nuts. Talk about a complete culinary experience!
• Café Society also joins the celebration with its limited-edition White Lotus Seed Paste Mooncakes with Double Egg Yolk, available throughout October. These come in an elegant four-piece gift box, making them ideal for impressing your loved ones. Crystal Dragon is open daily from 12 noon to 11 pm, while Café Society operates from 10 am to 9 pm, with an early opening at 8 am on Tuesdays.

My Personal Take: A Mooncake for Every Mood (and Every Heart!)

Isn’t it just wonderful how a single festival can bring forth such a dazzling array of deliciousness? From the playful Pokémon mooncakes that bring out our inner child to the sophisticated Red Wine and Dried Raspberry creations that speak to our mature palates, there truly is a mooncake for everyone this Mid-Autumn Festival.

As a Filipina, I cherish these moments that blend cultures and create new traditions. Sharing a mooncake isn’t just about the taste; it’s about the connection, the thoughtful gesture, and the shared joy. It’s about remembering that even in our busy lives, taking a moment to appreciate family, friends, and the beauty of the full moon can fill our hearts with so much warmth.

So, my dear readers, whether you’re hunting for a traditional treat to pass down through generations or a trendy new flavor to spice things up, I hope this guide helps you find your perfect mooncake match. Go on, embrace the magic, and celebrate the season of togetherness!

Warmest wishes and happy moon-gazing!

Steph Arnaldo and Alessandria Coral
Alessandria Corral is an intern studying Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication at University of the Philippines Diliman.