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The Mooncake: A Festival Icon
In Vietnam, bánh trung thu (mooncakes) are more than just food—they’re a cultural symbol. Traditionally enjoyed during the Mid-Autumn Festival (Tết Trung Thu), these round pastries represent unity, family, and gratitude.
But like many beloved foods, mooncakes have changed with the times. While traditional flavors still hold a strong place in Vietnamese hearts, a wave of modern mooncakes has entered the scene—bringing bold new flavors, creative designs, and contemporary ideas.
At PHM Travel, we believe that discovering the story behind mooncakes is a meaningful way to connect with Vietnamese culture. Whether you’re tasting a classic lotus seed bánh nướng or trying a trendy matcha lava version, we’ll help you experience the full flavor of tradition and innovation.
So, what exactly sets the old and the new apart?
Traditional Mooncakes: Taste of Heritage
Let’s start with the classics.
Bánh nướng (baked mooncakes) and bánh dẻo (sticky rice mooncakes) are the two traditional types found in every Vietnamese household during Mid-Autumn. The fillings are rooted in cultural symbolism and local ingredients:
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Lotus seed paste (nhân sen)
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Mung bean (đậu xanh)
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Mixed nuts (thập cẩm)
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Salted egg yolk (trứng muối) – a symbol of the full moon
These mooncakes are rich, dense, and meant to be shared slowly with tea, often gifted in simple but meaningful boxes. Most are made by hand at family-run bakeries such as Bảo Phương in Hà Nội, Như Lan in Sài Gòn, or Đông Phương in Hải Phòng.
Even big brands like Kinh Đô, Đồng Khánh, and Bảo Minh offer traditional recipes alongside their modern selections—proving that timeless flavors still thrive.
Bánh nướng (baked mooncakes)
Modern Mooncakes: A Creative Twist
Step into any high-end bakery or café in Vietnam today, and you’ll likely find mooncakes that look and taste nothing like the traditional kind. As lifestyles modernize and tastes diversify, mooncakes have taken on a whole new flavor—literally and figuratively.
Modern mooncakes often come with:
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New, creative flavors like matcha green tea, chocolate, durian, coffee, tiramisu, cheese, or even lava-style salted egg yolk
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Health-conscious options, including low-sugar, vegan, and gluten-free versions
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Sleek, minimalist packaging—from pastel-toned magnetic gift boxes to custom sets for businesses and weddings
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Fusion formats like mousse-filled mooncakes, jelly mooncakes, and even ice cream versions
These reinvented styles resonate with younger generations and urban travelers, offering something fresh, trendy, and Instagram-worthy—yet still keeping the festive soul of Tết Trung Thu alive.
Mooncakes with tiramisu filling
Mooncake with matcha and cheese filling
So Which One Should You Try?
Honestly? Both.
Traditional mooncakes carry deep cultural significance and bring you closer to the roots of the Mid-Autumn Festival. With their rich, time-honored fillings, they offer an authentic taste of Vietnam’s heritage—perfect for those who appreciate classic flavors and meaningful tradition.
On the other hand, modern mooncakes are a playful way to experience the festival. With creative ingredients and eye-catching designs, they appeal to dessert lovers, trend followers, and anyone curious about something new. They also welcome more people to the celebration—those with dietary needs or simply a taste for the unexpected.
And the best part? You don’t have to choose sides. It’s totally okay to love both.
Where to Find Them
In Hà Nội, visit Bảo Phương (Thụy Khuê) or Ninh Hương (Hàng Điếu) for traditional handmade mooncakes. For modern options, try Maison Marou, Delight Bakery, or select hotels like Sofitel Legend Metropole.
In Sài Gòn, stop by Như Lan (Hàm Nghi) for the classics, or explore newer bakeries like ABC Bakery, Brodard for creative takes.
During the Mid-Autumn season, you’ll also find mooncakes from Kinh Đô, Hữu Nghị, Đồng Khánh, and other trusted brands sold at supermarkets, convenience stores, and through online platforms.
A Sweet Story of Change
Vietnam’s mooncake culture beautifully mirrors its people—deeply respectful of tradition, yet open to creativity and change. Whether you’re sharing a soft mung bean bánh dẻo with your grandmother or trying a molten matcha mooncake in a modern café, you’re tasting more than a pastry—you’re savoring a piece of heritage.
At PHM Travel, we believe food is one of the most genuine ways to experience culture. That’s why our Mid-Autumn journeys aren’t just about sightseeing—they’re about slowing down, tasting local stories, and connecting with Vietnam through its most heartfelt traditions.
Ready to explore Vietnam one mooncake at a time? Let PHM Travel guide you through tradition and innovation, all in one bite.
