Full-moon festival in full swing

Full-moon festival in full swing - Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

Mooncakes, also known as banh trung thu in Vietnam, are an inseparable part of the Mid-Autumn Festival, which is celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar. These tasty treats can be enjoyed as a delightful daytime snack with loved ones, accompanied by a cup of tea or presented as an auspicious gift.

During the strict social distancing period, many hotels organise special online mooncake cooking classes to teach residents and their kids how to make these delicacies at home. Meanwhile, these hotels are starting to receive orders in advance with many attractive promotion campaigns.

In the capital, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi lays claim to over a century of experiences and stories that form part of the cultural fabric of Hanoi. This year, the Metropole dedicated the 2021 Mid-Autumn Festival to the fascinating online journey of Hanoi’s Grand Dame and to recall the precious moments since the turn of the 20th century in the heart of the capital. The special gifts, created by Metropole’s culinary team, are preservative-free and hand-baked from authentic recipes and infused with the Metropole’s gourmet touch, wrapped in luxurious coverings.

The Mid-Autumn Festival is a perfect chance for people to present an elegant gift box for friends, family, and colleagues. Artisans create their most eye-catching forms and patterns for the designs of the mooncake boxes. Meanwhile, expert pastry chefs at hotels create a selection of mouth-watering mooncakes including classic favourites, contemporary flavours, and fusion tastes that make perfect presents.

This year, JW Marriott Hanoi’s box design is inspired by the Year of the Ox, with the folk tale of Vietnamese celebration imprinted in giay do – a special paper, elegantly embroidered with images of Koi fish and Chrysanthemum flower, reminding of Vietnamese childhood memories and accompanied by complimentary tea or wine.

The mooncake gift box design by Sheraton Hanoi has been illustrated by the talented young artist Nguyen Phuong An and is inspired by the tale and beauty of Hanoi’s West Lake. The Golden Water Buffalo Gazing Mid-Autumn Moon collection comprises six different handcrafted mooncakes, including special bamboo charcoal and green tea skin varieties.

Meanwhile, Pan Pacific Hanoi rolled out its 2021 mooncake collection named Lien Ngu Vong Nguyet, unveiling countless blessings nestled in the iconic lotus-in-bloom theme surrounded by two carp on a starry autumn night.

In the southern hub of Ho Chi Minh City, despite the heavy restrictions, the city’s chefs still wish to bring joy to residents with fruitful collections of mooncake gift boxes.

Inspired by a tranquil garden with white sand, rocks, and yellow chrysanthemums, the scene comes to life. Pullman Hanoi’s mooncake boxes brilliantly depict a scene of a moonlit night sky, bamboo branches, and dragonflies chasing each other. The artwork Kim Cuc Hoa Nguyet Quang reflects the good wishes for all Vietnamese.

At Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Tower, its 2021 mooncake collection immerses buyers in a peaceful ambiance with two distinctive boxes and seven tantalising selections of flavours. While the traditional Phuc Lai Thanh and Phuc Man Duong boxes are inspired by elegant apricot flowers and the blue colour of hope and peace, the VIP box its with limited edition called Hao Quang Minh debuts as a structured ladylike handbag with an unprecedented, fashionable appearance

Meanwhile, Le Méridien Saigon is adding a splash of colour to the Mid-Autumn Festival with the a design inspired by an abstract painting in white, red, yellow, and blue, inscribed with the message “Painting Life with Colours” and meaningful wishes for a new beginning with positive energy, peace, and prosperity.