Mooncakes in Singapore: A Guide to Types, Tea-Pairing & Presentation

What Is A Mooncake And Why Do We Eat Them?

Mooncakes trace back to the legend of Chang’e, the moon goddess, and are traditionally shared under the full moon as a symbol of reunion and completeness — similar to the mooncake’s round shape. As centrepieces of Mid-Autumn Festival gatherings, mooncakes are steeped in tradition and best enjoyed with thoughtful presentation. With the right tea pairing and masterful art of slicing, a simple mooncake can be transformed into a refined tasting experience to impress your guests.

Types of Mooncakes

Not all mooncakes are made the same way — here’s what sets each style apart.

• Baked Mooncakes (烘月饼)

The traditional favourite, with a golden, slightly glossy crust. Fillings range from classic lotus seed paste with salted egg yolk to mixed nuts and contemporary flavours like honey pineapple. For family reunions or gifting to elders, the White Lotus Seed Paste with Double Egg Yolk remains the classic choice — rich, familiar, and steeped in tradition. If the recipient is health-conscious, the White Lotus Seed Collagen Paste with Single Egg Yolk offers the same comforting flavour with a refined twist.

• Snowskin Mooncakes (冰皮月饼)

Chilled rather than baked, with a soft, mochi-like skin. A lighter, more contemporary format — ours lean into playful flavours like champagne and lychee martini, making them a hit for gatherings with friends or a younger crowd. For corporate gifting or client hampers, the Sea Salt Truffle Dark Chocolate or Champagne Snowskin mooncakes lean more premium and stand out as a refined choice.

Torn between tradition and something new? The Honey Pineapple baked mooncake bridges both — a familiar format with a fresh flavour twist.

Choose the Perfect Tea Pairing

Tea is the natural companion to mooncakes. Not only balancing the mooncake’s richness, it also refreshes the palate between bites. At Li Bai, we serve our mooncakes alongside our newly introduced premium tea selection upon request — brewed from whole leaves, available for pairing guidance from our team.

• What to pair them with

  • Pu-erh – Ideal for classic lotus seed paste (with/without egg yolks) mooncakes, its earthy notes cut through the sweetness
  • Tieguanyin/Oolong – A floral, slightly roasted brew that complements mixed-nut mooncakes
  • Longjing (Dragon Well)/Green – Light and grassy, pairing beautifully with chocolate or fruit-infused snowskin
  • Jasmine – A versatile pick for alcohol-flavoured snowskins or tea or red bean paste baked mooncakes

Tip: Brew tea at the correct temperature to preserve its aroma – green tea at 75 – 85°C, jasmine at 80 – 85°C, oolong at 85 – 95°C, and pu-erh with water just off the boil

Want more tips? Keep a lookout on our socials!

Master the Perfect Mooncake Slice

Serving mooncakes neatly is an art that elevates presentation.

• Use a Sharp, Thin Knife – A non-serrated knife dipped in hot water ensures smooth, clean cuts

• Quarter or Eighths – For traditional round mooncakes, cutting into four or eight even wedges makes them easier to enjoy. Ready some dessert forks or toothpicks (the fancier the better) as well

• Chill Before Cutting – For snow skin mooncakes, refrigerate them briefly before slicing to prevent smudging. For best results, freeze them and thaw outside for at least a few minutes with a heated knife for the cleanest cuts

Tip: Wipe the knife clean after each cut to maintain sharp edges and prevent the filling from dragging through the cake

Present with Elegance

Mooncake enjoyment is as much about the atmosphere as its taste.

• Serve mooncakes on elegant ceramic or wooden trays

• Complement with a tea pot and matching tea cups for an authentic touch

• Garnish plates with seasonal fruits or edible flowers for visual appeal

Create a Tasting Experience

Instead of serving whole mooncakes, create a tasting platter with different flavours. Label each slice so guests can appreciate the variety, and encourage pairing each one with a specific tea for a curated experience.

The Mid-Autumn Festival is a time for togetherness, and serving mooncakes with care shows your guests how much you value their company. With thoughtful tea pairings, precise slicing, and elegant presentation, you can turn a simple tradition into an unforgettable celebration.

Li Bai’s 2026 Mooncake Collection

Traditional Baked Mooncakes (传统烘月饼)

• NEW Honey Pineapple 蜜汁凤梨白莲蓉, 4pcs — $105 per box
• White Lotus Seed Paste with Double Egg Yolk 双黄白莲蓉, 4pcs — $105 per box
• White Lotus Seed Collagen Paste with Single Egg Yolk 单黄胶原蛋白白莲蓉, 4pcs — $105 per box
• Mixed Nuts 伍仁, 4pcs — $105 per box
• White Lotus Seed Paste with Macadamia Nut 夏威夷果仁白莲蓉, 4pcs — $98 per box

Mini Snowskin Mooncakes (迷你冰皮月饼)

• NEW Caramel Kaya 焦糖咖椰, 8pcs — $98 per box
• Champagne 香槟, 8pcs — $98 per box
• Lychee Martini 荔枝马天尼, 8pcs — $98 per box
• Sea Salt Truffle Dark Chocolate 黑松露海盐, 8pcs — $98 per box

Where to Buy

Li Bai’s mooncakes are available for purchase both online and at physical booths islandwide.

Physical booths: CIMB Plaza, Sheraton Towers Lobby, Takashimaya — enjoy 30% off
Online: shopatsheratonfestive.oddle.me — enjoy 25% off

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Mid-Autumn Festival 2026?

Mid-Autumn Festival falls on 25th September 2026 (Friday) this year. Join us for “Under the Moon, Together” at The Dining Room, Sheraton Towers Singapore Hotel on 19th September (Saturday) from 3.30 to 6PM for a time of snowskin mooncake and lantern-making. Enjoy a special dinner buffet rate of $58++ (U.P.:$118++) per diner at The Dining Room after the festivities.

What’s the difference between baked and snowskin mooncakes?

Baked mooncakes have a firm, biscuit-like crust and are served at room temperature, while snowskin mooncakes are chilled and have a soft, chewy exterior.

How many mooncakes should I buy for a gathering?

A standard box typically contains 4 pieces, enough to share among a small family. For larger gatherings, most guests take a quarter or one-eighth slice each.

How long do mooncakes keep?

Baked mooncakes generally keep longer at room temperature (check packaging for exact shelf life), while snowskin varieties should be kept refrigerated and consumed within a few days.

Can I freeze mooncakes?

Baked mooncakes should not be frozen as this affects texture and pastry quality. Snowskin mooncakes can be frozen for longer storage — thaw outside the freezer for a few minutes before serving, and use a heated knife for the cleanest slices.

Do you offer vegetarian or halal mooncakes?

Li Bai Cantonese Restaurant’s mooncakes are non-halal and non-vegetarian. 

How much do Li Bai mooncakes cost?

Li Bai’s Traditional Baked Mooncakes are priced at $105 per box (4 pieces), with the White Lotus Seed Paste with Macadamia Nut variant at $98 per box. Mini Snowskin Mooncakes are $98 per box (8 pieces). Discounts of 25% are currently available online via shopatsheratonfestive.oddle.me, and 30% off at physical booths.

Are Li Bai mooncakes available for delivery in Singapore?

Yes, Li Bai’s mooncakes are available for delivery online at shopatsheratonfestive.oddle.me or at our physical booths. Physical booths are available at Sheraton Towers Singapore Hotel Lobby, Takashimaya, and CIMB Plaza.

What is Caramel Kaya mooncake?

Li Bai’s Caramel Kaya Snowskin Mooncake is a new 2026 creation featuring a soft snowskin shell with a caramel kaya filling — a nod to one of Singapore’s most beloved local flavours. It is part of the Mini Snowskin collection at $98 per box of 8 pieces.

About Li Bai Cantonese Restaurant 

Li Bai Cantonese Restaurant at Sheraton Towers Singapore has been one of Singapore’s premier destinations for authentic Cantonese dining since 1985. Li Bai’s mooncake collection has been recognised among Singapore’s best for over four decades. Inspired by Li Bai (李白), the revered Tang Dynasty poet (701–762 AD) who is considered the greatest Chinese poet of all time, the restaurant serves Cantonese cuisine in the grand imperial tradition – amid jade, silver, and fine bone china —guided by a culinary team whose mastery is deeply rooted in Hong Kong. 

Address: Sheraton Towers Singapore, 39 Scotts Road, Lower Lobby, Singapore 228230

Monday – Saturday: 11:30AM – 3:00PM (last order 2:30PM) | 6:30PM – 10:00PM (last order 9:30PM)

Sunday: 10:30AM – 3:00PM (last order 2:30PM) | 6:30PM – 10:00PM (last order 9:30PM)

For enquiries, Contact Us Here or call +65 6839 5623

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