My favourite Mid-Autumn Festival is just around the corner and it’s the perfect time now to get my supply of mooncakes to usher in the season, since many hotels have an array of mooncakes on offer. But given such a wide variety of choices, which one is really worth going for?
InterContinental Kuala Lumpur recently unveils a luscious Mid-Autumn collection comprising of 10 types of classic baked mooncakes and creative snowskin mooncakes, beautifully crafted by Master Dim Sum Chef Lo Tian Sion (羅天送) at the award-winning Tao Chinese Cuisine. He revolutionises the traditional mooncakes by exploring the taste innovation to appeal to the younger generation yet preserve the appreciation towards classic flavours.
Snow Skin
冰皮红虾榴莲月饼
冰皮翡翠单黃月饼
Baked Skin
Let’s kick off with InterContinental Kuala Lumpur’s newest snowskin flavoured mooncakes
(冰皮月饼系列)
冰皮红虾榴莲月饼
Red Prawn Durian @ RM40 nett per piece
I am sure Malaysians' No.1 favourite mooncake goes to the King of the Fruits. Many have tried Musang King (猫山王) flavour, but what's more unique here is the use of Red Prawn Durian (红虾) instead-- It is equally rich, but less sweet and adds a hint of bitter finish to the palate.
From each bite, I am truly blown by the bursting custardy flavour and fibrous texture from the real durian flesh. Being a sucker for durian, this is definitely my top pick!
椰奶冰皮潮式芋蓉虾米单黄月饼
Coconut Milk Snowskin with “Teow Chew” Yam Shrimp and Single Egg Yolk @ RM28 nett per piece
This Teo Chew-style mooncake is one of my personal favourites. The taste of dried shrimp is really strong but is balanced by the sweet, chunky yam filling and a fragrant coconut milk skin. The nice twist of flavour is a true surprise to me, as the savoury side of it really stands out among the rest.
洛神花冰皮桔饼起司月饼
Roselle Snowskin with Tangerine Lotus Cheese Paste @ RM28 nett per piece
Another unique savour that we are impressed by is the Roselle Snowskin mooncake. The tangerine peel is fragrant and outstanding in the fine roselle skin, along with a slight sour relish of cheese paste which, however, seems too mild for me.
Nevertheless, the chemistry between the natural enzymes of the ingredients works well, bringing us both Eastern and Western flavours. It is the most unique combination we have come across so far.
冰皮翡翠单黃月饼
Pandan Paste with Single Egg Yolk @ RM 28 nett per piece
The Pandan Paste may seem pretty standard to some, but here it is the handcrafted all-natural pandan -- creamy smooth texture and delicate fragrance -- which makes this mooncake really memorable. Unlike many others, this is a mooncake you will certainly want to try this season!
Moving on to the baked mooncakes (传统烘月饼系列), our expectation is definitely lifted
and we are eager for more surprises to come.
竹炭五仁月饼
Bamboo Charcoal with Assorted Nuts @ RM32 nett per piece
Encased within the distinctive charcoal crust is a wholesome blend of almonds, walnuts, macadamia nuts and sesame seeds which make the texture crunchier than your average mooncake. It is truly for those who are nuts about nuts.
雪桃红翡翠咸豆蓉月饼
Scarlet Baked Snowskin with Pandan, Salted Bean Paste, and Beetroot @ RM30 per piece
The Scarlet Baked Snowskin is lighter in taste. It reminds me of a more gentle version of Tau Sar Peang because of its pandan-infused salted bean paste. It gives a really subtle savoury touch and is well contrasted with the sweet snowskin. Truly appreciate the blend of beetroot into the skin that adds visual appeal to it.
豆沙黑芝麻瓜子月饼
Red Bean Paste with Black Sesame and Sun Dried Pumpkin Seeds @ RM28 nett per piece
Next up is a delicious sphere of creamy soft red bean paste and aromatic hints of black sesame and bitey pumpkin seeds. Despite of its rich and compact filling, the texture remains melty in the mouth. This decadent oriental piece is sure to bring back the childhood memories.
榄仁白莲蓉月饼
Pure White Lotus Paste with Nuts @ RM 26 nett per piece
If you prefer something healthier, go for the classic baked mooncake with a modern twist. The texture is silky and creamy but the pure white lotus paste, when added with nuts, is less sweet.
单黃白莲蓉月饼
White Lotus Paste with Single Egg Yolk @ RM 28 nett per piece
If you love to savour the traditional flavour of yolks, you are going to love this. Nothing beats the yummy goodness of the salty savour of single egg yolk, especially when it is paired with lightly sweet lotus paste.
上海单黃月饼
Shanghai Mooncake with Single Egg Yolk @ RM32 nett per piece
We always save the best for the last. The classic golden baked Shanghai-styled mooncake is different from the rest in the selection. Extraordinarily rich in butter, the oven-baked crust melts in the mouth and crumbles like a pie crust. Definitely a must-try item for pastry lovers.
If you’re keen, you can even enjoy these Halal-certified mooncakes at Tao Chinese Cuisine’s posh dining space with a sumptuous spread of dim sum and tea.
What's better than enjoying a traditional Chinese fare with a twist of modern presentation at this tastefully-designed restaurant? The wall is beautifully adorned with blooms of peach flowers, while the spectacular cloud-inspired ceiling makes us feel as if we are dining under the stars!
Brownie points goes to the fact that the mooncakes are encased in an intricately decorated and detailed tin that is functional and has a very elegant yet distinct old charm. You can choose from 3 different vibrant mooncake tin designs (Dark Tangerine, Mustard Yellow and Royal Purple) - stackable and versatile - with each box beautifully designed to fit 2 luscious mooncakes.
Early bird savings of 15% off mooncakes will be available for every Mooncake box purchases made before 15 August 2016.
Verdict:
Among the 10 delectable varieties, coincidentally my personal favourites are amongst the chef’s recommended flavours, namely:
#1 Shanghai Mooncake with Single Egg Yolk;#2 Red Prawm Durian Snowskin Mooncake;
#3 Bamboo Charcoal with Assorted Nuts; and
#4 Pandan Paste with Single Yolk
Tao Chinese Cuisine
Level 1, InterContinental Kuala Lumpur
165, Jalan Ampang,
50450 Kuala Lumpur.
Reservation: +603-27826128
Email: tao@intercontinental-kl.com.my
Website: www.kualalumpur.intercontinental.com
Facebook: fb.com/intercontinental.kualalumpur
Instagram: @InterContinental.KualaLumpur
Twitter: @InterConKL
Business Hours:
Lunch: 11.30am - 2.30pm daily
Dinner: 6.30pm - 10.30pm daily
No comments:
Post a Comment
Comment here!