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Mid-Autumn Festival | 17th September
The Mid–Autumn Festival is a celebration dating back almost 3,000 years. The Mid–Autumn Festival, also known as Moon Festival, celebrates the annual harvest that falls on the 8th month of the Chinese Lunar Calendar. Chinatown London is THE destination to celebrate the occasion, with an array of traditional celebratory dishes on offer.
Mooncakes are a popular delicacy eaten and gifted during the festival period. They are shaped like the full moon and made from sweet pastry filled with delicious red bean, salted egg yolk or sesame. Tuck in and grab one (or two) to take home at Bun House, Sakurado and Chinatown Bakery.
During the Mid–Autumn Festival, it’s custom to eat roast duck, a classic dish in China. Enjoyed best with taro, sour plum and spices at the likes of Four Seasons, The Eight, Cafe TPT and Tao Tao Ju.
Another celebratory dish is hairy crab, commonly eaten in the region of Shanghai. Steamed crabs are often prepared with ginger and vinegar and served with soy sauce. Discover at Orient London, China Modern and JinLi.
A traditional fermented wine with Osmanthus flowers, with origins dating back over 2000 years. Osmanthus wine is best enjoyed to mark the festival which falls when the Osmanthus flowers are in full bloom. Sip on floral notes at Plum Valley.
It is believed that eating Taro (a purple sweet potato) will bring good luck and wealth whilst lotus root symbolises strong family bonds and togetherness. Both can be enjoyed as part of various dishes across Chinatown. For something more fruitful, pears are considered to invoke a forever reunion in Chinese culture. Stock up at See Woo or Oseyo to enjoy at home!
Celebrate Mid–Autumn Festival in Chinatown!
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