Mid-Autumn Festival History & Best Mooncake Shops 2025

The Mid-Autumn Festival (also known as the Moon Festival or Mooncake Festival) is one of the most cherished celebrations across Asia, celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar. Families gather to admire the full moon, share mooncakes, and enjoy the symbolism of reunion, abundance, and harmony.

In 2025, as the festival approaches, mooncake lovers are already searching for the best places to buy or enjoy mooncakes. And thanks to Eatigo promotions offering up to 50% off, you can now experience these sweet traditions at lower prices in select shops and restaurants.

A Brief History of the Mid-Autumn Festival

The festival traces back over 3,000 years to China’s Zhou Dynasty, when emperors worshipped the moon for harvest blessings. By the Tang and Song Dynasties, moon worship evolved into community celebrations with lanterns and gatherings.

The most iconic food — mooncakes — became popular during the Yuan Dynasty. Legend says they were used to pass secret messages hidden inside pastries, leading to rebellion against Mongol rule. Over time, mooncakes transformed into festive treats symbolizing togetherness and good fortune.

Today, the Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated across China, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Hong Kong, and the Philippines — with mooncakes at the heart of the tradition.

A Glimpse into Mid-Autumn Festival

The Mid-Autumn Festival, also called the Moon Festival or Mooncake Festival, is observed on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, when the moon is believed to be at its fullest and brightest. 

Its roots span over two millennia. Originally, it was a harvest celebration, with ancient rituals thanking the moon and seeking blessings for agriculture. 

One popular legend involves Chang’e, the Moon Goddess, and her husband Hou Yi. According to the tale, Chang’e consumed an elixir of immortality and ascended to the moon, where she remains to this day. Admirers offer offerings, gaze at the moon, and share mooncakes in her honor. 

Mooncakes themselves carry symbolic meaning: their round shape represents family unity, completeness, and reunion. Sharing them among loved ones during this night underscores the festival’s theme of togetherness. 

In some historical accounts, mooncakes also played a covert role in rebellion. During the Yuan dynasty in China, secret messages were allegedly hidden in mooncakes as a means of communication among dissenters. 

In Malaysia, the festival is celebrated widely among the Chinese and multiethnic communities. It’s common to see lantern displays, moonlit gatherings, temple ceremonies, and of course, seasonal mooncake production and sales. 

In 2025, the Mid-Autumn Festival in Malaysia will fall on 6 October (Monday). 

Eatigo Promotions — Up to 50% Off Mooncake Deals

Through Eatigo, some hotels, bakeries, and restaurants offer discounted mooncake boxes or mooncake-themed high teas and buffets. Depending on location, deals include:

• Luxury hotels like Shangri-La, Marriott, and Sofitel, which often feature premium mooncakes in flavors such as lotus seed, red bean, green tea, and durian — with Eatigo slots at up to 50% off during off-peak hours.
• Chinese restaurants such as Crystal Jade, Imperial Treasure, or Din Tai Fung (in certain branches) where Eatigo discounts apply to a la carte menus including festive specials.
• Cafés and patisseries offering contemporary mooncake spins (like snow skin, truffle, or chocolate mooncakes) included in Eatigo’s discounted menus.
  

Always check the Eatigo app around August–September for “Recommended Menu –50%” tags under partner restaurants.

When & How to Get the Biggest Discounts

1. Book off-peak slots — early afternoons or non-dinner times usually unlock the full 50% discounts.
2. Go weekdays instead of weekends, as weekend dinner slots are most in demand and discounts may shrink.
3. Reserve early — mooncake season is short, so promotions fill up fast.
4. Check the Eatigo “Recommended Menu” list to confirm which mooncakes or mooncake sets are eligible.
5. Arrive on time — Eatigo holds reservations for only 15 minutes.
6. Remember exclusions — discounts often apply only to food (not beverages or packaged gift sets, unless specified).

Best Mooncake Merchants in Malaysia (2025)

Here are the top restaurants and lounges in Kuala Lumpur to enjoy mooncakes, festive menus, and Eatigo discounts:

1. Lemon Garden @ Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur

Famous for its lavish buffets, Lemon Garden introduces mooncake dessert counters during Mid-Autumn, pairing snow skin and traditional mooncakes with Asian and Western spreads.

2. Kwee Zeen @ Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara

A refined dining destination offering both French elegance and Asian flavors. For Mid-Autumn, Kwee Zeen often rolls out mooncake tasting platters alongside its popular buffets.

3. Nizza Restaurant @ Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara

This Italian-inspired restaurant embraces the season by offering fusion desserts — think snow skin mooncakes with chocolate or matcha fillings.

4. Le Bar @ Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara

Perfect for a mooncake afternoon tea. Expect delicate pastries, mooncakes, and premium teas or coffee in a chic, lounge-style setting.

5. Serena Brasserie @ InterContinental Kuala Lumpur

Known for its international buffet spread, Serena Brasserie adds festive touches such as mooncake dessert selections during the Mid-Autumn season.

6. Tao Chinese Cuisine @ InterContinental Kuala Lumpur

One of the most prestigious Chinese dining spots in KL. Expect traditional baked mooncakes and exclusive seasonal flavors like durian or green tea.

7. Tatsu Japanese Cuisine @ InterContinental Kuala Lumpur

While Japanese in concept, Tatsu joins the celebration with creative mooncake flavors that fuse Japanese ingredients (like matcha, yuzu, or red bean) with Chinese tradition.

8. OneSixFive Lounge @ InterContinental Kuala Lumpur

A luxurious lounge that becomes a hotspot for afternoon mooncake tea sets — elegant, seasonal, and best enjoyed with the Eatigo discount.

Short FAQ

Q: When is the Mid-Autumn Festival in 2025?
A: October 6, 2025 (Monday).

Q: Are Eatigo discounts valid for mooncake gift boxes?
A: Usually no — Eatigo discounts apply to dine-in menus, not retail mooncake boxes.

Q: Which mooncake flavors are popular in Malaysia?
A: Lotus seed paste, pandan, durian snow skin, red bean, green tea, and chocolate truffle.

Q: How much discount can I expect?
A: Eatigo offers up to 50% off during off-peak hours at selected restaurants.

Q: How long will restaurants hold my reservation?
A: Typically 15 minutes grace period. Arrive on time to avoid cancellation.

Summary

The Mid-Autumn Festival in Malaysia (2025) is both a cultural celebration and a culinary adventure. Rooted in centuries-old traditions, it has become an annual highlight where Malaysians gather, light lanterns, and enjoy mooncakes.

This year, top hotels and restaurants in Kuala Lumpur — from Lemon Garden @ Shangri-La to Kwee Zeen, Nizza, Le Bar @ Sofitel, and InterContinental’s Serena, Tao, Tatsu, and OneSixFive Lounge — are serving premium mooncake experiences.

With Eatigo’s up to 50% off promotions, you can savor these festive menus at half the price. To maximize your savings, book early, choose weekday off-peak slots, and stick to Eatigo’s recommended menus.

Celebrate this Mid-Autumn Festival with authentic flavors, modern ambience, and unbeatable discounts — a perfect balance of tradition and indulgence.