Hanoi Mooncake Workshop: 2 Mooncake Recipes, 3 Vietnamese Tea Tastings & Free Takeaway Souvenirs

Discover the art of making Vietnamese mooncakes in this hands-on Hanoi mooncake workshop inspired by the traditions of the Mid-Autumn Festival. During the 3-hour experience, you will learn how to make both baked mooncakes (bánh nướng) and snow skin mooncakes (bánh dẻo) from scratch, as well as assembling mung bean fillings and mixed fillings. While baking your mooncakes, you will also enjoy a tasting of three traditional Vietnamese teas, commonly served during family gatherings and festive celebrations.

This class offers a unique opportunity to explore the culture, symbolism, and flavors of one of Vietnam’s most beloved seasonal treats. At the end of the Hanoi mooncake workshop, you can enjoy your handmade mooncakes with tea or take them home as a special souvenir.

Meeting Point: 519 Au Co Street, Nhat Tan Ward, Ha Noi City

Group Size: Small group or private experience

What Makes This Experience Unique

Mooncakes are an iconic symbol of the Mid-Autumn Festival, one of the most important celebrations in Vietnamese culture. During this interactive Hanoi mooncake workshop, you will learn how these traditional cakes are made and why they hold such special meaning for Vietnamese families.

Together with your host, you will prepare two different types of mooncakes:

Bánh nướng (baked mooncake) – the classic golden pastry with a rich filling.

Bánh dẻo (snow skin mooncake) – a soft and chewy mooncake traditionally enjoyed during the festival.

You will learn each step of the process, including:

• Preparing the dough
• Shaping and filling the cakes
• Using traditional mooncake molds
• Baking and finishing techniques

While your mooncakes are being prepared, you will also enjoy a tea tasting session featuring three traditional Vietnamese teas, which are often served together with mooncakes during family gatherings. More than baking, the Hanoi mooncake workshop focuses on discovering the story, traditions, and cultural significance behind Vietnamese mooncakes.

This experience is ideal for travelers who:

• Love desserts and baking
• Want to learn about Vietnamese culture and festivals
• Enjoy hands-on food experiences and cultural exchanges
• Want to bring home a unique edible souvenir

Itinerary

1. Introduction to Mooncake Culture – 15 minutes

Your host will introduce the story of the Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam, the symbolism of mooncakes, and the ingredients used to make them. You’ll also learn about the different types of mooncakes and their regional variations.

2. Make Baked Mooncakes (Bánh Nướng) – 60 minutes

Next, you will prepare traditional baked mooncakes, shaping the dough and filling before baking them in the oven. Your host will explain the techniques used to create the beautiful patterns on the mooncake surface.

3. Make Snow Skin Mooncakes (Bánh Dẻo) – 30 minutes

Move on to preparing snow skin mooncakes, soft and delicate textures around sweet mung bean fillings or savory mixed fillings. Prepare the dough, wrap the fillings, and shape the mooncake using traditional molds.

4. Vietnamese Tea Tasting – 30 minutes

While the mooncakes are baking, enjoy a tasting of three popular Vietnamese teas, commonly served with sweets and desserts. Possible teas include:

• Lotus Tea – delicate and fragrant
• Jasmine Tea – light and floral
• Green Tea – fresh and refreshing

Your host will explain how tea complements mooncakes and why tea culture plays an important role in Vietnamese hospitality.

5. Enjoy Your Mooncakes – 15 minutes

Finally, you will enjoy the mooncakes you made together with tea, or pack them to take home as a memorable souvenir from your experience.

Inclusion

• Hanoi mooncake workshop
• Ingredients and baking tools
• Two types of mooncakes (baked & snow skin)
• Three Vietnamese tea tastings
• Cooking guidance from a local host
• Mooncakes to enjoy or take home
• Free recipe book to recreate the mooncakes back home

Exclusion

• Hotel pickup & drop-off (Available for private workshop only)
• Personal expenses (shopping, additional food or drinks not mentioned)
• Gratuities / tips (optional and at your discretion)