HANOI (July 22, 2019) – The Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi has unveiled a new collection of handmade, preservative-free mooncakes, presented in beautiful decorative boxes, ahead of the 2019 Mid-Autumn Festival, which kicks off September 13.

The mooncakes, created by Metropole’s Chef Nguyen Thanh Van, feature a variety of unique flavors, ranging from classic favorites to modern reinventions. The seven flavors available this year include Traditional Mix; Caramel and Dried Fig; Lotus Seeds and Young Rice; Pistachio and Chocolate; Green Bean, Dried Apricot and Salted Egg Yolk; Black Sesame and Coconut; and Chocolate Delight.

This year’s mooncakes come in three different types of decorative boxes: four-piece boxes, six-piece boxes and VIP boxes. The elegant four- and six-piece boxes draw inspiration from the carousel—the classic amusement ride—with the mooncakes showcased inside on two tiers. The beautifully designed, unique boxes could be repurposed as a high-tea set or for decoration.

Metropole Hanoi’s mooncakes are available between Aug. 1 and Sept. 13, with a special Early Bird Discount (10%) offered for purchases from Aug. 1-18. Bulk discounts are also available, including a 10% discount for orders of more than 10 boxes, a 15% discount for orders of more than 20 boxes, and a 20% discount for orders of more than 30 boxes. Bulk orders placed during the Early Bird Period will receive an additional 10% discount.

The Metropole is also offering an exclusive Mooncake Cooking Class for guests who would like to learn the fine art of making these delicacies for themselves. The hotel’s experienced pastry chefs lead the course, offering their secrets to creating perfect mooncakes. The Mooncake Cooking Class will be held on Aug. 10 from 8am until 12pm.

The Mid-Autumn Festival, known in Vietnam as Tet Trung Thu, is one of the country’s biggest national holidays, signifying the end of the harvest season. It is a particularly special time for Vietnamese children, who can be seen parading the streets, while singing and carrying colorful lanterns. Meanwhile, families get together to feast, pray and admire the full moon.

The festival is celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth month in the East Asian lunar calendar, which falls on Sept. 13 on the Gregorian calendar this year.