How to Eat a Mooncake in Australia: Serving Tips & Etiquette
With the Mid-Autumn Festival (also called the Moon Festival) just around the corner — falling this year on 6 October 2025 — many Australians are getting ready to celebrate with family, friends, and of course, delicious mooncakes.
But if you’re new to this tradition, you might be wondering: how exactly do you eat a mooncake? Should you keep it in the fridge, warm it up, slice it, or just take a big bite? Here’s a simple guide to help you enjoy this special treat the right way.
Should you refrigerate mooncakes?
Short answer: No.
It might seem logical to store mooncakes in the fridge, but refrigeration actually dries them out, affecting both their texture and taste. Mooncakes are best enjoyed at room temperature, kept in a cool, shaded spot out of direct sunlight.
At Red Jade in Melbourne, we use advanced packaging that keeps our mooncakes fresh for up to 6 months without preservatives. Once you open the packet, it’s best to enjoy them within a few days — although for most Australians, that’s rarely a problem.
Do you need to heat up a mooncake?
No heating needed. Mooncakes are crafted to be eaten just as they are, with their soft, rich filling and delicate pastry at room temperature. Simply unwrap, cut, and enjoy.
Mooncake etiquette: cut or bite?
Mooncakes are more than just a treat — they’re a symbol of reunion and sharing. During Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations across Australia, it’s common for families to gather under the full moon and share mooncakes together.
For a traditional experience, a classic Cantonese-style mooncake weighs about 200 grams and is typically cut into eight wedges, making it easy for everyone to have a taste. Pair it with a fragrant cup of Chinese tea to balance the richness.
If you’re enjoying one of our mini mooncakes, which are around 50 grams, it’s often cut into four smaller pieces. That’s perfect for sharing at a small gathering or afternoon tea.
Of course, if you’re enjoying a quiet moment to yourself, feel free to just take a bite and savour it however you like. Not every mooncake moment needs to be formal — many Aussies love treating themselves to one with a simple cuppa.
Enjoying mooncakes in Australia
In Australia, mooncakes have become a favourite not just for those with Chinese heritage but for anyone who enjoys discovering new traditions and flavours. Families gather for lantern festivals in Sydney, Melbourne and across the country, or simply enjoy mooncakes together at home.
At Red Jade, we make mini mooncakes all year-round (with a short pause during the peak of Melbourne summer). So whether you’re preparing for the Mid-Autumn Festival or just craving something unique, we’re here to bring a little taste of tradition to your table.
Quick Summary (FAQ)
Do you heat up mooncakes?
No — mooncakes are best enjoyed at room temperature. Heating them can change their delicate texture and flavour.
Can you store mooncakes in the fridge?
It’s not recommended. Refrigeration can dry out both the pastry and the filling. Keep your mooncakes in a cool, shaded spot at room temperature.
How do Australians celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival?
Many Australians celebrate by gathering with family and friends, sharing mooncakes and tea, or just having something delicious for afternoon tea.
Ready to try it for yourself?
Whether you’re preparing to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival or simply want to enjoy a unique treat, Red Jade brings authentic mooncakes right here to Australia. Whenever you’re in Melbourne or anywhere across the country and craving a little taste of tradition, we’ve got you covered. Our mini mooncakes are now available, give it a try! Order Now!
