The small, soft and sweet mooncakes at Mei Jiang, the Peninsula, Bangkok should be on the list of anyone who loves custard creme. Freshly made daily, each mooncake weighs only 38 grams compared to the regular size of 160 grams. You can finish each one - or more - easily. A newcomer this year is the lotus-seed filling from a secret recipe of the Peninsula, Hong Kong. They are a favourite gift bought by travellers departing Hong Kong Airport, and are now available for Bangkokians to savour.

Available in boxes of eight at Bt420, they are on sale at Mei Jiang, Emporium, and Siam Paragon until October 6.

Call (02) 861 2888.

Different fillings

Both baked and snow mooncakes with almost 20 fillings including black sesame, lychee, longan, chocolate, cantaloupe and the new tom yum goong. Available at Baan Gor Pai restuarant near Hua Mark police station, and at Siam Paragon, The Mall, Emporium and all branches of Tesco Lotus.

Call (02) 720 3536-8.

Western delights

Original red-bean, custard, lotus-seed and durian flavours, plus Western delights like macadamia nut and chocolate, as well as tropical mango and pineapple. Made by chef Wong Kam-Yau, they are widely known for their delicacy and freshness.

These mooncakes are available in three different sizes ranging from Bt136 to 544 per box.

They are on sale at Liu restaurant at the All Seasons Place, and at Siam Paragon and the Emporium until October 6.

Call (02) 690 9222.

Oriental mania

Another place for mooncake mania is the Oriental, Bangkok.

The mini mooncakes here are freshly baked daily. The custard creme filling is soft and moderately sweet, and the aroma of coconut milk is unique.

Also available are durian with egg yolk, lotus-seed with egg yolk and Chinese plum fillings.

Ideal as a gift for friends, family or business associates, a box of eight mooncakes is Bt390. Order 50 boxes and you'll pay for 45 and your personal message or company logo can be put on free of charge.

On sale at the Oriental Hotel and all Oriental shops until October 6.

Call (02) 659 9000, extension 7650.

Princely offerings

Original baked and snow mooncakes with durian, lotus-seed, red-bean, green tea, Chinese jujube, mixed fruit and nut, cream, chocolate and black sesame

fillings are prepared using the finest ingredients and made daily by the

chefs of Siang Ping Loh Chinese restaurant.

The mooncakes are available at the Grand China Princess hotel, and at Siam Paragon, The Mall and Central until October 6.

Call (02) 224 9977, extension 303.

After-meal treats

Shang Palace's renowned fruit and nut filling never disappoints mooncake lovers.

Fragrant with kaffir lime leaf, it is an ideal after-meal treat with a cup of warm Chinese tea.

Also available are durian, lotus-seed, red-bean and custard fillings. Available in four-piece and eight-piece boxes, they are now on sale at Shang Palace, the Shangri-La, Bangkok until October 6.

Call (02) 236 3725 or 236 7777.

The editor can be contacted at focusfood@nationgroup.com.

Compiled by Juthamas Cholthavornpong