When you think of Taiwan’s Mid-Autumn Festival, what comes to mind? Lanterns? Mooncakes? Well, not quite. For most people in Taiwan, it’s all about the barbecue. Yes, that’s right—grilling has become one of the most iconic activities during this festival. But here’s the thing—it’s not some long-standing tradition. In fact, it only really kicked off in 1986!
The story goes that this trend started thanks to an ad campaign by Wan Ja Shan Soy Sauce, which launched a barbecue sauce with the catchy slogan: “A family’s barbecue, fragrances the whole neighbourhood.” That’s how the whole barbecue craze took off during Mid-Autumn Festival.
Here’s the ad if you fancy a watch.
Apparently, this ad was so well-received that it soon became an indispensable part of celebrating Mid-Autumn Festival in Taiwan. Families and friends gather around balconies, parks, or any open space to fire up the grill, sharing food and good times. It’s a proper “new tradition” for many in Taiwan.
Traditionally, you’d expect to see kids with lanterns around Mid-Autumn Festival, but that’s not really the case here anymore. While lanterns still make an appearance during other festivals, like Ghost Month or Lantern Festival, the spotlight during Mid-Autumn seems to have shifted to barbecues. I remember being back in Hong Kong for Mid-Autumn once, and I was a bit baffled when I saw lantern riddles on the streets. I thought, “Why are they still doing that?” Clearly, I’d forgotten that the stars of the show were meant to be lanterns and mooncakes, not grills and pomelos!
Taiwan’s Mooncakes – What’s the Craze?
Of course, no Mid-Autumn Festival is complete without mooncakes. And in Taiwan, there’s a wide variety. I’ll admit, I’m not the biggest fan of them, but I’ve done a bit of research.
What’s interesting is that in Hong Kong, I usually get the newer, more creative versions of mooncakes. But in Taiwan, it’s more about the traditional ones—Cantonese-style and Suzhou-style mooncakes are still going strong here.
Even though modern twists on mooncakes are getting more popular, you’ll still find the classics everywhere: lotus seed paste, red bean, salted egg yolk, jujube, mixed nuts, and even black bean paste. They’ve got it all.
For me, though, Suzhou-style mooncakes really stand out. I just love that flaky, multi-layered pastry, and so do many people in Taiwan, especially in the central and southern regions. Fillings can include green bean, red bean, jujube, or meat—perfect if you enjoy a crisp bite.
And let’s not forget the innovative mooncakes that pop up each year—bird’s nest, mullet roe, pineapple…you name it. There’s no shortage of choices. But for my Hong Kong palate, Taiwan’s mooncakes just don’t hit the spot. I’d pick a Hong Kong ice skin mooncake any day!
The Pomelo – Taiwan’s Other Mid-Autumn Star
Aside from mooncakes, the pomelo is another key part of Taiwan’s Mid-Autumn Festival. It’s a type of grapefruit, and in the lead-up to the festival, markets are full of them. Not only is it a seasonal fruit, but it also carries special symbolic meaning here.
In Taiwanese, the word for pomelo sounds like “protecting the child,” so it’s considered a symbol of safety and blessings for children. It’s common for parents to cut the pomelo in half and place the peel on their child’s head, symbolising a wish for health and growth. Every year, social media fills up with cute pictures of kids (and even pets!) with pomelo peel hats.
In a Nutshell
Taiwan’s Mid-Autumn Festival is a blend of the old and the new. While traditional cultural elements remain, modern customs have taken root too. Barbecuing has become a symbol of family gatherings, mooncakes showcase the diversity of Taiwanese food culture, and pomelos convey heartfelt blessings. Together, they reflect the Taiwanese love for life and family. Whether it’s the bright moon in the sky or the delicious food on the table, this festival brings a sense of warmth and togetherness. So, if you ever find yourself in Taiwan during Mid-Autumn, be sure to check out the barbecues. It’s a sight worth seeing!