On the evening of September 13, along a section of Thuy Khue Street, a long line of people lined up in front of two of the most famous traditional moon cake shops in Hanoi.
Waiting in line since 5pm, Ms. Van, a customer, shared: “I have been waiting to buy for about 30 minutes. I am afraid of traffic jams so I will park my car on the opposite side and wait in line to buy. My parents in the countryside really like Bao Phuong cakes, so every year I come here to buy 3-4 boxes to send to my parents to burn incense and as gifts for relatives.”
Or Mr. Quang, who came from Ho Chi Minh City to work in Hanoi right before the Mid-Autumn Festival, shared: “I came to Hanoi right before the Mid-Autumn Festival, so I also lined up to buy about 5 boxes of cakes to bring back as gifts for my grandparents and parents. Last time I went to Hanoi, a friend gave me a box to try, now I’m “addicted” so I had to go back and buy some to satisfy my cravings.”
The shop’s best-selling cakes are the ancient mooncakes and mooncakes with mixed fillings. All the ingredients, including lard, lemon leaves, lotus jam, Chinese sausage, and melon seeds, blend with the outer crust to create a unique aroma of traditional Hanoi.
Although this 70-year-old brand is popular, it still receives compliments and criticism from diners. Some people complain that the cakes are too sweet and greasy, but the image of people lining up for kilometers to buy the cakes also speaks to the appeal of this traditional cake.
Bao Phuong bakery has a second location at 201A Thuy Khue. But customers still choose to buy at the old address at 183 Thuy Khue more than anyone else.
Mr. Pham Van Dinh, owner of facility 1, shared: "On days close to the 15th of August, the store sells a maximum of about 2,500 pieces per day on average, and on normal days it sells at least 500 - 600 pieces."
