Tong Ah Bakery: Beloved JB bakery for classic & creative mooncakes, with timeless recipes since 1952

I adored Mid-Autumn as a sugar-loving child for a huge, round reason: mooncakes. But you know how growing pains go — those dense, oh-so-sweet pastries started feeling a little tired on my tastebuds, and I don’t remember the last time I happily shelled out for them.

That was, until Tong Ah Bakery had me feeling like a kid in a candy store again.

Founded in 1952, Tong Ah Bakery is a beloved JB institution that’s grown from a humble neighbourhood bakery into a halal-certified household name, now helmed by its fourth generation.

Through it all, what hasn’t changed is its heart: heritage recipes passed down from its pioneers and goodies that keep customers coming back. Of these, their signature mooncake line, 鄉月™, is a standout. Marrying tradition with modern twists, this festive favourite offers a colourful variety of indulgent creations crafted with premium ingredients — and wallet-friendly prices to boot.

I know, hearing about a legacy is one thing. Tasting it? You bet I was over the moon.

What I tried from Tong Ah Bakery

What else could I have started with but the Less Sugar White Lotus (RM22.50 per piece)? Classic as they come, lotus mooncakes are usually something I steer clear of given how cloying they can get. The Less Sugar label on this one, though, had me ready to tuck in.

Tong Ah Bakery prides itself on one poetic motto: 好莲子，才有好莲蓉 (good lotus seeds make for good lotus paste). Their signature lotus paste is made with super fine grade lotus seeds — and it certainly showed.

The paste was silky smooth and supple, with a delicate sweetness lifted by a natural nutty fragrance that shone through. Made with 40% less sugar, this is one mooncake I could happily devour in one sitting without feeling weighed down.

The salted egg enjoyer in me couldn’t wait to move on to the Less Sugar Golden Jade Double Yolk (RM26).

True to its name, this hefty creation hid a gorgeous jade-green paste studded with two golden yolks. I was pleasantly surprised by the filling, which was softly perfumed with the distinct fragrance of pandan. The crumbly yolks brought an umami richness, and I just loved how each bite swung between sweet and savoury.

If looks could kill, Tong Ah’s Momoyama series would’ve had me slain. These mooncakes swap the traditional baked crust for silky colourful skins and a refreshing line-up of inventive fillings for a more modern spin.

My first conquest was the Momoyama Charcoal Oolong with Wumeizi (RM25.50), and I couldn’t help but go “wow” at the earthy scent of oolong that wafted up as I slid this jet-black beauty out of its packaging.

The skin had a firm bite, with flowery notes of oolong that complemented the velvety lotus paste. Its mellow sweetness was punctuated by preserved plums that lent tart-sweet bursts, while the melon seeds added a toasty crunch.

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Next, the Momoyama Red Dates & Longan (RM27) raised the bar and emerged as an unexpected favourite of mine. I don’t usually enjoy old-school combinations like this, but the pairing of red dates and longan sure worked like a charm here. They came together for a honeyed fruitiness, a welcome contrast against the chew of its pretty-in-pink skin.

Revealing a fragrant green tea filling dotted with pistachio chunks, the lilac-hued Momoyama Pistachio Green Tea (RM32) is a sophisticated one even mooncake sceptics would gravitate towards.

Normally, “too much pistachio” would be the last thing I’d complain about, but the abundance here did tend to overshadow its counterpart. Still, I enjoyed the crunch and buttery undertones they brought, which kept the tea from slipping into one-dimensional territory. A refreshing pick for snacking, in my humble opinion.

I enthusiastically dug into the box of Momoyama Fruity Jade next. Almost too pretty to eat, these pastel-toned mooncakes were playfully shaped after their respective fruits: Durian, Lychee, Honeydew, Blueberry, Pineapple and Grapefruit (clockwise from top left). This box of treasures is priced at RM98, and you can get 2 boxes at RM88 each this festive season, while stocks last.

What struck me the most was how clearly the essence of each fruit came through, and how surprisingly well they paired with the lotus paste within. A standout for me was the Lychee mooncake, which carried a juicy, candy-like sweetness that added a refreshing tropical lift to the filling. The Durian one deserves a special shout too, its unmistakably bold profile lending real oomph to this box of treats.

As a diehard pastry lover, I saw no better way to round off my feast than with the Shanghai Single Yolk (RM24) mooncake. A more indulgent take on the classic lotus-yolk combo, this one encases the filling in a golden, flaky crust in place of the usual soft baked shell.

The symphony of textures was to die for — the creamy lotus paste and dense yolk played beautifully against the buttery, crumbly layers of pastry. You know what? I think this marks the start of a Shanghai-style mooncake obsession for me.

Final thoughts

Mooncakes have surely come a long way from the traditional lotus-based staples, and Tong Ah Bakery’s line-up makes a compelling case for just how fun the iconic treat can be.

From refined tea infusions to playful fruit-shaped creations, their refreshing Momoyama series had me constantly wowed. At the same time, it’s clear how dearly they hold onto their traditional heart with an equally impressive selection of classics. The Less Sugar White Lotus mooncake, in particular, is proof that simplicity can steal the spotlight.

If you’re looking to impress this Mid-Autumn, be sure to snag yourself a box or two of Tong Ah’s mooncakes. What’s more, they come beautifully packaged — a perfect gift that’s as pleasant on the eyes as they are to eat, all without breaking the bank. Explore their full selection and plan your festive indulgence here.

Plus, here’s the fun part: for every RM200 spent, try your luck at their festive gachapon and stand a chance to win instant cash (RM100, RM50), or a free mooncake of your choice. Talk about a sweet way to celebrate the season!

Expected damage: RM19.50 – RM48 per pax

*This post is brought to you in partnership with Tong Ah Bakery.

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