President Tharman and wife highlight traditional Teochew mooncakes for Mid-Autumn Festival, impress netizens
On the Mid-Autumn Festival, Singapore’s President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and his wife picked traditional Teochew mooncakes as among their favourite version of the delicacy.
They also explained the different flavours of more modern mooncakes, impressing netizens.
Source: Tharman Shanmugaratnam on Facebook
Mr Tharman shows off Teochew mooncake with two flavours
“There are so many varieties of mooncakes these days, and we can’t agree on which our favourite one is,” Mr Tharman said at a table with his wife, Ms Jane Ittogi.
Both enjoyed the traditional Teochew mooncake, or ‘tua la piah’. The Teochew mooncake differs from the Cantonese-style mooncakes most are used to in Singapore.
Source: Tharman Shanmugaratnam on Facebook
Mr Tharman explained that it had a thin, flaky crust and was much bigger than Cantonese mooncakes.
Ms Ittogi suggested that they used to be stuffed with harvest produce during the harvest festival to be shared with families and neighbours, hence the size.
The President then revealed that these versions were called ‘Double Delight’, with two flavours in one pastry.
Source: Tharman Shanmugaratnam on Facebook
“This has smooth red bean paste in the upper layer and crunchy wintermelon and melon seeds in the bottom layer.”
Newer-generation bakers using chocolate and macadamia in Teochew mooncakes
Mr Tharman also showcased the Teochew ‘orh nee la piah’, featuring creamy yam paste in a flaky crust.
Source: Tharman Shanmugaratnam on Facebook
While the couple preferred traditional mooncakes, they highlighted the unique spins from modern Singaporean bakers.
One version replaced the yam with pistachio and chocolate.
Source: Tharman Shanmugaratnam on Facebook
Another had a black sesame core surrounded by macadamia.
Ms Ittogi then brought up that newer-generation bakers are also doing away with lard, which she felt thankful for.
Source: Tharman Shanmugaratnam on Facebook
“To enjoy mooncakes, you really need to take it with Chinese tea,” Mr Tharman said, pouring them into cups made by local potter Kim Whye Kee.
The couple then wished everyone a happy Mid-Autumn Festival.
Netizens praise couple for use of Teochew names
Mr Tharman’s video quickly got over 8,600 likes at press time.
Both he and Ms Ittogi impressed netizens with their explanations and use of the Teochew names.
Source: Facebook
“We are truly Singaporean!” one commenter wrote.
Another user praised the couple for sharing the lesser-known Teochew mooncakes.
Source: Facebook
A third netizen humorously said that it was “no secret” that Mr Tharman preferred the yam paste mooncakes.
Source: Facebook
Back in 2023, he revealed that he and his wife ate ‘orh nee’ in an attempt to conceive a child. They ended up having four children together.
Also read: ‘We Both Whack Orh Nee’: Tharman Candidly Shares He & Wife Ate Yams & Had 4 Kids
‘We Both Whack Orh Nee’: Tharman Candidly Shares He & Wife Ate Yams & Had 4 Kids
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Featured image adapted from Tharman Shanmugaratnam on Facebook.
