B: The Mid-Autumn Festival is a few weeks away, but the festive spirit is already around the corner. Streets are beginning to show the first lanterns, and bakeries are preparing shelves full of mooncakes.

A: For many, mooncakes are a sweet treat for reunion. But since most of them are rich in sugar and flour, they can be off-limits for people on special diets. That’s why some bakers are looking for new ways to make this traditional treat more inclusive.

B: One of them is Ms. Thu Vân, founder of a small bakery on Hoang Van Thai Street in Hanoi. Starting mainly as an online shop, her bakery has quickly gained attention for its keto and low-carb cakes. What makes her story special is that she began experimenting in her own kitchen after a family member with diabetes couldn’t enjoy regular cakes.

From classic to keto: Mooncakes for a modern Mid-autumn (Photo: Thu Van)

A: Today, her creations, keto mooncakes, are bringing joy to many who thought they would have to miss out on sweet treats altogether. Ms. Van will tell us more about how her mooncakes are made.

“For the mooncake crust, I use almond flour combined with peanut butter and egg yolk to keep it moist. Instead of the golden syrup commonly used in traditional mooncakes, I use monk fruit sweetener and stevia to create a natural sweetness. Compared to traditional mooncakes, the keto version is a bit different: its texture is lighter, slightly crunchy and nutty, and the taste is less sweet. Still, I make sure it carries the soul of Mid-Autumn, so that when people enjoy it, they feel they are eating a real mooncake—just a healthier version.”

A: What’s interesting is that while the crust and sweetness are different, the spirit of the mooncake is still there. It shows how tradition can be preserved even with healthier ingredients.

B: But of course, a mooncake isn’t just about the crust. The filling is what makes it truly special. For many Vietnamese families, the mixed-nut filling with salted egg yolk is the most iconic part of Mid-Autumn.

B: So how does Ms. Van adapt the filling of her keto mooncakes while keeping that authentic festival taste? Let’s hear from her.

“To keep the traditional flavor while making the cakes suitable for people on special diets, I still use some classic ingredients such as lime leaves, roasted sesame, Chinese rose wine, traditional nuts like melon seeds, cashews, and almonds, and especially handmade salted egg yolk. These bring a very authentic Mid-Autumn taste, even though there’s no sugar or glutinous flour like in the traditional version. The sweetness comes from natural sweeteners, sometimes a combination of monk fruit sweetener and stevia sweetener, which do not raise blood sugar level or cause digestive problems.”

B: In traditional mixed-nut mooncakes, the filling often combines candied winter melon, lotus seeds, roasted nuts, and sometimes dried sausage, all blended with golden syrup. It’s a signature recipe that brings out the richness and festive flavor many of us grew up with.

A: In Ms. Vân’s keto version, she keeps the essence of that filling through familiar nuts and salted egg yolk, but replaces the sugary parts with natural sweeteners. The result is a mooncake that still feels authentic, yet lighter and more suitable for today’s healthy lifestyles.

B: And it turns out, this keto-style mixed-nut mooncake has become her best-seller. Let’s hear what Ms. Van shares about customers’ reactions.

“The mixed-nut mooncake is the most popular. It’s fragrant, nutty, and gives a pleasant feeling after eating. Most customers say they like it because it isn’t as sweet as traditional mooncakes. Some even tell me they can finish an entire cake at once without feeling too full or uncomfortable.”

A: Festivals are most meaningful when they bring everyone together. The Mid-Autumn Festival has always been about sharing mooncakes under the full moon, and now, with options like keto mooncakes, it becomes even more inclusive. People on special diets, or simply those looking for a healthier choice, can still enjoy the flavor and the tradition.

A: So whether you choose the timeless taste of a traditional mooncake or the lighter, creative twist of a keto version, what matters most is the joy of gathering, sharing, and celebrating.

B: Bright moon, joyful hearts! Thanks for joining us on Food Delight. Goodbye!