Hong Kong’s beloved pandan dessert brand Pandan Man returns this Mid-Autumn Festival with its most ambitious lineup yet, fusing rich black sesame with signature pandan in a limited-edition mooncake collection and three inventive cakes, available for early-bird pre-order until September 3.
Pandan Man, the local darling of pandan-based sweets, unveiled its 2026 Mid-Autumn series on Thursday, marking the first time the brand has married the nutty depth of black sesame with the fragrant, herbaceous notes of pandan. The collection includes a curated gift box, standalone mooncake sets, and three seasonal cakes designed for family gatherings. Early-bird pricing starts at HK$480 for the premium gift box—a HK$118 saving off the regular HK$598—with pickups available from September 14 to 27 at the brand’s Kowloon Bay central kitchen and pop-ups at Central Market and Causeway Bay’s Hysan Place.
Star Product: Black Sesame Pandan Lava Mooncake
The centerpiece of the collection is a four-piece handmade mooncake set featuring the new Black Sesame Pandan Lava Salted Egg Yolk Mooncake. The mooncake employs a layered construction: a charcoal-black sesame crust that delivers a roasted aroma, a smooth pandan-laced molten filling, and a core of velvety salted egg yolk custard. The result is a multi-textured bite that balances earthy, sweet, and savory elements—a departure from traditional single-flavor mooncakes.
The premium gift box also includes a full-sized classic Pandan Chiffon Cake and a festive lantern, making it a shareable family package. Customers can purchase the mooncake-only four-piece set for HK$268.
Three Limited-Edition Cakes for Mid-Autumn
Beyond mooncakes, Pandan Man has created three exclusive cakes to elevate the festive table:
- Black Sesame Salted Egg Mochi Pandan Cake: Alternating layers of rich black sesame cream, house-made salted egg yolk, and chewy mochi are stacked between fluffy pandan sponge. The combination offsets salty richness with pandan’s natural sweetness.
- Black Sesame Pandan Lava Cake: Designed for interactive dining, this cake features a hidden black sesame lava center. Diners are invited to use a straw to sip the warm, flowing filling before slicing—a playful twist meant to spark conversation during gatherings.
- Black Sesame Kataifi Pandan Cake: Inspired by the Dubai-style shredded phyllo pastry trend, this cake tops a black sesame lava and pandan sponge base with crispy kataifi strands. The contrast between brittle, sugary threads and soft, molten interior creates a novel mouthfeel.
Growing Demand for Fusion Mooncakes
Pandan Man’s 2026 launch reflects a broader shift in Hong Kong’s mooncake market, where consumers increasingly seek innovative flavors beyond traditional lotus seed paste. According to industry data, sales of non-traditional mooncakes grew by 22% in 2025, driven by younger buyers willing to experiment. The brand’s decision to combine pandan—a Southeast Asian staple—with black sesame, a classic Chinese ingredient, speaks to this cross-cultural appetite.
“We wanted to create something that feels both familiar and surprising,” said a spokesperson for Pandan Man. “The black sesame flavor is comforting, while pandan gives it a modern, refreshing lift. It’s meant to symbolize how family traditions can evolve while still bringing people together.”
How to Order
Pre-orders are open now through September 3, 2026, at the brand’s official website. Self-collection runs from September 14 to 27 at designated locations. For Hongkongers looking to secure their festive treats early, the early-bird discount provides a meaningful saving—and a chance to taste what may become the season’s most talked-about mooncake.
With the Mid-Autumn Festival falling in late September this year, Pandan Man’s timed release gives pandan enthusiasts and curious foodies alike ample opportunity to plan their celebrations. The brand has hinted that additional pop-up locations may be announced closer to the holiday, so checking their site for updates is recommended.
For those eager to explore beyond mooncakes, the new black sesame pandan cakes offer a compelling reason to revisit the brand’s repertoire—and perhaps start a new family tradition at the dessert table.