Brian Jeffrey
A Passion for Mooncakes
As a child, Long helped his grandmother prepare mooncake ingredients for the eighth lunar month, sparking a lifelong passion. Although he pursued higher education and a corporate career, his family’s mooncake-making tradition remained close to his heart.
Reviving Traditional Craftsmanship
Long observed that authentic handmade mooncakes were becoming rare, largely replaced by mass-produced varieties. Driven by a desire to reclaim this art, he launched his own brand, creating mooncakes that are entirely handmade using premium ingredients.
Innovative Ideas Take Shape
His mooncakes quickly gained popularity, yet Long felt there was more to achieve. After seeing an advertisement for gold-inlaid mooncakes from Singapore, he was disappointed to find they lacked real gold. This reminded him of his father’s craftsmanship and inspired him to incorporate gold into his mooncakes.
Understanding the Material
Inlaying gold into mooncakes proved challenging. Long learned that the gold used for decorative purposes differed from edible gold. Most gold used in crafts is less pure and mixed with metals, which is unsuitable for consumption. He discovered that 9999 gold, or 24K gold, is pure and safe for eating.
Perfecting the Technique
Long faced another hurdle: adhering the gold sheets to the cakes without using additives. After extensive research, he realized that if the gold sheets were thin enough, they could naturally stick to the cake’s surface. The precise thickness of these sheets became his secret ingredient.
Imported Quality
Since such thin gold sheets are not produced in Vietnam, Long imports them from Germany, ensuring they come with certifications for food safety.
Mastering the Gold Application
The first attempts at inlaying the gold were fraught with difficulty, as the thin layers could tear easily. Craftsmanship is essential; without skill, the gold could stick to hands or the cake itself, ruining its appearance. The goal is to apply the gold so it remains smooth and wrinkle-free on the mooncake’s surface.
Preparation Process
Before applying the gold, Long coats the sides of the mooncake with a layer of gold powder, also made from 9999 gold and imported from Germany. He ensures that all his products meet safety standards, boasting registration certificates for production.
A Unique Offering
The allure of his gold-inlaid mooncakes lies not just in the shimmering gold but also in their rich fillings, which include abalone, shark fin, or bird’s nest. Each mooncake is priced over VND1 million.
For Everyone
While catering to affluent clients, Long intends to make his mooncakes accessible to everyone. Many of his customers purchase these delicacies as gifts for their loved ones during the full-moon festival.
