Mooncakes have long been a Mid-Autumn Festival staple in Hong Kong, symbolising reunion and tradition among family and loved ones. But not everyone is a fan, as this local pastry has landed on a not-so-flattering list: TasteAtlas’ 100 Asia’s worst-rated foods.
Having sparked some heated debates among locals after being (unjustly) named one of the world’s worst foods, it seems that mooncakes still aren't winning any hearts – or stomachs, for that matter – as it was placed as the 20th worst Asian food on the list.
Using 189,858 recorded ratings up until March 20, 2025, from its global audience (with 99,790 verified as legitimate), TasteAtlas compiled the list based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, especially those that the system recognises as knowledgeable.
While some extreme dishes like Thailand's fermented fish entrail curry (#1) and deep-fried silk worms (#2), or even Cambodia's fried spiders (#5) may induce more fear than appetite, other more familiar Asian dishes also made their way to the list, including Japan’s rice burgers at number 6 (we know, we’re just as confused as you are); Duck’s head (#15) from Wuhan, China; Balut (#18) from the Philippines, and South Korea’s beondegi (steamed or boiled silkworm) at number 19. Surprisingly, some of Hong Kong’s more notoriously challenging foods that would have been a far better fit on the list, like century-old eggs and fermented tofu, were nowhere to be found.
Top 10 worst asian foods, according to TasteAtlas:
- Thai fish entrails sour curry (Southern Thailand)
- Deep-fried silk worms (Thailand)
- Ambuyat (Sarawak; Sabah; Labuan, Malaysia)
- Yerushalmi kugel (Jerusalem district, Israel)
- Fried spider (Skun, Cambodia)
- Rice burger (Japan)
- Tinutuan (Manado, Indonesia)
- Khoresh kangar (Iran)
- Kichel (Israel)
- Paniki (North Sulawesi, Indonesia)
Check out the full list of 100 worst-rated asian foods here.
Admittedly, the description of a “hard-boiled egg in a sweet cake” doesn’t sound very appetising, though nowadays, places like bakeries, hotels, and restaurants have gone far beyond the traditional recipe to create everything from molten custard-filled mooncakes to chocolate, ice cream, or even savoury versions of this pastry.
Love it or hate it, mooncakes are here to stay. Designed to be shared among families and friends – and not devoured in one sitting like an everyday snack – this irreplaceable dessert is deeply rooted in Hong Kong culture, offering more than just flavours. Don’t you agree?
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