Looking for authentic Vietnamese mooncakes in California? Whether you want to order online with nationwide shipping or visit a bakery in person, we’ve gathered the best sources for bánh trung thu across the state—from Los Angeles and Orange County to San Jose and beyond.
For many Vietnamese American families, the search for mooncakes is more than just shopping—it’s a tradition that connects generations. It was a 1990s and early 2000s weekend ritual for Vietnamese American kids growing up in California—piling into cars where cassette tapes played Hương Lan, Khánh Ly, Elvis Phương, singers that exist now only as parental nostalgia. Every weekend meant trips to the Vietnamese shopping plazas: exit Tully Road for Lion Plaza in San Jose, or Bolsa Avenue for Phước Lộc Thọ in Orange County. Phở first, then grocery shopping for the week.
But every so often, one of those weekends became special—when a holiday was approaching and the regular routine transformed into something more. Before Tết Trung Thu, the Mid-Autumn Festival when families gather under the full moon to share mooncakes and celebrate the harvest, those familiar plazas would fill with anticipation. Multiple generations navigated the same crowded aisles, reaching for boxes of bánh trung thu—some filled with lotus seed paste and salted egg yolks representing the full moon, others with tropical flavors like durian, pandan, and taro that tasted like home. The experience mixed mundane family errands with something quietly significant—the realization, when you saw other kids with their families doing identical things, that you were part of something larger. A lived experience that simply existed in its own space, known to those who shared it.
Those cassette tapes are obsolete now. The plazas still stand but serve as markers of a specific time and place, nostalgic landmarks of a particular generation’s experience. Yet what that era created—communal moments before festivals, families gathering to prepare traditions, parents passing down and children absorbing what gets handed forward, often without either fully realizing it—that continues. Families today build their own versions with different soundtracks, different shopping centers, different California neighborhoods. They still search for the perfect mooncakes: bánh nướng with their golden baked crusts that grandparents remember, bánh dẻo with soft chewy textures that kids prefer, and those distinctly Vietnamese thập cẩm mixed nut fillings that blend roasted seeds, candied winter melon, and coconut. The details shift across generations, but the essence remains: families creating shared experiences around Tết Trung Thu, building connections that children won’t fully understand until they’re grown.
When you share a mooncake with someone—whether it’s cutting one into wedges for the whole family or giving a beautiful box as a gift—you’re sharing wishes for unity, wholeness, and good fortune. These round pastries carry memories and connect generations, whether you’re teaching children about the festival or keeping family traditions alive far from Vietnam.
Times have changed—those weekend pilgrimages to Vietnamese plazas aren’t the only way to find mooncakes anymore. Many families now order online, especially those living far from large Vietnamese communities. But whether you’re clicking “add to cart” from your living room or walking crowded bakery aisles during festival season, the heart of it remains the same: the search for mooncakes that taste like home, the anticipation of sharing them, the continuation of traditions in whatever form works for your family. What matters isn’t how you get the mooncakes—it’s the moment when you open that box, cut them into wedges, and gather everyone around. That’s where the memory lives.
No time to hunt down mooncakes yourself? Below you’ll find our complete guide—whether you’re looking to recreate those plaza shopping trips or need them delivered to your door, here are the community’s top picks for authentic Vietnamese mooncakes.
Ships Nationwide or Delivers Locally
1983 Bakery (Southern California)
Ships: Nationwide across the US or local pick up
Location: Pick up location available upon checkout
Price range: $68-75 per box, buy 3 boxes or more and get free shipping within the US
Order by: September 28th (ships Mondays and Tuesdays weekly)
Phone orders: 714-468-7317
Why we love it: Founded by Huynh Gia Tuan, who transformed from healthcare auditor to passionate baker. His “Childhood Moonlight” collection captures nostalgic memories with handcrafted mooncakes featuring both traditional and innovative flavors.
Flavors: Option to include salted egg yolk or omit. Mixed nuts, durian, lotus seed, matcha, ube, pandan, black sesame, tiramisu, and coconut.
Pro tip for educators: The story behind this bakery – from auditor to baker following his passion – makes a great conversation starter about pursuing dreams and preserving traditions!
Order: 1983Bakery.com
My Hiep Bakery (Southern California)
Ships: Nationwide across the US or local pick up
Location: 15191 Weststate St, Westminster, CA 92683
Price range: $10.50-16.50 per mooncake, $50-180 for large mooncakes, buy 16 mooncakes and get free shipping within the US
Order by: Call for current availability, (714) 839-4657
Why we love it: This family-run Vietnamese bakery stays true to its roots—so authentic that their mooncake listings are entirely in Vietnamese. We’ve translated the flavors below so you know exactly what you’re ordering.
Flavors: Option to include salted egg yolk or omit. Traditional mooncakes: Đậu Xanh Chay (vegetarian mung bean), Khoai Môn Chay (vegetarian taro), Hột Sen Chay (vegetarian lotus seed), Thập Cẩm Chay (vegetarian mixed nuts), Nhân Dừa (coconut), Đậu Xanh (mung bean), Hột Sen (lotus seed), Khoai Môn (taro), Đậu Xanh Sầu Riêng (mung bean and durian), Thập Cẩm (mixed nuts), Ngũ Nhân Thập Cẩm Đặc Biệt (five kinds of mixed nuts and candied fruits), Thập Cẩm Gà Quay (roast chicken and mixed nuts), Ngũ Nhân Thập Cẩm Thịt Ướp (BBQ meat and mixed nuts), and Ngũ Nhân Thập Cẩm Bào Ngư (abalone and mixed nuts). Snowskin mooncakes: Khoai Môn (taro), Đậu Xanh Sầu Riêng (mung bean and durian), Đậu Xanh (mung bean), Hột Sen (lotus seed), and Thập Cẩm (mixed nuts)
Pro tip: If ordering in person and you’re not fluent in Vietnamese, bring someone who can read the labels or take photos to reference later—reviewers note the packaging is entirely in Vietnamese, which can make identifying flavors tricky when gifting or sharing with others.
Order: My Hiep Bakery
The Buttery OC (Southern California)
Ships: Nationwide across the US (50 states), local area delivery or local pick up.
Location: 9430 Warner Ave D, Fountain Valley, CA 92708
Price range: $16-18 per mooncake, local delivery costs will apply
Order by: Call or text for current availability and shipping requests, (909) 716-9797
Why we love it: This mom-and-pop Vietnamese bakery “turns into a mooncake factory” during Mid-Autumn Festival season, handmaking fresh Vietnamese-style mooncakes daily. Despite being a small operation, they ship nationwide!
Flavors: Roasted chicken with mixed nuts, BBQ pork with mixed nuts, bird’s nest and abalone, taro mochi and pork floss with salted egg, black sesame lava egg, mung bean, coconut and roasted sesame, and pandan sticky rice and coconut.
Pro tip for families: Order ahead – they’re a small operation that gets busy during festival season! Their dedication to fresh, handmade mooncakes means every batch is made with care.
Order: TheButteryOC.com
Dong Phuong Bakery (New Orleans, LA)
Ships via: Goldbelly or local pick up
Location: 14207 Chef Menteur Hwy STE 1A, New Orleans, LA 70129
Price range: $40-60 per box, free shipping within the US
Order by: Check Goldbelly for current availability – tends to sell out in September
Why we love it: Vietnamese family-owned since 1982, Dong Phuong earned a 2018 James Beard American Classic Award. Their mooncakes honor tradition while bringing New Orleans soul to every bite.
Flavors: Option to include salted egg yolk or omit. Traditional mooncakes (mung bean, white lotus coconut, red bean, mixed nuts and durian), snowskin mooncakes (mung bean, white lotus, mixed nuts), and Vietnamese pia mooncakes (mung bean, mixed nuts, durian)
Pro tip for families: The sampler box lets kids try different flavors – perfect for introducing little ones to mooncakes for the first time!
Order: Goldbelly – Dong Phuong Bakery
Local Delivery or In Person Pick Up
California
Southern California (Orange County & Los Angeles)
Kien Giang Bakery (Echo Park, LA)
Location: 1471 Echo Park Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Order by: Call for current availability, (213) 620-9815
Price range: $25-55 per box
Order by: September 26th
Flavors: See 2025 menu for list of flavors
Known for: Traditional Vietnamese mooncakes with unique fillings like abalone and scallop mixed nuts
Community tip: Order online in advance for the Mid-Autumn Festival—they sell out quickly!
Order: Kien Giang Bakery and pick up in person
Kim Hung Bakery (Chinatown, LA)
Location: 959 1/2 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Price range: $18-35 per box
Order by: Call for current availability, (213) 620-9815
Flavors: Option to include salted egg yolk or omit. Baked and snowskin mooncakes available. Mixed nuts, taro, durian, lotus, red bean, mung bean, and coconut.
Known for: Traditional style mooncakes
Community tip: Chinatown in LA also has a local Vietnamese community so it’s a great spot to combine with a Chinatown field trip or family outing – lots of history in the neighborhood!
Order: Pick up in person
Đông Hưng Viên Bakery (Orange County)
Location: 8536 Westminster Blvd, Westminster CA 92683
Local pick up only
Price range: $36-70 per box
Order by: October 6th
Flavors: See 2025 menu for list of flavors
Known for: Fresh, handmade mooncakes daily
For families: Arrive early in the morning if you want the freshest mooncakes – kids love watching them make the pastries!
Order: Đông Hưng Viên Bakery and pick up in person
Kim Ninh Bakery (Orange County)
Location: 8441 Westminster Blvd Westminster, CA 92683
Price range: $12-28 per box
Order by: Call for current availability, (714) 248-9826
Known for: Wide variety of traditional Vietnamese mooncakes
Flavors: Option to include salted egg yolk or omit. Baked and snowskin mooncakes available. Mixed nuts, taro, durian, lotus, red bean, mung bean, and coconut.
Teacher tip: Great spot to grab extra mooncakes for classroom celebrations – they usually have good availability
Order: Pick up in person
Van’s Bakery (Orange County)
Location: 8926 Bolsa Ave, Westminster, CA 92683
Price range: $15-60 per box
Order by: Call for current availability, (714) 901-1936
Flavors: Option to include salted egg yolk or omit. Baked and snowskin mooncakes available. Mixed nuts, taro, durian, lotus, red bean, mung bean, and coconut.
Known for: Both traditional Vietnamese baked and snow skin mooncakes
Multigenerational families: The variety means you can please both grandparents who love traditional and grandkids who want to try something new!
Order: Pick up in person
Northern California (Bay Area)
Van’s Bakery (San Jose)
Location: 1824 Tully Rd, San Jose, CA 95122 (in the Lion Plaza)
Price range: $9.50-15 per mooncake
Order by: Call for current availability, (408) 270-2222
Flavors: Option to include salted egg yolk or omit. Baked and snowskin mooncakes available. Mixed nuts, taro, durian, lotus, red bean, mung bean, and coconut.
Known for: Traditional mooncakes and incredible customer service
Heartwarming Info: This bakery has been a community staple for over 30 years, known for their cream puffs, pandan coconut cake, and treating customers like family.
Order: Pick up in person
Triple 1 (111) Bakery (San Jose)
Location: 2347 McKee Rd, San Jose, CA 95116
Price range: $8-11 per mooncake
Order by: Call for current availability, (408) 258-9888
Flavors: Option to include salted egg yolk or omit. Baked and snowskin mooncakes available. Supreme mixed nuts, mixed nuts, taro with durian, taro, lotus, red bean, mung bean, and coconut.
Known for: Vietnamese-style mooncakes and pastries
Local favorite: Ask the staff for recommendations – they know their regulars and what families love!
Order: Pick up in person
Euro Delights (San Jose)
Location: 1816 Tully Rd Suite #190, San Jose, CA 95122 (in the Lion Plaza)
Price range: $8-12 per mooncake
Order by: Call for current availability, (408) 274-6669
Flavors: Option to include salted egg yolk or omit. Baked and snowskin mooncakes available. Over 25 flavors available. Mixed nuts, taro with durian, taro, lotus, red bean, mung bean, and more.
Known for: Modern Vietnamese-style cakes, mooncakes, and beef jerky.
Community tip: They also sell mooncakes from outside vendors so be sure to ask for the house made mooncakes.
Order: Pick up in person
Other Major Vietnamese Communities
Looking for Vietnamese mooncakes in other states? Here are areas with significant Vietnamese American populations where you can find bánh trung thu during Mid-Autumn Festival season.
Texas (Houston & Dallas areas)
Texas is home to the second-largest Vietnamese American community in the U.S. (14% of the population). In Houston, check out De Viet Kitchen and Bakery Ngoc Lan for traditional Vietnamese mooncakes with flavors like durian coconut, mung bean, and coffee.
Washington (Seattle/Tacoma)
Home to the third-largest Vietnamese American community in the U.S., the Seattle area has several Vietnamese bakeries and markets, particularly in the International District. Check local Vietnamese shops along 12th Avenue and Jackson Street during festival season.
Virginia/Maryland/DC Metro Area
Northern Virginia, especially Falls Church’s Eden Center, is known as the “Little Saigon of the East Coast.” This area has numerous Vietnamese bakeries that offer mooncakes during Tết Trung Thu. The Vietnamese community here is one of the largest on the East Coast.
Massachusetts (Boston area)
The Boston area, particularly Dorchester and Fields Corner, has a vibrant Vietnamese community with bakeries that make traditional mooncakes. Check Vietnamese shops along Dorchester Avenue during festival season.
Florida
Florida’s Vietnamese community celebrates Mid-Autumn Festival with traditional mooncakes available at Vietnamese markets and bakeries throughout the state, particularly in the Orlando and Tampa areas.
Georgia (Atlanta area)
Atlanta’s growing Vietnamese community has bakeries that offer mooncakes during the festival season. Check local Vietnamese markets and shops for seasonal offerings.
Can’t Find a Bakery Near You?
If you’re not near any of these areas, you can:
- Order online from bakeries that ship nationwide (see our Ships Nationwide section above)
- Check local Asian markets – many carry mooncakes during festival season
- Connect with your local Vietnamese community – temples, cultural centers, and community groups often know the best sources
- Ask on social media – Vietnamese American community groups on Facebook often share mooncake recommendations
Building this resource together: Have a Vietnamese bakery or mooncake source to add? DM us on Instagram @littlebanhboo or tag us in your mooncake finds! We will update this guide each year based on community recommendations.
Make It Memorable: Mooncake Activities for Kids
Enhance your mooncake celebration with activities that help children connect with the traditions:
Mooncake Tasting Adventure: Turn trying different mooncakes into an interactive experience with our mooncake tasting activity sheet. Kids explore flavors, textures, and traditions while creating lasting memories around this special festival food—perfect for families trying multiple flavors or classroom celebrations.
Mooncake Decorations: Let kids create their own festival decorations with our mooncake coloring sheets. They’ll color traditional mooncake patterns with different designs, perfect for table decorations, wall accents, or greeting cards to share with family. These remind everyone of the sweet treats that bring families together during the festival.
Find these and more Mid-Autumn Festival resources at our Etsy shop.
Tips for Buying Vietnamese Mooncakes
Order early: Many bakeries sell out weeks before Mid-Autumn Festival (typically late September/early October). Some start taking orders in August!
Call ahead: Family-run bakeries may have limited hours or sell out of popular flavors. A quick phone call can save you a trip.
Traditional vs. Modern: Vietnamese mooncakes (bánh trung thu) often feature mung bean, lotus seed, and mixed nuts. Modern flavors include durian, ube, matcha, tiramisu, and coffee. Get a variety pack to introduce kids to different flavors!
Storage: Most mooncakes last 1-2 weeks at room temperature in a cool, dark place. Check with your bakery for specific storage instructions. Some freeze well for longer storage.
Sharing traditions: Mooncakes are perfect for sharing stories with kids about the Mid-Autumn Festival, moon legends, and family traditions. Make the shopping trip part of the celebration!
Portion sizes: Mooncakes are rich and sweet – one mooncake typically serves 4-8 people when cut into wedges. Mini mooncakes are great for individual servings or kids’ portions.
Dietary needs: Ask about ingredients if you have allergies. Many bakeries can tell you which mooncakes are egg-free, nut-free, or lower in sugar. Vegan options are becoming more available!
Support local: Vietnamese bakeries are often family businesses that have been serving communities for decades. Your purchase helps keep these traditions alive for the next generation.
Make it educational: For teachers and parents – visiting a Vietnamese bakery can be a wonderful cultural learning experience. Many bakers are happy to explain the mooncake-making process!
Celebrate with Little Banh Boo
Mid-Autumn Festival is about bringing generations together through shared traditions and treats. Whether you’re passing down family recipes or discovering Vietnamese mooncakes for the first time, we hope this guide helps you celebrate in a way that feels meaningful to you.
Follow us on Instagram @littlebanhboo for more community recommendations and tag us in your mooncake finds!
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