September is the month of cultural festivals it seems. This Sunday that just passed, a group of friends and I went to the Cabramatta Moon Festival, which is celebrated once a year at the vernal equinox.
After an initial slip up where we ended up at the annual Chilean Festival (don't ask!) , we were thrust into the teeming mass that was 90,000 people celebrating the time when the moon shines brightest. It sounds awfully pagan and decadent, doesn't it?
After having a look at the many stalls along John St, I was eager to try the cuisine being offered on the street.
Red Lotus Dumpling, 80 cents
Egg Custard Dumpling, 80 cents
BBQ Pork Dumpling, 80 cents
Now, at the first stall they're selling dumplings, and when I see the prices I do a double take. I didn't even know you could still get things for 80 cents. Unbelievable! The red lotus dumpling was sweet and dense; the custard dumpling didn't have as much filling, but was still tasty; and the BBQ pork dumpling was delicious, with a sweet, crispy outer and tender, tasty filling.
Sausage Roll, $2.00
I can't believe I have a friend who'd come to this multicultural mecca and order a sausage sizzle. Apparently it was good, but I couldn't bring myself to try it.
Satay Chicken Stick, $3.00
There was lots of food on sticks on offer, but the only one I sampled was a satay chicken. It was tender and well-cooked, but the sauce they added right at the end wasn't great, although I guess you can't expect that much at a market-type scenario. The noodles from the same stall were good too, just a bit dry from the time it had spent out (cooking for crowds will do that).
Fried Hokkien Noodles, $6.00
Finally, full to bursting, we buy ourselves some traditional Moon Cakes (very expensive - if trying for the first time, buy just one), and take them home to try, hoping we'll have room by then.
Elegant Flower Moon Cake, $37.50 for 4 (with the Buy 1 Get 1 Free offer)
Moon Cake (Traditional White Lotus flavour)
Moon Cakes are typically given to family, friends or business associates. Normally they are made with a sweet white lotus seed paste and salted duck egg yolks, and have a thin crust. It's considered a delicacy, which is why they're so expensive.
Upon sampling this cake, I'm struck by the contrast between the salted egg and the sweetness of the paste, but it definitely works. I'm not able to eat a whole lot, and I can see why normally this is served in small wedges with Chinese tea.
The Cabramatta Moon Festival is lots of fun, with great (cheap) food, free entertainment and a great, community atmosphere. Watch out for it next year!
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