There will be mooncakes, dim sum, and lanterns…

Want to experience the sights, sounds and tastes of Asia without leaving Abu Dhabi?

Then you’ll want to check out the Lantern and Moon Festival at the Shangri-La Hotel this month. Hosted from September 21 to 24, the event celebrates the Mid-Autumn Festival – one of the biggest festivals in China and East Asia. It’s also known as the Mooncake Festival thanks to the popular tradition of exchanging the delicious sweets.

The Shangri-La will kick off its celebrations with an all-day brunch on the Friday at Sofra BLD, which is joining forces with Shang Palace and Hoi An to serve up homemade dimsum and snow skin mooncakes.

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Brunch will be priced from Dhs258, and will include beach and pool access from 11am to 8pm. Children under 12 can dine free, with a kids’ zone with fun activities set up for them.

There will also be performances from the hotel’s Kung Fu Tea Master, live music on traditional Chinese instruments, and a lantern floating ceremony.

On Saturday, Sofra BLD and Shang Palace will transform into a street market, with a lunch buffet on offer from Dhs198. Again, children under 12 dine free.

Hoi An and Shang Palace will also be hosting special set menu dinners for the occasion. Hoi An will serve up four courses of authentic Vietnamese on September 23 starting at Dhs160, while Shang Palace will offer a six-course Chinese feast priced at Dhs200 on September 24.

We can’t wait to fill up on mooncakes…

Lantern and Moon Festival, Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi, September 21 to 24, various times and prices. Tel: (02) 509 8555. shangri-la.com

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