What Is Hainanese Flaky Biscuit (Hainanese Mooncake)?

The Hainanese flaky biscuit—also known as Hainanese mooncake, su yan bing (酥盐饼), or salt-and-pepper mooncake—is a rare treasure from Singapore's Hainanese heritage. Unlike the sweet, dense mooncakes most people are familiar with, this biscuit is wonderfully different: flaky, savoury, aromatic, and just a touch sweet.

Historically, the Hainanese flaky biscuit emerged from a practical need. In the early days of Singapore's Hainanese community—many of whom worked as domestic helpers, cooks, and coffeeshop owners—families couldn't always afford the elaborate Cantonese-style mooncakes sold during Mid-Autumn Festival. So, they created their own version: a simpler, more affordable treat that was just as meaningful, if not more so.

Our grandmother brought this recipe from Hainan Island in the 1920s and began making these biscuits at Nam Tong Lee Confectionery in Purvis Street, once the heart of Singapore's Hainanese enclave. Back then, these biscuits were only made once a year during Mid-Autumn Festival. Today, Chuan Ji is one of the very few places—perhaps the only one—where you can still find authentic Hainanese flaky biscuits year-round.

What makes it different from Cantonese mooncakes? While Cantonese mooncakes are rich, sweet, and dense with lotus paste or salted egg yolk, the Hainanese version is lighter, flakier, and more rustic. It's savoury with hints of sweetness, fragrant with tangerine peel and fried shallots, and finished with a gentle peppery warmth. It's not just a mooncake—it's a piece of living history.

How Our Biscuit Is Made at Chuan Ji

At Chuan Ji, we still make our Hainanese flaky biscuits the old-fashioned way: by hand, in small batches, with the same care and precision our grandmother taught us.

The process begins with the dough. We create a layered pastry dough that's rolled and folded multiple times to achieve that signature flaky texture. Each layer is carefully worked to ensure the biscuit shatters gently when you bite into it—crisp on the outside, tender within.

Then comes the filling, which is where the magic really happens. Our filling is a complex blend of around 13 different ingredients, including preserved tangerine peel, fried shallots, sesame seeds, melon seeds, spiced sugar, salt, and pepper. Each ingredient is measured, toasted, and mixed with precision to create a balance of flavours that's uniquely Hainanese—savoury, aromatic, and just a little bit sweet.

Once the dough and filling are ready, we shape each biscuit by hand, sealing the filling inside and gently pressing it into a flat, round disc. A light brushing of egg wash and a sprinkle of sesame seeds complete the preparation before the biscuits go into the oven.

Baking is the final step, and it requires attention. We bake our biscuits until they turn a pale golden colour, ensuring the pastry is crisp and the filling is cooked through without losing its aromatic qualities. Every batch is checked for consistency, texture, and flavour—because at Chuan Ji, quality is never negotiable.

This entire process is a labour of love, honouring the recipe our grandmother perfected and the tradition our family has kept alive for more than 90 years.

Taste Profile: Sweet, Savoury, and a Gentle Peppery Kick

The first thing you'll notice when you open a box of our Hainanese flaky biscuits is the aroma—a warm, inviting blend of fried shallots, toasted sesame, and citrus from the tangerine peel. It's comforting, nostalgic, and uniquely Hainanese.

When you take your first bite, the flaky pastry shatters gently, revealing the complex filling inside. The flavour unfolds in layers: first comes the savoury richness of fried shallots and sesame, then a subtle sweetness from spiced sugar, followed by the bright, aromatic note of tangerine peel. Finally, there's a gentle peppery warmth that lingers on your palate—not spicy, just pleasantly warming.

The texture is just as important as the flavour. The pastry is crisp and flaky, while the filling has a slightly coarse, rustic texture from the seeds and chopped ingredients. It's a far cry from the smooth, uniform fillings of Cantonese mooncakes—and that's exactly what makes it special.

Whether you're enjoying it with a cup of kopi O, savouring it alongside Chinese tea, or simply nibbling it on its own, the Hainanese flaky biscuit is a treat that engages all your senses and connects you to a tradition that's almost a century old.

How to Enjoy & Serve Hainanese Flaky Biscuit

The beauty of Hainanese flaky biscuits is their versatility. They're equally at home at a festive celebration, a casual afternoon tea, or a family gathering.

Perfect Pairings

These biscuits pair beautifully with:

• Kopi O or teh O – The slight bitterness of black coffee or tea balances the savoury-sweet flavour
• Chinese tea (oolong, pu-erh, or jasmine) – A traditional pairing that enhances the aromatic notes
• Fresh fruit – Try serving with sliced pears or pomelo for a refreshing contrast

Ideal Occasions

Hainanese flaky biscuits are perfect for:

• Mid-Autumn Festival – A meaningful alternative to traditional mooncakes
• Chinese New Year – A heritage treat to share with family and friends
• Afternoon tea gatherings – Serve on a platter alongside other snacks
• Gifts for elders – A thoughtful present that honours tradition
• Corporate gifting – A unique, culturally rich gift for clients and partners

Storage & Shelf Life

To enjoy our Hainanese flaky biscuits at their best, proper storage is important—especially in Singapore's humid climate.

For the best flavour and texture, we recommend enjoying the biscuits within the first week of purchase. The fresher they are, the more you'll appreciate the delicate balance of crisp pastry and aromatic filling.

Keep in mind that Singapore's warm and humid climate means baked goods can soften more quickly than in cooler climates. If you notice the pastry losing some of its crispness, a quick warming in the oven will bring it back to life.

Order Hainanese Flaky Biscuit

Unlike the days when Hainanese flaky biscuits were only available once a year during Mid-Autumn Festival, we're proud to offer them year-round at Chuan Ji Bakery. Whether you're craving a nostalgic treat, looking for a unique gift, or planning a special event, we're here to help.

How to Get Your Biscuits

Walk-In: Visit our bakery to pick up a box of freshly made Hainanese flaky biscuits. We bake in small batches regularly, so availability is generally good—but calling ahead during festive seasons is always a good idea.

Pre-Orders: Planning a gathering or celebration? Pre-order in advance to ensure you get the quantity you need. We're happy to accommodate larger orders for weddings, corporate events, or family reunions.

Corporate Gifting: Looking for a meaningful, culturally rich gift for clients, employees, or partners? Our Hainanese flaky biscuits make a thoughtful and unique choice. Get in touch with us to discuss packaging, quantities, and delivery options.

We're passionate about sharing this piece of Hainanese heritage with as many people as possible. Whether you're a longtime fan or trying our biscuits for the first time, we'd love to hear from you and help make your experience special.