Variety really is the spice of life, and in Macao, this isn’t just taken to heart. It’s taken to the kitchen too – literally – and reflected in the variety of foods and culinary adventures that line its streets and avenues.
Which isn’t surprising at all for a nation that oozes multiculturalism and diversity at nearly every street corner, thanks to its history as a Portuguese settlement, its own distinct culture, and its neighbourly location next to China.
Yep, in Macao, the best of the West meets the best of the East in such a delicious combination that putting on an extra 5-kilograms is pretty much a given – so start dieting now!
From the abundance of Michelin star restaurants to the street vendor stalls that colonise nearly every street corner (some of which have even achieved Michelin star status), Macao is a foodie’s dream and one of the world’s original fusion destinations.
So no matter what your taste or your budget, Macao’s culinary variety is simply delicious, and that makesit the perfect destination to eat your way through, especially since it’s so close to home – tastebuds rejoice!
Here’s a quick guide to eating your way through Macao and some recommendations on where to eat, what to eat, and how to eat it.
Breakfast
Macao has always had a strong Chinese influence in its cuisine, so it makes total sense to begin our culinary adventure with a breakfast of dim sum.
Located in the popular casino resort of Sands Cotai Central, Yum Cha is an excellent restaurant serving delicious dim sum, such as har gao (shrimp dumplings), century egg congee, siew mai (pork dumplings), shrimp rice roll, and many more delectable delights!
Sands Cotai Central is home to Conrad Hotel, Sheraton Hotel, and Holiday Inn, all of which feature excellent restaurants with equally excellent menus to experience.
Mid-morning snack
When the Portuguese first began settling Macao, they brought with them their famous egg tarts. And thank god, because this is one pastry and custard concoction that’s definitely worth sinking your teeth into. Portuguese egg tarts are one of Macao’s most famous foods, and can be found pretty much anywhere – from street vendors to high-end hotels and restaurants.
But if you’re looking for the best, make a bee-line for Lord Stow’s Bakery on Coloane Island (or one of the many other outlets found around town) or the Grand Hyatt hotel. You’re totally welcome!
Lunch
Having worked up a serious appetite from wandering the streets of Macao by this point, it’s time for a lunch that fills every nook and cranny of your stomach. Feast yourself silly at Wong Chi Kei in Senado Square on its famous braised egg noodles with shrimp roe – delicious! Or tuck into a plate of Portuguese seafood rice at Temptations at the Starworld Macau Hotel, which is basically a soupier version of its Spanish and Italian versions.
Or maybe just sit down for a main at the three Michelin star Robuchon au Dôme restaurant and order its famous side dish of silky smooth mashed potatoes – mmm! Or, if none of those delicious options tickle your fancy, make a reservation at Café Litoral in Taipa Village, where you can sample traditional Macanese (one of the world’s earliest fusion cuisines) dishes, such as African chicken and Minchi (minced meat topped by a fried egg).
Afternoon snack
Nothing beats sitting down for a nice meal in Macao, but it’s actually totally possible to fill your belly grazing on the delicious variety of street food that’s scattered throughout its peninsula. We’ve already mentioned the egg tarts, but that’s only the tip of the ice-berg!
There’s also egg rolls (best served hot straight off the griddle), pork chop buns (simple yet incredibly satisfying), and almond cookies (another Macao favourite), just as an example. All these, and much, much more, can be sampled at Koi Kei Bakery in Taipa Village – a mecca for Macanese street food.
Dinner
As the sun drains from the sky and the city comes alight, it’s time for something special. António in Taipa Village serves authentic Portuguese cuisine under the world-renowned Chef António Coelho – it’s total class. Also in Taipa Village is O Manel, which takes a more home style approach to traditional Portuguese dishes.
Still with the Portuguese theme over on Coloane Island is Miramar, a stunning beachside Portuguese restaurant that aims to please.
Dessert
There’s an old Chinese saying that says you should never go to sleep without satisfying your sweet tooth. Okay, I actually just made that up, but it definitely should be, don’t you think? In any case, it’s so incredibly easy to satisfy your sweet cravings in Macao.
For example, serradura is basically a chilled pudding layered with finely crushed sweet biscuits, cream and condensed milk – in other words, pure heaven – and you’ll find this national favourite on many a restaurant menu. For something a little bit different, you could try some black garlic chocolate at McPherson’s Sweet’s Shoppe, which is an uber-sweet desert that’s totally unique.
To learn more about Macao and everything you can experience there, visit www.visitmacao.com.au
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