Macau has a vibrant meals tradition and restaurant scene. However what are Macau’s prime dishes? The place to eat precisely? What eating places can suit your finances? On this article, we’ll share with you a few of our meals suggestions and restaurant opinions!
If you happen to’re a long-time The Poor Traveler follower, you’ve in all probability observed that though we’ve got been journey running a blog for the previous 14 years, we’ve got by no means tackled the meals scene in Macau. Even our earlier Macau Journey Guides lacked a “The place to Eat” part, one thing that may be a staple in all the opposite guides.
There’s a quite simple rationalization for it. Once we’re in Macau, our itinerary is so packed that we don’t pay a lot consideration to the place we’d be consuming. Typically, we’d simply decide a meals place that’s closest to the place we have been. Thus, on our most up-to-date journey, we have been so excited to lastly have a style of Macau’s gastronomy and acquire a a lot deeper appreciation of it. We weren’t alone this time round. We have been led by our new good friend Ken, a Macau native who works for the Macau Authorities Tourism Workplace. Evidently, together with scrumptious meals, he fed us with a number of insightful insider suggestions.
WHAT’S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?
Taipa Meals Road
Price range stage: Reasonably priced
Finest for: Road meals raiders
The primary entry on this record isn’t a particular restaurant however a cluster of meals kiosks alongside Macau’s go-to foodie alley, Taipa Meals Road (Rua do Cunha)!
Positioned on the coronary heart of Taipa Village, it’s simply accessible from Cotai Strip. From The Venetian Macau Resort, it ought to take round 20 minutes on foot. However don’t fear, a lot of the strolling path is roofed and outfitted with travelators, too. However what’s so particular about this place?
Taipa Meals Road is flanked with meals stalls, cafes, and eating places –- some with Michelin distinctions — serving a variety of Macau favorites, together with these which can be rooted in Chinese language, these closely influenced by the Portuguese, and people who combine these two traditions. In different phrases, it can provide you a small style of Macau’s two worlds.
A lot of the road meals right here is ready on the spot, guaranteeing freshness and high quality. A lot of them are comparatively cheap. I’m saying “comparatively” as a result of for us, Filipinos or Southeast Asians, they’re nonetheless fairly steep, however throughout the Macau and Hong Kong context, these might be thought of inexpensive.
If you happen to’re coming from the aspect of The Venetian, the primary that can greet you is a home-grown favourite known as Café Vong Kei and its big bottle of milk tea, dripping on the aspect of a colourful, whimsical nook constructing. As you may need guessed, it’s fashionable for its, effectively, milk tea (MOP 24, PHP 168, USD 3).
But when milk tea isn’t your cuppa tea, don’t fear, its iced espresso (MOP 24, PHP 168, USD 3) can also be a bestseller.
In addition they serve snacks together with the ever-present pork chop bun (MOP 48, PHP 336, USD 6), a freshly grilled pork chop so massive it seems prefer it’s about to leap out of the bread. It’s juicy and peppery, complemented by the crispy pastry.
But when an enormous chunk of meat is just too heavy, you’ll be able to order simply the bread known as pineapple bun (MOP 18, PHP 126, USD 2.25). Regardless of the identify, it has no pineapples in it — simply candy, creamy custard inside. It takes its identify from its pineapple-like crusty look.
Don’t be discouraged by the lengthy line to the takeout counter as a result of it strikes shortly. The workers whips out bun after bun and bottle after bottle virtually continuous.
CAFÉ VONG KEI
Handle: 60, 60號 R. Correia da Silva, Macao
Open: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
One other brunch/snack place that you just may wish to take a look at is Sei Kee Café. It has a minimum of 2 shops in Taipa Village, with its essential department incomes a Michelin quotation from 2019-2021. Identical to our earlier cease, it’s finest recognized for its espresso, tea, and pork chop bun.
As you stroll deeper into the world, you’ll be bombarded by two very distinct meals scents that fill the air. The primary one is from the various stalls that serve bowls of stew made with beef offal (MOP 55-100, PHP 385-700, USD 7-12.5).
Sure, cow’s innards in sizzling, thick, savory sauce. It’s so extremely fashionable, you’ll discover individuals simply standing within the nook ending their serving of it.
The opposite scent is extra inviting for us – the candy aroma of egg tarts (MOP 11, PHP 77, USD 1.37 per piece). You’ll discover it on show at numerous outlets. Undoubtedly, nonetheless, essentially the most trusted of them is Lord Stow’s Bakery, which was established in Coloane in 1989. Since then, it has opened numerous shops all around the world, together with this one on the Taipa Village.
Now that we’re already speaking about desserts, let’s finish this tour with Mochi Macau. Though it’s being marketed as Mochi Macau (MOP 18, PHP 126, USD 2.25), we have been instructed that its identify is Cheung Chau Ping Kei, which began in Hong Kong however opened a department right here in Taipa in 2015. The fruit stuffed varieties like strawberry, durian, and this mango mochi appear to be the crowd-pleasers, however we prefered the crimson bean model.
Lei Ka Choi
Price range stage: Low value
Finest for: Households and finances vacationers on an enormous group
Delicacies: Cantonese
If you happen to’re touring with household or an enormous group, one store that our new good friend Ken from Macao Tourism advisable with all his coronary heart was an unassuming native restaurant known as Lei Ka Choi. And when he mentioned native, he meant virtually everybody eating right here was a Macau resident. And it’s true, we have been the one foreigners after we visited.
Lei Ka Choi is taken into account a dai pai dong, which stunned me as a result of I assumed dai pai dongs are out of doors setups, much like what I noticed in Hong Kong. Apparently, dai pai dongs in Macau was set outdoors too, however the authorities wished them to transform to indoor sort for sanitation causes. However over time, the dai pai dong label caught.
Lei Ka Choi’s declare to fame is its sizzling pots, that are principally a kind of dish composed of uncooked proteins – normally skinny slices of beef but it surely will also be seafood – that you just’re speculated to dip in boiling sizzling broth.
A fatty beef hotpot set meal (MOP 238, PHP 1666, USD 29.50) appears to be the most well-liked. You possibly can order extra substances however with additional cost. Don’t be intimidated by the costs. Scorching pots are a gaggle factor, so each order is sweet for a number of individuals.
The most costly merchandise on their menu is the dragon king seafood hotpot (MOP 788, PHP 5500, USD 97.90), composed of oysters, abalones, prawns, squid, fish, scallops, mussels, and different seafood with mushrooms. Thoughts you, we have been an enormous group on the time, however we weren’t capable of end all of them, not as a result of they weren’t good – they have been glorious, so contemporary and scrumptious – however there was simply an excessive amount of meals on the desk.
It’s not all sizzling pot although. In reality, of all of the issues served to us that evening, the 2 dishes that made the perfect impression weren’t the dipping sort.
The primary was the baked sea-salt snail complete hen (MOP 258, PHP 1799, USD 32.05). Sure, an enormous complete hen – head, tail, and all – filled with snails and seafood! This was oh so immaculate. I’ve by no means had hen this juicy. It was virtually buttery and so filled with umami.
My different favourite was an appetizer known as secret braised black tofu with mullet roe (MOP 108, PHP 756, USD 13.41 per 8 pcs). It appeared crispy and spicy but it surely wasn’t. It was delicate and so moist and engaging.
No marvel these two are additionally their best-selling dishes, typically even overshadowing the new pots!
However oh, we additionally loved the meat soup and razor clam appetizer. However I didn’t get the names of those dishes.
All these are finest rinsed with gulps of Macau beer!
LEI KA CHOI
Handle: Rua da Bacia Sul, 313 號地鋪T Vai Choi Backyard (Bloco C), Macau
Working hours: 6:00 PM – 4:00 AM
Restaurante Litoral
Price range stage: Mid-range
Finest for: Romantic dates, households, foodies
Delicacies: Macanese (Portuguese-Cantonese)
Earlier than we dig into the following set of dishes, let’s first speak about Macanese delicacies. The phrase “Macanese” can imply two issues. For us outsiders, it will probably seek advice from something that’s associated to Macau, just like the Macanese pataca or Macanese streets. However amongst Macau locals, it’s extra nuanced and sometimes signifies the mixing of Southern Chinese language and Portuguese heritage. It might probably seek advice from a particular language, individuals, and delicacies.
You see, Macau was below Portuguese rule from 1557 to 1999. And in these 440-odd years, it’s no marvel Portuguese influences have seeped into the native tradition fairly deeply in components, together with the meals.
One of many oldest fusion cuisines on the earth, Macanese delicacies makes use of the spices that the Portuguese accrued from all around the world – Africa, Southeast Asia, and India – combined with Chinese language substances, and ready or cooked Portuguese-style. It is not uncommon to see coconut milk, cinnamon, tamarind, and turmeric in Macanese dishes, despite the fact that in actuality, these will not be quite common in Cantonese kitchens.
And this distinctive and eclectic tackle gastronomy is highlighted right here at Restaurante Litoral, a Macanese establishment not too distant from Ama Temple.
Our information Ken pre-ordered the dishes for us, beginning with three appetizers:
- Pasteis de bacalhau (MOP 88, PHP 616, USD 11 per 6 items), that are cod fish truffles, type of like fish croquettes. It was gentle, however we may nonetheless sense the fragile style of the cod.
- Vinagrete de lulas (MOP 108, PHP 756, USD 13.50), which is squid in vinegar. I liked, liked, liked this. The mollusk was so contemporary, there wasn’t any tinge of any funky scent, and the uncooked onions completely labored effectively with it.
- Chamussa (MOP 88, PHP 616, USD 11 per 6 items), that are samosas stuffed with beef curry.
For the mains, we had galinha Africana (MOP 218, PHP 1526, USD 27), which is half-chicken marinated in and doused with a concoction of spices, served with potatoes, olives, and pickles. It jogged my memory of piri-piri hen, which can also be African Portuguese, however this one’s wetter, greasier, and stronger and extra various in taste.
In fact, it’s not an entire meal with out correct carbs. For that, we had Portuguese fried rice or arroz chau chau a Portuguesa (MOP 138, PHP 966, USD 17.15).
For dessert, we had serradura or Macau pudding (MOP 38, PHP 266, USD 4.72), which is often made with chilled layers of creamy mousse, condensed milk, and crushed Marie biscuits. The biscuit crumbs on prime earned it its different nickname sawdust pudding. Litoral’s model just isn’t that candy, which is how I normally like my desserts.
RESTAURANTE LITORAL
Handle: Rua do Alm. Sergio, 261號a
Working hours:
Lunch: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Dinner: 6:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Hawker Hawker
Price range stage: Splurge
Finest for: Households, pals, co-workers
Delicacies: Worldwide buffet (Asian, Portuguese, and Macanese dishes amongst others)
Most of the luxurious motels within the Cotai Strip have a improbable assortment of in-house eating places. On the Studio Metropolis complicated, the choices are a lot. However some of the fashionable is Hawker Hawker at W Lodge!
It’s a improbable buffet restaurant that gave us one among our greatest meals, not simply due to the meals however the general eating expertise.
The environment inside Hawker Hawker could be very festive. It’s extra like a family-friendly bar than a correct buffet. In all places you see wine glasses and bottles clanking and clients laughing and having a superb time. It’s excellent for many who are celebrating an event.
The delicacies right here is worldwide. There’s loads of native Cantonese favorites, however you’ll additionally spot tom yum in a single nook, and sashimi within the subsequent, and Portuguese dishes in one other. And sure, as a true-blue carnivore, I gravitated in direction of the crimson meat part the place I snatched slices of roast beef sirloin and Portuguese suckling pig. Sure, hypertension, right here we go!
The cooks and workers be sure that the whole lot is contemporary by placing simply the correct quantity on show and always refilling them, particularly the uncooked seafood part, which has its personal walk-in room, as if you’re on the market.
In addition they have a desk of delectable desserts with Macanese egg tarts because the centerpiece, in fact!
We actually had enjoyable right here at Hawker Hawker! And if you wish to expertise this too, right here’s a tip. You will get 18% OFF in case you guide with Klook!
The fee will likely be lowered to solely MOP 439 (PHP 3062, USD 54.50) for weekend lunch buffet or MOP 574 (PHP 4000, USD 71.29) for dinner buffet, inclusive of service payment. That’s an enormous low cost!
However that’s not all! If you happen to use our promo code THEPOORTRAVELER upon take a look at, you may get much more financial savings – extra 5% OFF!
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HAWKER HAWKER
Handle: Ground 2U, W Lodge, Studio Metropolis, Macau
Lunch Hours: 12:00 pm–3:00 pm
Dinner Hours: 6:00 pm–10:30 pm
Costume Code: Good Informal
Particular due to Ate Janelle, a Filipina who works right here at Hawker Hawker, for taking nice care of us! She’s one of many many OFWs who’re a part of the workforce right here in Macau, and we met loads of them!
Palace Backyard
Price range stage: Splurge, fine-dining
Finest for: Romantic dates, households, luxurious vacationers
Delicacies: Cantonese (Taishi)
And now, we’ve come to the costliest merchandise on this record!
Ken wished us to attempt quite a lot of Macau eating places. From avenue meals to native hotpot spots to all-you-can-eat buffets to Macanese heritage eating places. However earlier than we left, he additionally wished us to see the upper finish of Macau’s eating scene, and for that, he took us to the Grand Lisboa Palace Resort, additionally in Cotai.
It’s right here that we discovered ourselves in the midst of some of the lavish eating places I’ve set foot in – the Palace Backyard. It’s helmed by Head Chef Ken Chiong, who marries a extra subtle Cantonese cooking with western substances.
We don’t usually dabble our toes into fine-dining territory, however this would definitely be one to recollect. The interiors have been grandiose and ornate. On the essential eating space, one wall is wearing a 35-meter Suzhou silk mural with beautiful embroidery of chrysanthemums. One personal room is adorned with intricate butterfly patterns. It’s opulence, Macau-style!
As for the meals, we have been served a 6-course Govt Lunch Set Menu. After setting the 3-sauce plate with citron sauce, sizzling sauce, and XO sauce, we had a very promising amuse-bouche.
However the meal correct began with colourful duo: a playful inexperienced pork dumpling topped with abalone and black caviar and an appetizingly yellow crystal blue prawn dumpling. Every little thing simply tasted so contemporary and put-together, if you already know what I imply. The abalone, specifically, had simply the proper brininess and chewiness.
For the soup, we had a large crabmeat and conpoy dumpling in supreme broth, and supreme certainly. It was among the finest broths that ever graced my palate. It was clear, shiny, and really elegant. Like, oh my goodness. The crabmeat and scallops additionally had the proper texture. They have been intact contained in the dough, however simply breaks aside with a delicate chunk.
Subsequent was one other duo – the crispy fowl nest and Australian scallop roll, which I wasn’t that a lot of a fan of; and the wagyu beef bun with black pepper sauce, which jogged my memory of the homey meat buns that I get pleasure from in Macau and Hong Kong, solely extra refined. It’s very well-balanced, with the correct quantity of sauce, bread, and seasoning.
And the meat celebration wasn’t over simply but as a result of the following one was beef gradual stewed with wild honey and supreme soy sauce. Every little thing about this was on level. The meat was not too tender that we’d lose the feel, and the sauce was not too candy that we’d lose its taste. It had the proper stability of candy and salty that permeated deep into the meat, accentuated by the burst of gentle tanginess from the cherry tomato.
Subsequent to be served was duo vermicelli stewed with shredded roast duck and mushrooms. The duck bought misplaced within the combine, but it surely was smokey, which was my favourite taste profile. The veggies added crunch to the sleek noodles.
And for dessert, we had sweetened gorgon fruit and contemporary lily bulb double boiled with osmanthus. Not likely a fan of sizzling desserts, however the little fruits have been delicate and clean and the osmanthus gave it an irresistible aroma. Nonetheless not my fave, however I favored it.
By the best way, by all of this, our tea cups have been always refilled. Tea pairing is a factor right here. I do love tea, however my palate continues to be fairly untrained, so I can’t say a lot about it besides that I did get pleasure from each factor that poured into my cup.
General, I fairly loved this lunch. Every little thing was clear, resplendent, vibrant, and masterfully finished. However that crabmeat-conpoy soup and the meat have been my absolute favorites. Simply divine, these two.
This set lunch menu normally prices MOP 638 (PHP 4466, USD 79.25) plus 10% service cost. For tea pairing, extra MOP 168 (PHP 1176, USD 20.89) per individual will likely be added. In addition they have a lunch tasting menu model for double the worth.
Dinner menus have eight programs, and as of in the present day value MOP 2388-3688 (PHP 16,716-25,816; USD 296.65-458) per individual, with out drinks and unique of the ten% service cost.
PALACE GARDEN
Handle: Store 306, 3F, Grand Lisboa Palace, Grand Lisboa Palace Resort, Rua do Tiro, Cotai, Macau
Lunch Hours: 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Dinner Hours: 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Open: Wednesdays-Mondays
Closed: Tuesdays
Costume Code: Good Informal (For males: with ankle size trousers, no sandals, no open sneakers, no sleeveless tops)
The place to Keep in Macau
Listed here are a few of the prime Macau motels which can be near the eating places talked about on this article.
Seek for extra Macau Accommodations!
The best way to Get to Macau
Philippine Airways gives direct flights from Manila to Macau! So in case you haven’t booked a ticket but, contemplate flying with PAL. One factor I like about PAL is the beneficiant baggage allowance that mechanically comes with every reserving. For Macau flights, check-in baggage can weigh 25 kg most for Economic system passengers.
That’s on prime of the 7-kg carry-on baggage allowance. Typically, though some flights with low-cost carriers actually do seem low-cost, once you begin including baggage allowance, the full value will get shut (typically even exceeding) PAL’s costs.
One more reason we want PAL is its four-star service and scrumptious inflight meals and limitless drinks on board, that are already included within the reserving.
Go to philippineairlines.com to seek for flights to Macau!
Updates Log & Acknowledgment
2024 • 02 • 07 – Unique posting
Particular due to the Macau Authorities Tourism Workplace for making our most up-to-date journey doable.
That’s all for now. Keep in mind, plan good, journey protected, and make each journey WORTH IT!
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