Macau has a vibrant meals tradition and restaurant scene. However what are Macau’s high dishes? The place to eat precisely? What eating places can suit your funds? On this article, we’ll share with you a few of our meals suggestions and restaurant evaluations!
Should you’re a long-time The Poor Traveler follower, you’ve most likely observed that though we have now been journey running a blog for the previous 14 years, we have now 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. Usually, we’d simply choose 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 achieve a a lot deeper appreciation of it. We weren’t alone this time round. We have been led by our new buddy Ken, a Macau native who works for the Macau Authorities Tourism Workplace. Evidently, together with scrumptious meals, he fed us with a lot of insightful insider suggestions.
WHAT’S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?
Taipa Meals Road
Finances degree: Inexpensive
Finest for: Road meals raiders
The primary entry on this checklist isn’t a particular restaurant however a cluster of meals kiosks alongside Macau’s go-to foodie alley, Taipa Meals Road (Rua do Cunha)!
Situated 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 geared up 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 might be rooted in Chinese language, these closely influenced by the Portuguese, and people who combine these two traditions. In different phrases, it may give you a small style of Macau’s two worlds.
A lot of the road meals right here is ready on the spot, making certain 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 inside the Macau and Hong Kong context, these will be thought-about reasonably priced.
Should you’re coming from the facet of The Venetian, the primary that can greet you is a home-grown favourite known as Café Vong Kei and its large bottle of milk tea, dripping on the facet of a colourful, whimsical nook constructing. As you might need guessed, it’s well-liked for its, properly, 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 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 large it appears 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 simply 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
Deal with: 60, 60號 R. Correia da Silva, Macao
Open: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
One other brunch/snack place that you simply may need to take a look at is Sei Kee Café. It has not less than 2 retailers in Taipa Village, with its principal department incomes a Michelin quotation from 2019-2021. Identical to our earlier cease, it’s greatest 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 numerous 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 scorching, thick, savory sauce. It’s so extremely well-liked, 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 retailers. Undoubtedly, nevertheless, 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 everywhere in 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 informed 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 purple bean model.
Lei Ka Choi
Finances degree: Low price
Finest for: Households and funds vacationers on an enormous group
Delicacies: Cantonese
Should you’re touring with household or an enormous group, one store that our new buddy Ken from Macao Tourism beneficial with all his coronary heart was an unassuming native restaurant known as Lei Ka Choi. And when he stated 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 shocked me as a result of I believed 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 kind for sanitation causes. However over time, the dai pai dong label caught.
Lei Ka Choi’s declare to fame is its scorching pots, that are principally a sort of dish composed of uncooked proteins – normally skinny slices of beef nevertheless it may also be seafood – that you simply’re purported to dip in boiling scorching broth.
A fatty beef hotpot set meal (MOP 238, PHP 1666, USD 29.50) appears to be the preferred. You possibly can order extra components however with additional cost. Don’t be intimidated by the costs. Scorching pots are a gaggle factor, so each order is nice for a number of individuals.
The costliest 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 in a position to end all of them, not as a result of they weren’t good – they have been glorious, so recent and scrumptious – however there was simply an excessive amount of meals on the desk.
It’s not all scorching pot although. The truth is, of all of the issues served to us that night time, the 2 dishes that made the most effective impression weren’t the dipping sort.
The primary was the baked sea-salt snail entire rooster (MOP 258, PHP 1799, USD 32.05). Sure, a large entire rooster – head, tail, and all – filled with snails and seafood! This was oh so immaculate. I’ve by no means had rooster this juicy. It was virtually buttery and so full of 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 seemed crispy and spicy nevertheless it wasn’t. It was smooth and so moist and attractive.
No marvel these two are additionally their best-selling dishes, generally even overshadowing the recent pots!
However oh, we additionally loved the meat soup and razor clam appetizer. However I did not get the names of those dishes.
All these are greatest rinsed with gulps of Macau beer!
LEI KA CHOI
Deal with: 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
Finances degree: 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 discuss Macanese delicacies. The phrase “Macanese” can imply two issues. For us outsiders, it will possibly confer with something that’s associated to Macau, just like the Macanese pataca or Macanese streets. However amongst Macau locals, it’s extra nuanced and infrequently signifies the mixing of Southern Chinese language and Portuguese heritage. It might probably confer with 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 collected from everywhere in the world – Africa, Southeast Asia, and India – combined with Chinese language components, and ready or cooked Portuguese-style. It’s common to see coconut milk, cinnamon, tamarind, and turmeric in Macanese dishes, though in actuality, these aren’t 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, kind 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 recent, there wasn’t any tinge of any funky odor, and the uncooked onions completely labored properly with it.
- Chamussa (MOP 88, PHP 616, USD 11 per 6 items), that are samosas full of 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 rooster, which can be African Portuguese, however this one’s wetter, greasier, and stronger and extra different 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 high earned it its different nickname sawdust pudding. Litoral’s model shouldn’t be that candy, which is how I normally like my desserts.
RESTAURANTE LITORAL
Deal with: 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
Finances degree: Splurge
Finest for: Households, mates, co-workers
Delicacies: Worldwide buffet (Asian, Portuguese, and Macanese dishes amongst others)
Lots of the luxurious motels within the Cotai Strip have a unbelievable assortment of in-house eating places. On the Studio Metropolis advanced, the choices are loads. However probably the most well-liked is Hawker Hawker at W Resort!
It’s a unbelievable buffet restaurant that gave us one in all 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 every single place you see wine glasses and bottles clanking and clients laughing and having a great time. It’s excellent for individuals who are celebrating an event.
The delicacies right here is worldwide. There’s a number 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 the direction of the purple 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 certain that every little thing is recent by placing simply the correct quantity on show and consistently 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, after all!
We actually had enjoyable right here at Hawker Hawker! And if you wish to expertise this too, right here’s a tip. You may get 18% OFF if you happen to ebook with Klook!
The price 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 charge. That’s a large low cost!
However that’s not all! Should you use our promo code THEPOORTRAVELER upon take a look at, you will get much more financial savings – extra 5% OFF!
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HAWKER HAWKER
Deal with: Flooring 2U, W Resort, Studio Metropolis, Macau
Lunch Hours: 12:00 pm–3:00 pm
Dinner Hours: 6:00 pm–10:30 pm
Gown Code: Sensible Informal
Particular because of 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 a number of them!
Palace Backyard
Finances degree: Splurge, fine-dining
Finest for: Romantic dates, households, luxurious vacationers
Delicacies: Cantonese (Taishi)
And now, we’ve come to the most costly merchandise on this checklist!
Ken wished us to strive quite a lot of Macau eating places. From road 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 course of probably the most lavish eating places I’ve set foot in – the Palace Backyard. It’s helmed by Head Chef Ken Chiong, who marries a extra refined Cantonese cooking with western components.
We don’t usually dabble our toes into fine-dining territory, however this will surely be one to recollect. The interiors have been grandiose and ornate. On the principal eating space, one wall is wearing a 35-meter Suzhou silk mural with gorgeous embroidery of chrysanthemums. One personal room is embellished 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, scorching sauce, and XO sauce, we had a extremely 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 part simply tasted so recent and put-together, if you realize what I imply. The abalone, particularly, had simply the suitable brininess and chewiness.
For the soup, we had an enormous crabmeat and conpoy dumpling in supreme broth, and supreme certainly. It was top-of-the-line broths that ever graced my palate. It was clear, vibrant, and really elegant. Like, oh my goodness. The crabmeat and scallops additionally had the right texture. They have been intact contained in the dough, however simply breaks aside with a smooth chew.
Subsequent was one other duo – the crispy chicken 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 get together wasn’t over simply but as a result of the following one was beef sluggish stewed with wild honey and supreme soy sauce. Every part 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 suitable 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, nevertheless it was smokey, which was my favourite taste profile. The veggies added crunch to the swish noodles.
And for dessert, we had sweetened gorgon fruit and recent lily bulb double boiled with osmanthus. Not likely a fan of scorching desserts, however the little fruits have been smooth and easy and the osmanthus gave it an irresistible aroma. Nonetheless not my fave, however I favored it.
By the best way, by means of all of this, our tea cups have been consistently refilled. Tea pairing is a factor right here. I do love tea, however my palate remains 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 part was clear, resplendent, vibrant, and masterfully accomplished. 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 particular person will likely be added. In addition they have a lunch tasting menu model for double the value.
Dinner menus have eight programs, and as of at present price MOP 2388-3688 (PHP 16,716-25,816; USD 296.65-458) per particular person, with out drinks and unique of the ten% service cost.
PALACE GARDEN
Deal with: 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
Gown Code: Sensible Informal (For males: with ankle size trousers, no sandals, no open sneakers, no sleeveless tops)
The place to Keep in Macau
Listed below are among the high Macau motels which might be near the eating places talked about on this article.
Seek for extra Macau Lodges!
Methods to Get to Macau
Philippine Airways affords direct flights from Manila to Macau! So if you happen to haven’t booked a ticket but, think about flying with PAL. One factor I like about PAL is the beneficiant baggage allowance that routinely comes with every reserving. For Macau flights, check-in baggage can weigh 25 kg most for Economic system passengers.
That’s on high of the 7-kg carry-on baggage allowance. Usually, though some flights with low-cost carriers actually do seem low cost, whenever you begin including baggage allowance, the full price will get shut (generally even exceeding) PAL’s costs.
One more reason we choose 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 because of the Macau Authorities Tourism Workplace for making our most up-to-date journey potential.
That’s all for now. Bear in mind, plan good, journey protected, and make each journey WORTH IT!
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