Macao is a melting pot of cultures, and this shows in its food. Whether you’re wandering through a street market or dining in a cozy corner eatery, there’s something delicious waiting for you at every turn. Blending Chinese and Portuguese influences with local ingredients, Macao’s cuisine is truly unique.
If you’re a foodie, this place will make you very happy. From iconic dishes to street snacks, here are the best local foods to try and where to get them.
Taste the Iconic Macanese Dishes
1. Minchi
Minchi is comfort food at its finest. A mix of ground beef or pork, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and spices, it is stir-fried to perfection. You’ll often find it served with fried egg and rice, making it a hearty meal.
For an authentic taste, try Riquexó (Address: 69 Av. Sidónio Pais). This cozy spot serves some of the best Minchi in town. It’s local, affordable, and will leave you craving for more.
2. African Chicken
African Chicken is one of Macao’s most famous dishes. It’s a grilled chicken covered in a rich, spicy sauce made with coconut milk, peanuts, chilies, and spices (though every chef has their own spin on it).
Visit Restaurante Litoral (Address: 261 Rua do Almirante Sérgio) for a taste of the original recipe. It’s quite popular, so getting a table might require some patience, but the chicken is worth the wait.
3. Macanese Coconut Pudding (Ma Haan)
If you’re in the mood for dessert, you can’t leave Macao without trying Macanese Coconut Pudding. It’s light, refreshing, and perfect for cooling off on a warm day. The pudding is delicately flavored with coconut and has a soft, jelly-like texture.
Long Wa Tea House (Address: 3 R. Norte do Mercado Almirante Lacerda) serves delicious, traditional desserts, including this pudding. It’s a great spot to relax over tea and something sweet.
Explore Macao Street Food
1. Pork Chop Bun
The Pork Chop Bun is Macao’s version of a sandwich: a crispy, freshly baked bun stuffed with a juicy, tender pork chop. Simple, but delicious.
To try one of the best, head to Tai Lei Loi Kei (Address: Rua Correia da Silva, Taipa). They started serving this dish back in the 1960s, and you can taste their expertise in every bite.
2. Egg Tarts
No trip to Macao is complete without trying their famous egg tarts. These custard-filled delights have a crispy, flaky crust and slightly caramelized top. They’re best warm and fresh out of the oven.
You can find great egg tarts almost everywhere, but Lord Stow’s Bakery (Address: 1 Rua do Tassara, Coloane) is considered one of the originals and remains a classic choice.
3. Fish Balls
While wandering the streets of Macao, you’ll likely see skewers of fish balls everywhere. They’re warm, bouncy little bites, typically doused in a spicy or curry sauce.
For fish balls with a kick, look out for the stalls near the Senado Square area. It’s hard to miss the appetizing aroma floating from these small shops and food carts.
Chinese Influences in Macao’s Cuisine
1. Dim Sum
If dim sum is your thing, you’re in the right place. Dim sum in Macao includes all the favorites: shrimp dumplings, pork buns, rice rolls, and more.
Stop by Maxim’s Palace (Address: 431 Rua de Entenações) for a beautifully done dim sum meal. The setting is elegant, the variety is vast, and the food is always fresh and delicious.
2. Congee
Congee, a savory rice porridge, is another comfort food that’s very popular in Macao. Often served with pork, century egg, or fish, congee is a great way to start your day or warm up during cooler weather.
Check out Hou Kong Tea Room (Address: 4 Calcada do Tronco Velho). This traditional tea house serves one of the best bowls of congee in town.
3. Wonton Noodle Soup
You can’t go wrong with a classic bowl of Wonton Noodle Soup. The noodles are springy, the broth is light but flavorful, and the wontons are soft, bursting with juicy shrimp or pork fillings.
For an excellent bowl of wonton noodles, head to Tou Tou Koi (Address: 16 Rua do Camilo Pessanha). This family-run joint is beloved by locals and an ideal spot for a quick, comforting meal.
Fusion Flavors
1. Bacalhau with Fried Rice
The Portuguese influence in Macao is seen in dishes like Bacalhau (salted cod) served with fried rice. The cod is usually shredded and mixed with eggs, and it’s a delightful combination of savory and salty flavors.
For the best Bacalhau, visit António’s Restaurant (Address: 7 R. dos Clerigos, Taipa). It’s a great place to enjoy a fusion dining experience in a cozy setting.
2. Serradura (Sawdust Pudding)
Another dessert to try in Macao is Serradura, also known as “Sawdust Pudding.” Made from whipped cream and crushed biscuits, it’s a light and creamy dessert that melts in your mouth.
Try it at Gelatina Mok Yi Kei (Address: 9 R. do Cunha, Taipa). They’re well-known for their version of this popular dish, and they do it exceptionally well.
Experience Michelin-Star Restaurants
1. Robuchon au Dôme
If you want to splurge on a Michelin-star meal, Robuchon au Dôme (Address: 43-45 Av. de Lisboa) is the place to go. Offering a French fine-dining experience with a beautiful view over Macao, this three-Michelin-star restaurant won’t disappoint.
Their signature dishes, like black truffle mashed potatoes and langoustine ravioli, truly make the dining experience unforgettable.
2. The Eight
Another Michelin-starred favorite is The Eight (Address: 3F, Grand Lisboa Hotel). A three-Michelin-star destination, The Eight offers elevated Cantonese dining in a stunning setting. Each dish here is a work of art.
If you’re a dim sum lover, you’ll appreciate their beautifully crafted dumplings and buns, all with a modern twist.
Macao’s Night Markets
1. Red Market
The Red Market is a haven for street food lovers. You can spend your evening hopping from one stall to another, sampling everything from curried fish balls to grilled squid.
The market is busy, but vibrant, offering an authentic Macao experience. Don’t miss out on the roasted chestnuts and skewers of beef or chicken.
2. Taipa Village
In Taipa Village, you’ll find a mix of street food stalls and sit-down restaurants. Stroll through the narrow streets and try snacks like almond cookies, egg tarts, and pork buns.
It’s a wonderful place for grabbing some local treats while soaking in the lively atmosphere of Macao’s older quarter.
Final Tips for Eating in Macao
To really enjoy Macao’s food scene, take your time and step off the beaten path. Explore local markets, try street food, and visit family-run restaurants. Not only will you eat well, but you’ll also experience the soul of Macao.
It’s also a good idea to carry cash. Many smaller eateries and street vendors don’t accept cards, so you’ll want to have MOP or HKD on hand.
Above all, don’t rush. Macao’s food deserves to be savored, one bite at a time.
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