The place to Eat in MACAU • Prime 5 Eating places for Any Finances (From Avenue Meals to Luxurious!)

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!

For those who’re a long-time The Poor Traveler follower, you’ve in all probability seen 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 could be a staple in all the opposite guides.

There’s a quite simple rationalization for it. After we’re in Macau, our itinerary is so packed that we don’t pay a lot consideration to the place we might 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 achieve 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 numerous insightful insider suggestions.

Taipa Meals Avenue

Finances degree: Reasonably priced
Greatest for: Avenue 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 Avenue (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 geared up with travelators, too. However what’s so particular about this place?

Taipa Meals Avenue 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 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. Lots of them are comparatively cheap. I’m saying “comparatively” as a result of whereas you’ll nonetheless discover these dishes for cheaper at different spots within the metropolis, you possibly can conveniently discover all of them right here at Taipa Meals Avenue. Additionally, for us, Filipinos or Southeast Asians, they’re nonetheless fairly steep, however inside the Macau and Hong Kong context, these may be thought-about common.

For those who’re coming from the aspect of The Venetian, the primary that may 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 standard 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 also be a bestseller.

In addition they serve snacks together with the ever present pork chop bun (MOP 48, PHP 336, USD 6), a pork chop so huge it appears to be like prefer it’s about to leap out of the bread. It’s juicy and peppery, complemented by the crispy pastry.

But when a giant chunk of meat is simply too heavy, you possibly can order simply the bread known as pineapple bun (MOP 18, PHP 126, USD 2.25). It has candy, creamy custard inside. It in all probability 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 rapidly. The workers whips out bun after bun and bottle after bottle nearly 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 just would possibly need to take a look at is Sei Kee Café. It has not less than 2 shops in Taipa Village, with its major department incomes a Michelin quotation from 2019-2021. Identical to our earlier cease, it’s finest identified 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 standard, 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 varied outlets. 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 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

Finances degree: Low price
Greatest for: Households and finances vacationers on a giant group
Delicacies: Cantonese

For those who’re touring with household or a giant 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 nearly 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 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 kind for sanitation causes. However through the years, the dai pai dong label caught.

Lei Ka Choi’s declare to fame is its sizzling pots, that are mainly a kind of dish composed of uncooked proteins – often skinny slices of beef however it can 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 preferred. You may order extra elements however with additional cost. Don’t be intimidated by the costs. Sizzling pots are a gaggle factor, so each order is sweet 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 a giant 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 recent 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 night time, 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, a large 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 nearly 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 regarded crispy and spicy however it wasn’t. It was smooth and so moist and attractive.

No surprise 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

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
Greatest for: Romantic dates, households, foodies
Delicacies: Macanese (Portuguese-Cantonese)

Earlier than we dig into the subsequent set of dishes, let’s first speak about Macanese delicacies. The phrase “Macanese” can imply two issues. For us outsiders, it may possibly check with 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 may check with a particular language, individuals, and delicacies.

You see, Macau was beneath Portuguese rule from 1557 to 1999. And in these 440-odd years, it’s no surprise Portuguese influences have seeped into the native tradition fairly deeply in elements, together with the meals.

One of many oldest fusion cuisines on the earth, Macanese delicacies makes use of the spices that the Portuguese amassed from all around the world – Africa, Southeast Asia, and India – combined with Chinese language elements, and ready or cooked Portuguese-style. It is not uncommon to see coconut milk, cinnamon, tamarind, and turmeric in Macanese dishes, although in actuality, these are usually not 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 muffins, 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 crammed 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 assorted in taste.

In fact, it’s not a whole 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 usually 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 is just not that candy, which is how I often 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
Greatest for: Households, mates, co-workers
Delicacies: Worldwide buffet (Asian, Portuguese, and Macanese dishes amongst others)

Lots of the luxurious resorts within the Cotai Strip have a implausible assortment of in-house eating places. On the Studio Metropolis advanced, the choices are a lot. However probably the most standard is Hawker Hawker at W Resort!

It’s a implausible buffet restaurant that gave us certainly one of our greatest meals, not simply due to the meals however the general eating expertise.

The ambiance inside Hawker Hawker could be very festive. It’s extra like a family-friendly bar than a correct buffet. All over the place you see wine glasses and bottles clanking and prospects laughing and having a superb 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 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 ensure that all the pieces is recent by placing simply the correct amount on show and continuously 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 will get 18% OFF should you e-book with Klook!

The fee will likely be diminished 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 price. That’s a large low cost!

However that’s not all! For those who 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
Deal with: Ground 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
Greatest for: Romantic dates, households, luxurious vacationers
Delicacies: Cantonese (Taishi)

And now, we’ve come to the costliest merchandise on this checklist!

Ken wished us to attempt 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 elements.

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 major eating space, one wall is wearing a 35-meter Suzhou silk mural with gorgeous embroidery of chrysanthemums. One non-public 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, 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. All the things simply tasted so recent and put-together, if you understand what I imply. The abalone, specifically, had simply the best brininess and chewiness.

For the soup, we had a large crabmeat and conpoy dumpling in supreme broth, and supreme certainly. It was probably the greatest 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 chunk.

Subsequent was one other duo – the crispy hen 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 take pleasure in in Macau and Hong Kong, solely extra refined. It’s very well-balanced, with the correct amount of sauce, bread, and seasoning.

And the meat celebration wasn’t over simply but as a result of the subsequent one was beef sluggish stewed with wild honey and supreme soy sauce. All the things 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 best 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 obtained misplaced within the combine, however 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 sizzling 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 way in which, by means of all of this, our tea cups have been continuously 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 take pleasure in each factor that poured into my cup.

Total, I fairly loved this lunch. All the things 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 often 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 worth.

Dinner menus have eight programs, and as of immediately 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 footwear, no sleeveless tops)

The place to Keep in Macau

Listed below are a few of the prime Macau resorts which can be near the eating places talked about on this article.

Seek for extra Macau Resorts!

Easy methods to Get to Macau

Philippine Airways gives direct flights from Manila to Macau! So should you haven’t booked a ticket but, take into account flying with PAL. One factor I really like about PAL is the beneficiant baggage allowance that robotically 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, while you begin including baggage allowance, the full price will get shut (typically 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 – Authentic posting

Particular because of the Macau Authorities Tourism Workplace for making our most up-to-date journey attainable.

That’s all for now. Keep in mind, plan sensible, journey protected, and make each journey WORTH IT!