When you think of Macau’s culinary delights, what comes to mind first?
Egg tarts, pork chop buns, Portuguese chicken…
The answers might vary, but for most visitors staying in Macau for a few days, it’s hard not to put on a few pounds!
From street-side stalls to renowned restaurants, a fusion of international and local cuisines has given birth to the unique flavors of Macau, where inspiration and innovation converge. 
Experience the Local Fusion Cuisine
In Macau, you must try the local Macanese cuisine, which combines elements of Portuguese and Chinese cooking, utilizing seasonal ingredients and spices from Europe, South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia.
Portuguese Chicken: Vibrant in color, rich in curry, with tender chicken, it’s a fusion of flavors and cultures in every bite.
Minchi: Crispy on the outside, tender within, the salty fish paired with potatoes offers a taste of the sea.
Macanese cuisine is diverse and ever-changing, a true reflection of Macau’s unique food culture. In May 2021, the “Culinary Art of Macanese Cuisine” was included in the fifth batch of China’s national intangible cultural heritage list.
The Street Food Experience
When in Macau, you must indulge in its “nostalgic flavors”:
Curry Fish Balls: Round and plump, the spicy and fragrant taste intertwines, the texture speaks through your teeth.
Bubble Waffles: With a golden, crispy exterior, the soft interior floats like clouds when you bite into it.
Portuguese Egg Tarts: Rich with the aroma of milk and eggs, the layers of flaky crust melt in your mouth, leaving a sweet aftertaste.
Pork Chop Bun: Freshly baked, the juicy, tender pork fills you with satisfaction.
Strolling through Macau’s historic districts, local eateries like Kam Kee BBQ, Hon Kee Dessert, Wing Kee Snacks, Man Kee Clay Pot Rice, and Chau Kee Dai Pai Dong…
These street foods, frequented by locals for decades, carry the memories and emotions of Macau’s residents.
A Cantonese Feast on the Table
In Macau, you must savor the Cantonese delicacies. The shared culinary heritage links the Greater Bay Area, with:
Live Seafood from street-side stallsA bowl of lovingly brewed soup by your motherThe leisurely moments of “drinking tea”
Gathering with friends for dim sum is a common occurrence for Macanese people:
Shrimp Dumplings、Siu Mai、Phoenix Claws、Malay Sponge Cake、 Thousand-Layer Cake、Pan-Fried Dumplings、Spring Rolls、Stir-Fried Beef Ho Fun、Red Rice Sausage
The renowned dim sum culture is a gentle resistance against the fast-paced life and an expression of optimism.
In China, there’s a saying that “food is the sky of the people.” In Macau, food is not just about the ingredients themselves; behind each dish lies the craftsmanship of the locals, embodying their love for life.
