Macau’s culinary heritage celebrated at the International Cities of Gastronomy Fest

The International Gastronomy Forum takes place on June 17 at the Macau Fisherman’s Wharf, and is a highlight of this month’s International Cities of Gastronomy Fest

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Young couple enjoying snacks on the streets of Macau., The city’s culinary heritage comes to the fore at International Cities of Gastronomy Fest, celebrating the SAR’s 25th anniversary and its status as a City of Gastronomy. Photo: Getty Images

Published: 7:00am, 17 Jun 2024Updated: 10:06am, 17 Jun 2024

Macau is a flourishing city of contrasts, with a rich legacy as a global entrepot. Buddhist temples coexist with Portuguese churches, while ancient buildings sit comfortably beside modern landmarks like the Macau Tower.

The city’s historic centre, a Unesco World Heritage site, stands as a testament to over 450 years of Chinese and European cultures intermingling. From here, visitors are a short taxi ride away from one of the world’s largest conglomerations of integrated resorts – destinations celebrated for their contemporary luxury and entertainment offerings.

Macau’s culinary scene displays a similar blend of tradition and innovation. Considered as the world’s first fusion cuisine by many – including Unesco – the city’s culinary offerings run the gamut from traditional street food to internationally renowned fine dining. In 2017 this legacy saw Macau receive the honour of being named a Unesco Creative City of Gastronomy, becoming part of the Unesco Creative Cities Network (UCCN).

“Side by side with the Unesco World Heritage-listed Historic Centre of Macao, [our] development as a Unesco Creative City of Gastronomy is one of the city’s calling cards and an important project to preserve our unique gastronomic identity,” explains Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, director of the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO).

A gastronomic showcase

The City of Gastronomy Showcase, part of the wider International Cities of Gastronomy Fest Macao, includes some 60 culinary demonstrations. Photo: Handout

To highlight the city’s culinary heritage and celebrate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Macau Special Administrative Region, MGTO is hosting, until June 23, the International Cities of Gastronomy Fest, Macao.