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Josiah Ng

Nestled on the southern coast of China, Macau is a vibrant city with a rich culinary heritage. From the iconic pastel de nata to hearty minchi and comforting tacho, Macau’s cuisine offers a tantalising blend of Portuguese and Chinese influences. In this three-part listicle, we explore the must-try dishes and the best places to savour them in this culinary paradise.
1. Pastel de nata

Egg tarts are likely the most famous treat in Macanese cuisine. Originally from Portugal, they are today found across the world in various forms. To try the authentic Macanese version, be sure to stop by a branch of either Lord Stow’s or Koi Kei Bakery.
Where to try it?

Lord Stow’s Bakery, various branches inc. 1 Rua do Tassara, Coloane Town Square, Macau; lordstow.com.


Margaret’s Café e Nata, 17B Rua do Comandante Mata e Oliveira, Kam Loi Building, Macau

2. Minchi

Every major Asian cuisine seems to have a signature minced meat dish of its own. Hong Kong has steamed minced pork cakes, Malaysia has nasi lemak, Thailand has pad kra pao. In Macau, minchi is a classic dish of fried pork or beef, served with fried potato cubes and rice, topped with a fried egg. Sample it at Restaurante Litoral, still going strong under the stewardship of the second generation of the family that opened it.
Where to try it?

Restaurante Litoral, Rua do Almirante Sergio, 261A, Macau

3. Tacho

If you are looking for a heartwarming simple stew, and are not averse to pork innards, this is a must-try. Almost a soup rather than a stew, it has hearty meat flavours front and centre due to the blend of pig parts such as skin and knuckles, with chicken wings and even Chinese sausage in place of the Portuguese chourico. Savour this stew at Apomac, a canteen for an association for retired locals that is open to all.
Where to try it?

Apomac, Avenida de Sidónio Pais, N° 49-B, R/C, Macau; fb.com/apmaccanteen



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Food and Drinks

3 of Macau’s most quintessential dishes – and where to try them on your next visit

Discover Macau’s iconic egg tarts at Lord Stow’s Bakery. Photo: Handout

Egg tarts, or pastel de nata, are the most quintessential Macanese food

Minchi is Macau’s take on the classic minced pork dishes common to the region

Tacho at Cafe Litoral in Macau. Photo: Juliana Loh

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

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

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

A selection of classic Macanese dishes, including minchi and African chicken, alongside international fare, prepared by Macau’s IFTM Educational Restaurant, recipient of a Michelin Green Star. Photo: Handout

The cities of Gastronomy in China and Asia will be presenting their local delicacies across approximately 100 food stalls at the International Gastronomy Promenade. Photo: Shutterstock

Tourists and shoppers walking at Food Street in the Taipa neighbourhood of Macau. Photo: Shutterstock

Macau is a beguiling mix of modernity and history – and its culinary offerings are a reflection of this. Photo: Getty Images

Macau’s mix of Chinese and Portuguese food was the first fusion cuisine according to Unesco

Macau’s oldest markets have a timeless feel that speaks to the continuity of traditions that have seen Unesco make the city a Creative City of Gastronomy in 2017, and describe its food as the world’s first fusion cuisine. Photo: Shutterstock

Macau’s famous almond biscuits for sale in Rua Do Cunha. Photo: Shutterstock

Hong Kong’s best restaurants, chefs and nightlife revealed: get to know the winners of SCMP’s 100 Top Tables 2024 fine dining awards – from Rising Star Sean Yuen to Legend awardee Umberto Bombana

Award winners at 100 Top Tables 2024, the South China Morning Post’s annual fine dining guide and awards ceremony for Hong Kong and Macau: Agustin Balbi of Ando, Anne-Sophie Pic and Leela’s Manav Tuli. Photo: Handouts

Tandoori Thor’s Hammer at Leela. Photo: Handout

A Baccarat chandelier at Cristal Room by Anne-Sophie Pic. Photo: Handout

The open kitchen and dining area at Cristal Room by Anne-Sophie Pic. Photo: Handout

Joris Rousseau and David Toutain worked closely together for five months prior to Feuille’s opening to get the food and wine just right, Hong Kong, 2023. Credit: Handout

Inside the sustainable kitchen at Penicillin Hong Kong. Photo: Handout

Chef Agustin Balbi of Andō. Photo: Handout

The dining room at Andō. Photo: Handout

Part-time rocker, full-time chef Sean Yuen, at Dolos. Photo: Handout

Monkfish Liver at Dolos. Photo: Handout

Simone Rossi of DarkSide. Photo: Handout

Chef Manav Tuli at Leela. Photo: Nicholas Wong

Chocolate burfi at Leela. Photo: Nicholas Wong

Chef Umberto Bombana with white truffles. Photo: Handout

Lifestyle

100 Top Tables

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Dining

Explore Macau’s unique culinary history by sampling quintessential dishes pastel de nata, minchi and tacho at Lord Stow’s, Restaurante Litoral and Apomac


Explore Macau’s unique culinary history with quintessential dishes pastel de nata, minchi and tacho – but where should you sample them?
