It’s no secret that Macanese cuisine, with its plates of Macanese Chilli Shrimps and African Chickens, are tempting and worth traveling for.
Macao, with its unique blend of Chinese and Portuguese roots as well as the inclusion of African, Southeast Asian and Indian flavours, brings forth a gastronomic experience. It’s no wonder then that it has earned the accolade of the UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.
Most of Macao’s yummiest and Instagrammable cuisines can be found in a quaint little village called Taipa. It’s clear that Macanese folks are proud of their culture and cuisine and it is made evident when you step foot in Taipa Village.
With its pastel-hued architectures and cobblestoned streets, walking down the streets of Taipa is nothing short of a foodventure and these are the 9 most sought after Macanese foods.
1. Minchi
A street food just as much as it is a dish found in restaurants, the minchi is a minced meat platter (usually pork or beef) that is traditionally served with rice and a fried egg. The name minchi comes from the English pronunciation of minced meat and what gives this dish its distinct flavour is the Asian cooking style of mixing in soy sauce and chopped onions.
Where To Find It: Café Litoral @ 53/53, Rua do Regedor, Bloco 4 Wai Chin Ko, Taipa
2. Macanese Saffron Pork
Macanese Saffron Pork is one of the traditional dishes of Macao and like any Asian dish, the curry stew-like meal is typically served with a bowl of rice. Café Litoral’s version is cooked with potatoes and fragrant saffron.
Where To Find It: Café Litoral @ 53/53, Rua do Regedor, Bloco 4 Wai Chin Ko, Taipa
3. African Chicken
The African Chicken dish was invented in the ‘40s in Macao and it is a grilled chicken dish served with a savoury coconut milk sauce. African Chicken is a dish which is unique to Macanese culture and can be found at the Porto Portuguese Restaurant in Taipa. On top of that, the restaurant is also famous for dishes like Stewed Clams in White Wine with Lemon and Baked Stuffed Suckling Pig with Rice.
Where To Find It: Porto Portuguese Restaurant @ No. 75, Rua dos Clerigos Taipa
4. Serradura Cake
Fun fact: the term “serradura” stands for sawdust in the Portuguese language and the dessert earned its nickname due to its fine, sawdust-like texture. Serradura cakes are made of a combination of whipped cream and crumbled Marie biscuits. The serradura desserts at Serrdura café in Taipa feature stenciled patterns and come in flavours like Charcoal Coffee and Durian.
Where To Find It: Serrdura @ 183-189, Rua Do Regedor, R/C Taipa
5. Portuguese Seafood Rice
More than just a pot of well-cooked flavourful rice, Portuguese Seafood Rice is said to hold the taste of the ocean, what with the inclusion of fresh seafood in it. The Mediterranean flavours resemble a huge part of Portuguese culture which is no doubt rich in Macao.
Where To Find It: Comida Portuguesa O Santos @ 20 Rua do Cunha, Taipa
6. Pasteis de Bacalhau
Bacalhau is the Portuguese term for cod fish and they are commonly served in Portugal and later introduced in Macao. There are numerous ways to enjoy bacalhau but the common way that it is cooked is by baking. Enjoy a platter of bacalhau at one of Taipa’s top restaurants: Antonio’s.
Where To Find It: Antonio’s @ No. 7, Rua dos Clerigos, Taipa, Macao
7. Arroz de Pato
Arroz de Pato, the baked duck rice at Comida Portuguesa O Santos is said to have a distinctive duck flavour and is true to its Portuguese roots. That can be attributed to the fact that its chef was born and raised in Portugal and has experience is whipping up authentic Southern Portuguese cuisine, including the famous duck rice. This restaurant is especially popular amongst the Portuguese community in Macao.
Where To Find It: Comida Portuguesa O Santos @ 20 Rua do Cunha, Taipa
8. Stewed Clams in White Wine with Lemon
When at Porto Portuguese Restaurant, the wait staff would likely recommend its bestseller: a plateful of stewed clams in a broth of lemon mixed in with fragrant white wine. This restaurant is one of the oldies in Taipa Village, having been around for a decade and their platter of stewed clams makes for the perfect appetiser.
Where To Find It: Porto Portuguese Restaurant @ No. 75, Rua dos Clerigos Taipa
9. Pork Chop Bun
Pork chop buns are synonymous with Macanese culture and can be found at Café Tai Lei Loi Kei. These thick cut pork chop buns have been marinated and fried before stuffed between crisp, chewy toasted Portuguese buns. If you’d prefer something with a spicier kick, opt for the Portuguese Style Spicy Fish Bun instead.
Where To Find It: Café Tai Lei Loi Kei @ No. 35, Rua Correria da Silva, Taipa
Hungry yet? ?
Well, these are just some of the dining highlights to hunt down during your future trips to Macao. From local bakeries to classic Macanese restaurants, the options are abundant as you take a leisurely stroll through this food street with major European vibes.
For something a little closer to home, opt to pay Fat Tea Macanese Food in Damansara Perdana a visit.
Serving up authentic Macanese specialties, the restaurant will be offering a special deal called “The Macanase Table” food promotion.
This promotion is in partnership with Macao Tourism Malaysia as part of Macao’s Year Of Gastronomy and it’s a way that we can experience Macanese cuisine and culture right here in KL!
Feature Image Credit: The Culture Trip, Gninethree
This article is written in collaboration with Macao Tourism Malaysia.
