Where are the best places to eat dim sum, sample rustic Portuguese favourites or try classic Macanese minchi? Discover the eateries you need to visit in Macao.
Few places boast so many global cuisines in such a small space as Macao, with Portuguese, Chinese, Burmese and Indian among those you'll find here. At the centre of it all is Macanese cuisine itself – an intoxicating fusion of influences, giving us plates such as African chicken and minchi. Take a look at some of the region’s best eateries and discover a world of flavour.
1. Portugália
For a hearty Portuguese brew of beer and steak, head to Portugália, where the signature meat comes with a secret seasoning and butter sauce. Order the egg pudding and you won’t regret staying for dessert.
5 Rua dos Mercadores, Taipa
2. Clube Militar de Macau
Originally built as an eatery for Portuguese army officers in 1870, the charming colonial architecture offers the perfect setting for enjoying simple, perfectly cooked dishes like codfish croquettes, as well as an impressive selection of Portuguese wines and cheeses.
975 Avenida da Praia Grande, Macao Peninsula
3. Antonio
As both owner and head chef, award-winning António Coelho is the beating heart of this restaurant, and his culinary vision is beautifully realised in the menu. The flaming homemade sausage, octopus salad and Macanese staple dish African chicken are all unmissable highlights.
7 Rua dos Clerigos, Taipa
Antonio
4. Tai Lei Loi Kei
The iconic pork chop bun is one of many local snacks not to be missed. The tender, succulent pork fillet is soaked in a secret marinade created by Ms Kwok Loi-Ho, who founded the café back in 1968.
Multiple locations
5. Long Wa Teahouse
One of the few traditional Cantonese teahouses in Macao, Long Wa is, unsurprisingly, a top spot for trying a range of Chinese teas and dim sum dishes. Its signature tea sets are designed by local artists and the place looks largely unchanged from when it first opened in 1962.
3 Rua Norte do Mercado Almirante Lacerda, Macao Peninsula
6. Restaurant Litoral
Restaurant Litoral’s menu is very much Macanese fusion in action – think curried shrimp with crabmeat, baked duck rice with chorizo and, of course, African chicken. It’s the perfect cosy spot in which to enjoy some of the region’s most iconic dishes.
261A Rua do Almirante Sérgio, Macao Peninsula
Restaurant Litoral
7. The Eight
At the Grand Lisboa hotel, you’ll find some of the finest Chinese food in Macao. Dim sum at The Eight is especially exquisite, with an array of dumplings crafted to look like various animals (the highlight of which are the char sui pork buns shaped as hedgehogs) plus other sumptuous small dishes. Be warned, you’ll need to book well in advance of your trip.
Floor 2, Grande Lisboa, Macao Peninsula
8. Riquexo
It doesn’t get more authentically Macanese than Riquexo, started out by the late Aida de Jesus (often referred to as ‘the godmother of Macanese cuisine’). Try minchi, Macao’s delicious national dish, consisting of fried, spiced minced meat with potatoes. The bacalhau rice is also a standout dish here.
