10 of the best places to eat 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
 

4. Tai Lei Loi Kei

There’s a key reason the Macanese flock to the Tai Lei Loi Kei café’s multiple outlets: the iconic pork chop bun, which 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. Lord Stow’s Bakery 

If you have a sweet tooth, head to Lord Stow's Bakery to sample Macao’s undisputed champion of the pastry snack world – the famous egg tart. Englishman Andrew Stow set up shop here in 1989 and, inspired by the Portuguese pasteis de nata, he created this delicate sweet treat. The bakery, now run by his sister and daughter, sells these tarts by the bucketload. You'll also find a host of cheesecakes in all sorts of creative flavours, such as black sesame and green tea.

1 Rua do Tassara, Coloane
 

7. 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
 

8. 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
 

9. Riquexo 

It doesn’t get more authentically Macanese than Riquexo, run by 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. 

69 Avenida Sidonio Pais, Macao Peninsula
 

10. Golden Peacock

Sample exceptional Indian food in Macao. Situated in The Venetian Macao Resort Hotel, the Golden Peacock serves signature Michelin-starred Goan dishes such as king prawn jhinga balchao curry, zard seekh kebabs and an irresistible lamb gosht biryani, all impeccably presented. 

Shop 1037, Level 1, The Venetian Macao Resort Hotel
 

Discover more Macanese recipes and travel tips:

Macanese-style meatloaf
Macanese-style Portuguese chicken
Macanese-style turnip cake
Macanese-style king prawns
9 things you should do in Macao