Macau’s culinary landscape is as layered as its cultural history. Blending Cantonese roots with Portuguese influences and Southeast Asian spices, Macanese cuisine offers a one-of-a-kind gastronomic journey. Whether you’re sampling street snacks or indulging in fine dining, Macau promises bold flavors and unforgettable meals.
Here’s your curated guide to the best food to try in Macau—from signature local dishes to time-honored favorites and where to find them.
1. Portuguese Egg Tarts
No visit to Macau is complete without biting into a warm, flaky Portuguese egg tart. Known for its caramelized top and silky custard filling, this treat is a legacy of the city’s colonial past.
Where to Try:
- Lord Stow’s Bakery (Coloane) – the original and most iconic
- Margaret’s Café e Nata (near Lisboa Casino) – a local favorite
2. Minchi
Often called the national dish of Macau, minchi is a savory comfort food made from minced beef or pork stir-fried with soy sauce, onions, potatoes, and topped with a fried egg.
Where to Try:
- Riquexó – a traditional Macanese restaurant run by one of the last home-style chefs in the city
- Litoral – a go-to for authentic Macanese dishes
3. African Chicken (Galinha à Africana)
A distinctly Macanese creation, this dish combines grilled or roasted chicken with a spicy, smoky sauce made from chilies, garlic, and coconut milk—a true fusion of Portuguese and Southeast Asian flavors.
Where to Try:
- Fernando’s (Coloane) – rustic, beachside dining with signature African chicken
- A Lorcha – a charming Portuguese eatery near A-Ma Temple
4. Pork Chop Bun
Inspired by the Portuguese bifana, the Macau pork chop bun is a crispy, juicy pork chop tucked into a warm, chewy bun. Simple, satisfying, and ideal for on-the-go snacking.
Where to Try:
- Tai Lei Loi Kei – the most famous pork chop bun vendor in Macau
- Seng Cheong – also known for its crab congee but serves a notable version of the bun
5. Portuguese Seafood Rice (Arroz de Marisco)
This fragrant rice dish is the Portuguese version of paella, packed with shrimp, clams, and squid simmered in a tomato-based sauce.
Where to Try:
- Miramar – known for its generous seafood portions and authentic preparation
- Espaço Lisboa – for a cozy, traditional setting
6. Crab Congee
Macau’s take on Cantonese congee (rice porridge), crab congee is delicately flavored, rich in umami, and loaded with fresh crab meat.
Where to Try:
- Seng Cheong (Taipa Village) – a legendary local spot with loyal fans
7. Salted Codfish (Bacalhau)
A staple in Portuguese cuisine, bacalhau is usually served grilled, fried in croquettes, or baked into casseroles. It’s a nod to Macau’s European culinary roots.
Where to Try:
- O Santos (Taipa Village) – classic Portuguese dining in an atmospheric setting
- Portugália – a blend of tradition and fine dining
8. Curry Crab
Spicy, aromatic, and messy in the best way, curry crab is a standout dish that showcases the Southeast Asian influence on Macanese cuisine.
Where to Try:
- Restaurante Litoral – bold flavors and hearty portions
- Nga Tim Café – a more casual seaside option
9. Dim Sum with a Macanese Twist
While dim sum is traditionally Cantonese, in Macau, you’ll find versions with Portuguese ingredients and influences.
Where to Try:
- The 8 Restaurant (Grand Lisboa Hotel) – Michelin-starred, beautifully plated dim sum
- Lung Wah Tea House – for a more nostalgic, old-school experience
10. Serradura (Sawdust Pudding)
A popular dessert made with layers of sweet cream and crushed Marie biscuits, serradura is light, creamy, and perfectly satisfying after a rich meal.
Where to Try:
- Margaret’s Café e Nata – known for its egg tarts, but their serradura is just as beloved
- Tofa Dessert – offers several variations including matcha and mango
Final Thoughts
Macau is a paradise for food lovers, where every bite carries the story of migration, empire, and innovation. Whether you’re exploring the backstreets of Taipa Village or dining by candlelight in a colonial-era building, Macau’s culinary heritage will leave a lasting impression.
From egg tarts and pork chop buns to African chicken and bacalhau, each dish tells a tale of cultural exchange and local creativity. If you’re planning a visit, make sure your itinerary includes not just the sights, but the flavors that define this one-of-a-kind city.
