Written by Catherine |
Macau is one of the best short-trip destinations for a China tour. Except for its lively city vibe and diverse entertainments, many visitors also find its food culture incredibly attractive. History has given this city a unique appearance, just like there are Portuguese churches sitting beside Chinese temples, the food in Macau also tells a story shaped by centuries of cultural exchange. From classic Cantonese comfort dishes to bold Macanese cuisine, Macau’s flavor will really be more surprising than you imagined.
This guide to Macau food will introduce some of the most popular and most iconic tastes of this city. And we’ve also prepared practical tips and local insights for you, which can help make the most wonderful Macau food tour.
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- Macau – A Culinary Crossroads Where East Meets West on Every Plate
- The Soul of Macau: Iconic Macanese Dishes
- Cantonese & Chinese Classics & Seafood Feasts
- A Must-eat List: 18 Iconic Foods to Try in Macau
- Where to Eat: Food Streets, Markets & Restaurants
- Macau Food vs Hong Kong Food: What’s the Difference?
- Have a Macau food journey with China Xian Tour
Macau – A Culinary Crossroads Where East Meets West on Every Plate
Macau’s 400+ years of China–Portugal cultural exchange and maritime trade shaped its uique food scene. As a result, visitors can catch the taste of Asian, European, and African flavors in just one dish. There are three major food categories you can try:
- Authentic Macanese cuisine blending Portuguese, Chinese, and tropical flavors
- Classic Cantonese and Chinese dishes.
- Lively street food and snacks across every corner of the city.
The Soul of Macau: Iconic Macanese Dishes
Macanese cuisine is a type of fusion food that born in Macau. It was originally created by Portuguese settlers. They combined local Chinese ingredients with flavors and techniques from former colonies like Goa and Mozambique.
1. Portuguese Egg Tart (葡式蛋挞)
Macau is quite known for its Portuguese Egg Tart (Macanese egg tart). In 1989, a British baker called Andrew Stow first introduced it to Macau. It has a crisp and flaky pastry as the base, which is filled with creamy custard and a caramelized top. To better suit Chinese people’s preference, its flavor is pleasantly sweet but not overwhelming. It offers a simple and direct way to feel the unique fusion of Portuguese and Chinese food culture.
Where to Find:
- Andrew’s Bakery (安德鲁饼店) – Rua do Cunha, Taipa, Macau; Open 08:00–20:00
- Nam Ping Café (南平咖啡) – Rua da Felicidade, Macau; Open 09:00–18:00
Pro Tip: With our experience, we strongly suggest enjoying the egg tart when it’s hot and fresh. This allows you to enjoy the perfect balance of flaky pastry and creamy custard.
Price Range: MOP 11–12 per tart

2. African Chicken (非洲鸡)
African Chicken is a signature Macanese dish. Portuguese settlers from Africa brought it to Macau and later perfected it locally. The chicken is first marinated with a blend of spices, then baked in a rich saucer (coconut milk, cream, peanuts, onions, and red peppers). The chicken will get a tender texture and aromatic flavor.
Where to Find:
- Magao Mingji Macanese Restaurant (妈阁铭记澳葡美食)– 259 Rua da Horta, C-D
10:00–23:30
- Hai Wan Restaurant – Peninsula Main Branch (海湾餐厅 – 半岛总店)
- A Rua da Horta. 12:00–15:00, 17:30–21:30
Pro Tip: Soak the steamed rice in the rich and aromatic sauce as many have recommended, which can make each bite incredibly delicious.
Price Range: MOP 150–200 per dish

3. Minchi (免治)
Minchi is a quintessential Macanese dish. It is named after the English word “Mince.” The mince (pork or beef) is stir-fried with diced potatoes, onions, and soy sauce. And it is often served with a fried egg on top. In the 16th century, many Portuguese sailors arrived in Macau and settled. This dish then became the best cure of their homesickness. Today, both sauced and dry (without sauce) versions are popular.
Where to Find:
- Fu Shi Portuguese Restaurant (富仕葡式美食) – 16 Rua de Lo Hon.
11:00–15:00, 18:00–23:00
- Hei Lian Café (喜莲咖啡) – B84 Nam Long Garden, Rua de Fei Neng, Old Taipa
07:00–20:00 (Sun closed)
Pro Tip: We strongly recommend you enjoy your meal with a runny egg. Beef version is better for those who prefer a slightly sweeter and firmer bite.
Price Range: MOP 35–50 per dish

4. Portuguese Chicken (葡国鸡)
Portuguese Chicken is one of Macau’s most iconic fusion dishes. Each serving will have a whole chicken and be sided with some potatoes. They are cooked by Portuguese techniques and seasoned with Southeast Asian spices. People love the chicken’s tenderness and its rich and aromatic sauce.
Where to Find:
- Galo Portuguese Restaurant (公鸡葡国餐厅) – Basement A, Baibao Building, 10-AB Dongfang Alley
open 12:00–22:30
- Haibay Restaurant (海湾餐厅 – 氹仔)– Taipa Branch: 53–57 Dajian Street, Taipa;
12:00–15:00, 18:00–22:00
Pro Tip: The golden sauce is the essence of the dishes. For the full Macanese experience, we recommend you soak some rice in it and have some most fulfilling bites.
Price Range: MOP 158–200 per person

5. Portuguese Seafood Rice (葡式海鲜饭)
This is a classic Macanese-style Portuguese cuisine. Just like the traditional version, the rice is cooked with a lot of fresh seafood in a lightly spiced tomato and wine sauce. What makes it even more Macanese is that, except for the seafood, some of the restaurants also use Cantonese sausage as one of the ingredients. This flavor reflects the city’s centuries-long fusion of Portuguese and Chinese flavors.
Where to Find:
- Miramar Restaurant (美丽华餐厅) – North of Hac Sa Beach, Coloane;
11:30–15:00, 18:00–23:00
- Fu Long Portuguese Restaurant – Fulong Branch (福龙葡国餐厅 – 福隆新街店) – Rua Fulong
10:30–22:00
Pro Tip: Book ahead on weekends as the beachfront location is very popular. And if you can manage to get a seat, have a meal with a seaside view.
Price Range: MOP 220–300 per person

6. Portuguese Curry Beef Brisket (葡式咖喱牛腩)
Originally, curry was not a traditional Portuguese dish. It was introduced to Portugal in the 16th century. By that time, the world was connected by the Maritime Silk Road, and Eastern spices gradually went into Portugal. This dish is simmered with coconut milk and other rich seasonings. Tender brisket absorbs the aromatic sauce and then becomes a perfect match with rice or noodles.
Where to Find:
- Tomato Portuguese Restaurant (番茄屋) – 4–6 Rua de Lian An.
Mon–Thu 11:00–21:30, Fri–Sun 11:00–22:00
- Kam Fu Long Portuguese Café (金福龙葡式牛扒茶餐厅) – 26 Rua do Camp
11:00–23:00
Pro Tip: Pair it with jook-sing noodles (竹升面). They create a full traditional Macanese experience.
Price Range: MOP 30–48 per set

Cantonese & Chinese Classics & Seafood Feasts
Despite the Portuguese heritage, Macau is indeed a Cantonese city at heart. And Cantonese culinary habits have also merged into local people’s lives. The exceptional seafood, dim sum, roast meats, and noodle dishes all reflect traditional Cantonese flavors..
7. Wonton Noodles (云吞面)
This is a classic Cantonese dish. It will use wontons filled with shrimp and pork and springy egg noodles. There are two versions: soup and dry. For the first one, your wontons and noodles will be served in a clear, aromatic broth. And the dry version provides a stronger and richer sauce. It’s a perfect example of Cantonese culinary tradition.
Where to Find:
- Wong Chi Kei Macau Flagship (黄枝记澳门旗舰店) – 51 Rua de Outubro, Macau | Open 11:00–02:00
- Wong Chi Kei Main Branch (澳门总店) – 17 Largo do Senado, Macau | Open 08:30–23:00
Pro Tip: Add a little soy sauce and chili oil for extra flavor.
Price Range: MOP 35–60 per bowl

8. Fried Wontons & Jook-sing Noodles (炸云吞 & 竹升面)
There are two staples widely found in Macau. Fried wontons are deep-fried but not too greasy, and people usually have them as a light snack or starter. Jook-sing noodles are made with duck eggs and they will be pressed with a bamboo pole for a lot of time. And this technique can give them a firm, springy texture. In Macau, there’s a special way of serving the noodles. Except for the soup version and sauced version, they are also served dry with shrimp roe. And people will enjoy it throughout the day.
Where to Find:
- Lok Kei Congee & Noodles (六记粥面) – 1-D Travessa do Mercado de Iao Hon, Macau
Pro Tip: Eat bamboo noodles hot for the best texture; fried wontons are best shared.
Price Range: MOP 70–80 per person

9. Dim Sum & Char Siu (点心 & 叉烧)
Dim sum is an essential part of daily life in Macau. It’s commonly served for breakfast or lunch. You can also widely find it in many other Cantonese spoken areas, but each place would have their unique local dim sum style. Macau’s style highlights a generally lighter seasoning and they have a high standard of ingredients’ freshness, texture, and traditional Cantonese techniques.
Char siu (叉烧) is one of the most iconic types of roast meat. It’s made with balanced lean-and-fat cuts, which allows the meat to have a tender, juicy texture and mild sweetness. Together, dim sum and char siu represent the most approachable side of Macau’s Cantonese food culture.
Where to Find:
- Sun Un Tea House (新园茶楼) – Rua de Cinco de Outubro No.11.
Open 07:00–15:00
Pro Tip: Go before 10:30 a.m. for the freshest dim sum. And there will be full menu availability before this time.
Price Range: MOP 80–100 per person

10. Typhoon Shelter Crab (避风塘炒蟹)
This is a famous Cantonese seafood dish, which is fragrant and savory. It was originally created by fishermen in Victoria Harbour. The crab is first deep-fried, then stir-fried with a generous amount of garlic, chili, fermented black beans, and scallions. Compared with other versions, visitors can usually have a milder and less salty bite in Macau. It’s better enjoyed with plain rice.
Where to Find:
- Golden Pavilion Restaurant (金玉满堂) – Multiple locations in Macau, including near Ruins of St. Paul’s and Nam Van | Open 12:00–02:00
- Sun Hei Kei (新喜记) – Ground Floor, Block I, New World Garden, No. 421–427 Rua de Évora, Taipa, Macau
Pro Tip: The garlic topping is the soul of the dish—save it to mix with rice. Portions are large; two people should share.
Price Range: MOP 60–120 per person (Golden Pavilion); premium seafood at Sun Hei Kei is significantly higher.

11. Pork Chop Bun (猪扒包)
The Pork Chop Bun is often recognized as Macau’s burger. Its bun is crispy-on-the-outside and soft-on-the-inside and juicy, and its pork chop is marinated beforehand, so usually there won’t be any extra sauce on it. Some versions add a fried egg for richness. This snack combines Portuguese baking with Cantonese flavors, and it’s certainly one of the most classic must-tries in Macau.
Where to Find:
- Dai Lei Loi Kei (大利來記咖啡室) – Rua do Cunha, Taipa,
09:00–18:30
- Sek Kei Café (世記咖啡) – Largo do Corpo de Bombeiros 1, Taipa
11:00–19:00 (closed Tuesdays)
Pro Tip: Eat hot and fresh. Dai Lei Loi Kei often runs out by noon.
Price Range: MOP 50–60 per bun

12. Shrimp Roe Tossed Noodles (虾籽捞面)
It has handmade bamboo noodles as its base, and then it is tossed with shrimp roe and pork lard. It’s a savory and aromatic Cantonese cuisine and a staple for locals. It perfectly shows simple yet bold flavors of Macau’s noodle tradition.
Where to Find:
- Lei Kei Congee & Noodle (六记粥面) – R. de São Lourenço 1-D, Flora District
11:00–02:00
- Wong Chi Kei (黄枝记), Senado Square Branch – 17 R. do Senado
08:30–23:00
Pro Tip: Best eaten immediately while hot.
Price Range: MOP 55–60

13. Water Crab Congee (水蟹粥)
Water Crab Congee is a signature dish known for its comforting taste. The highlight of this dish is that it has whole water crabs simmered in a serving. It is boiled over low heat, and the sweetness of crab roe and rice will be fully integrated in the end. Locals also add ginger, green onions, and sometimes dried oysters to enhance the fragrance. This dish is a popular choice for late-night snacks.
Where to Find:
- Lei Kei Congee & Noodle (六记粥面) – R. de São Lourenço 1-D, Flora District,
11:00–02:00
- Sheng Chang Restaurant (诚昌饭店) – 28–30, 89 & 93 R. de Koi Yat, Taipa Old Town, 12:00–17:00, 17:30–22:45
Pro Tip: Order early in the evening or late at night. The congee tastes best piping hot (but be careful, don’t get hurt), and the crab roe is fully infused.
Price Range: MOP 70–90

14. Lard Tossed Noodles (猪油捞面)
This is a popular street food, which is easy to make but rich in fragrance. The golden and crispy lard bits give the noodles a layered texture. It is strongly recommended to combine it with fried eggs or pork offal. This dish evokes the good childhood memories of many local people.
Where to Find:
- Kam Mei Food (金美食) – R. de Beira Mar 6A, Tong Yee Building, Ground Floor D,
09:30–20:00
Pro Tip: If you want a bolder taste, pair it with braised pork intestines.
Usually, there will be different noodle types (rice noodles, flat rice noodles, or vermicelli).
Price Range: MOP 40–60

15. Almond Cookies & Egg Rolls (杏仁饼,蛋卷)
Almond cake and egg rolls are the best souvenir choices. Almond cake has a rich nutty aroma and a crispy taste that can immediately melt in the mouth. The egg roll is delicate and moderately sweet, which is very suitable for sharing with others. These two snacks are classic Macao snacks.
Where to Find:
- Choi Heong Yuen Bakery (最香饼家 / 鉅記手信) – Beijing St. 123.
09:00–23:00
- Choi Heong Yuen Bakery (Senado Square / small shops) – Various locations
Pro Tip: Try a small box first to sample flavors. Some stores limit purchases, so arrive early to secure rare varieties.
Price Range: MOP 20–43 per box

16. Peanut Candy (花生糖)
Macau peanut candy is loved for its nutty aroma and rich taste. There are two types of it: hard candy is crispy and crunchy, and the soft one is chewy and slightly sticky. It’s not too sweet, and can be bought as a snack or a good gift.
Where to find:
- Fei Jai Kee Handmade Peanut Candy (肥仔记手作花生糖) – Fulong New Street, Macau (opposite Koi Kei Bakery); 10:30–20:00
Pro Tip: Try both hard and soft varieties; grab a few packs for souvenirs.
Price Range: MOP 37–40

17. Red Bean Cake (红豆饼)– Traditional Handmade Snack
Red bean cake is a classic Macau treat. It has a crisp golden exterior and smooth, mildly sweet red bean filling. It is perfect for a quick snack while exploring the city. Traditionally made in small batches, it captures the authentic flavors of old Macau.
Where to Find:
Ng Ting Kee Red Bean Cake (吴廷记红豆饼) – 2nd Floor, Lower Bazaar Food Centre, Xiàhuán Street; 09:00–17:30
Pro Tip: Go early to enjoy it fresh and avoid the crowd.
Price Range: MOP 10–15

18. Pork & Beef Jerky (猪/牛肉干) – Macau’s Savory Snack
Pork and beef jerky is a popular local treat. They have a slightly sweet flavor and chewy texture. There are thin slices and thicker cuts. One is delicate and flavorful, and thicker ones offer a satisfying bite. Some varieties include oyster sauce, black pepper, or curry seasoning.
Where to Find:
- Koi Kei Bakery – Global Jerky King (冠环球肉干大王) – 43 Fulong New Street, Macau
Opening Hours: 11:00–21:30
Pro Tip: Try both thin and thick cuts, and don’t miss the oyster sauce or black pepper flavors.
Price Range: MOP 30–200 depending on size and type

A Must-eat List: 18 Iconic Foods to Try in Macau
Food |
Recommended Shops |
Location/Area |
Best Time |
Portuguese Egg Tart |
Andrew’s Bakery, Margaret’s Café e Nata, Nam Ping Café |
Taipa, Senado Square, Rua da Felicidade |
Breakfast / Afternoon Tea |
African Chicken |
Magao Mingji Macanese Restaurant, Hai Wan Restaurant (Taipa & Peninsula) |
Taipa, Macau Peninsula |
Lunch / Dinner |
Minchi |
Fu Shi Portuguese Restaurant, Hei Lian Café, Ya Jia Café |
Taipa, Old Taipa, Macau |
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner |
Portuguese Chicken |
Galo Portuguese Restaurant, Haibay Restaurant |
Taipa, Macau Peninsula |
Lunch / Dinner |
Portuguese Seafood Rice |
Miramar Restaurant, Fu Long Portuguese Restaurant |
Coloane, Fulong |
Lunch / Dinner |
Portuguese Curry Beef Brisket |
Tomato Portuguese Restaurant, Kam Fu Long Portuguese Café |
Macau Peninsula |
Lunch / Dinner |
Wonton Noodles |
Wong Chi Kei Macau Flagship, Wong Chi Kei Main Branch |
Macau Peninsula, Senado Square |
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner |
Fried Wontons & Bamboo Egg Noodles |
Lok Kei Congee & Noodles |
Macau Peninsula |
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner |
Dim Sum & Char Siu |
Sun Un Tea House, Wa Fung Restaurant |
Taipa, Macau Peninsula |
Breakfast / Lunch |
Typhoon Shelter Crab |
Golden Pavilion Restaurant, Sun Hei Kei |
Taipa, Nam Van, Ruins of St. Paul’s |
Lunch / Dinner |
Pork Chop Bun |
Dai Lei Loi Kei, Sek Kei Café |
Taipa Old Town |
Breakfast / Morning |
Shrimp Roe Tossed Noodles |
Lei Kei Congee & Noodle, Wong Chi Kei |
Taipa, Senado Square |
Lunch / Dinner |
Water Crab Congee |
Lei Kei Congee & Noodle, Sheng Chang Restaurant |
Praia, Taipa |
Dinner / Late Night |
Lard Tossed Noodles |
Kam Mei Food |
Macau Peninsula |
Snack / Lunch |
Almond Cookies & Egg Rolls |
Choi Heong Yuen Bakery |
Beijing Street, Senado Square |
All Day / Snack |
Peanut Candy |
Fei Jai Kee Handmade Peanut Candy |
Fulong New Street |
All Day / Snack |
Red Bean Cake |
Ng Ting Kee Red Bean Cake |
Xiàhuán Street, Lower Bazaar Food Centre |
Morning / Snack |
Pork & Beef Jerky |
Koi Kei Bakery |
Fulong New Street |
All Day / Snack |
Where to Eat: Food Streets, Markets & Restaurants
Food Streets & Night Markets
Rua do Cunha, Taipa (官也街)
- What to Eat: Andrew’s Egg Tart, Lao Day Beef Offal, Ze Xian Ji Egg Waffle.
- Quick Intro: Famous for Macau classics and trendy snacks.
Ruins of St. Paul’s Walking Street, Macau Peninsula (大三巴牌坊步行街)
- What to Eat: Kuen Kee Pork Congee, Wing Kee Snacks, Qin Kee Desserts, Fried Noodles, Siu Mai.
- Quick Intro: A lively walking street famous for Macau street food, loved by both locals and tourists.
Kong Kung Weekend Night Market (康公夜市)
- What to Eat: Siu Jie BBQ, Ah Ji Lobster Noodles, Crab Roe & Crab Stick Takoyaki
- Quick Intro: Weekend-only night market with creative snacks.
- Opening Hours: Weekends 18:00–22:00
Sali Tou Seaside Street, Macau Peninsula (沙梨头海边街)
- What to Eat: Kuen Kee Fried Noodles, Pan-fried Stuffed Delicacies with Special Sauce
- Quick Intro: Local-style street food; large portions, affordable.
Opening Hours: Snacks available throughout the day. Night stalls follow night market hours
From Michelin Stars to Dai Pai Dongs
Macau has a unique food landscape. You can see world-class Michelin-starred restaurants just set next door to some affordable street stalls. This integration of high-end and daily cuisine reflects Macau’s diverse food culture, and tourists can choose to enjoy all different flavors in a lively and friendly atmosphere.
Macau Food vs Hong Kong Food: What’s the Difference?
Aspect |
Macau Food |
|
Core Influence |
Cantonese + Portuguese fusion. Mix of Chinese and European flavors |
Mainly Cantonese. Strong teahouse and local dining culture |
Signature Dishes |
Minchi, African chicken, Portuguese egg tarts; rich, spiced flavors |
Dim sum, roast meats, wonton noodles, milk tea; savory profile |
Street & Casual Eats |
Fusion snacks like egg tarts, pork chop buns |
Pineapple buns, cart noodles, teashop staples |
Cultural Identity |
Shaped by colonial history and multicultural blend |
Rooted in Cantonese culinary tradition and casual dining |
Have a Macau food journey with China Xian Tour
Macau is a city with lively city atmosphere and diverse food culture. Having a food tour to this beauty town will give you a glimpse of not only its history but also the cultural-exchange which has been existed here for centuries. If you want to enjoy all those Macau food listed above in a well-managed trip, then consider China Xian Tour as your best travel partner. Our local guide will take you to fully explore the city’s beautiful soul with a fulfilling taste of its local flavors.






