What to eat in Macau? 15 most famous & must try food in Macau for foodies

What to eat in Macau and what are the specialties of Macau that attract tourists? Discover 15 must try food in Macau and famous dishes from egg tarts to roast duck, bringing a culinary experience that makes everyone want to try right away!

Cuisine is the clearest reflection of the culture of a land. In Macau – where Asia and Europe meet, food is not only for enjoyment but also a story about history, people and lifestyle. From rich Portuguese flavors to traditional Chinese quintessence, a “food-tour” in Macau is a journey of discovering surprising flavors.

Join us to discover the 15 most attractive Macau specialties that you should not miss on your upcoming trip!

Must try food in Macau: Portuguese Egg Tart

Starting a culinary journey in Macau cannot be without enjoying Portuguese egg tarts. Different from the Hong Kong version, Macau tarts stand out with their flaky, crispy crust, golden, fragrant custard filling, and lightly charred surface, creating a distinctive flavor.

Many visitors appreciate the experience of eating the tarts while they are still hot, fresh out of the oven, to fully experience the crispiness of the crust and the smoothness of the filling. It is said that the tarts are best eaten hot, with black tea or dark roasted coffee.

A famous place is Lord Stow’s Bakery in Coloane, which is considered the birthplace of this cake. Here, each tart costs around 10 MOP (~32,000 VND). In addition, Margaret’s Café e Nata in the center of Macau is also a popular choice, with traditional flavors and a restaurant space imbued with local character.

Pork Chop Bun

Among the myriad of street foods in Macau, pork chop buns always attract diners because of their simplicity and appeal. A thick piece of pork ribs, marinated with traditional spices and then fried or pan-fried until golden brown, is then sandwiched in a crispy bread with soft insides – no sauce, no vegetables.

The rich meat flavor combined with the light crispiness of the bread creates a unique taste, especially when eaten hot. Tai Lei Loi Kei in Taipa Village is a familiar destination for this dish, which has expanded its brand to many places thanks to its standard flavor. Each portion of bread ranges from 25–35 MOP (~80,000–112,500 VND). This dish is often eaten as a light lunch or afternoon snack to stave off hunger, served with a glass of milk tea or cool fruit juice to make it even more appealing.

Minchi Rice – Macau Specialty

Minchi is a family-style dish, simple but no less attractive, considered the “culinary soul” of many generations of Macau people. The main ingredients include minced meat (usually beef or pork), fried potatoes, onions, garlic, Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce. All are stir-fried until the meat is soaked in spices, the potatoes are slightly browned on the edges but still retain their soft, nutty flavor inside.

The dish is often served with white rice and a sunny-side-up egg, blending the salty, sweet, fatty and fragrant flavors that go well with rice. Litoral Restaurant on Rua do Almirante Sérgio is a long-standing address, serving authentic Minchi rice, priced from 50–70 MOP (~160,000–225,000 VND). Minchi rice is especially popular for lunch, especially in families of Portuguese origin.

Macau roasted suckling pig (cochinillo)

Suckling pig is not for a quick meal, this is a dish that shows respect in Macau culinary culture. The suckling pig is roasted whole, the skin is crispy like broken glass, the meat inside is still soft and juicy, the natural sweetness. This dish is often used in holidays, parties or celebrations. When served, the roast pig is cut into bite-sized pieces, dipped in sweet and sour sauce or Portuguese mustard sauce.

Suckling pig is highly appreciated for its traditional roasting method with charcoal, preserving the characteristic flavor. The price ranges from 300–500 MOP (~965,000–1,608,000 VND) for a portion for 2–3 people. To fully enjoy, you should drink white wine or light beer. Don’t forget to book a table in advance at the restaurant to ensure the quality of the dish.

Portuguese Seafood Porridge

Portuguese seafood porridge, also known as Sopa de Lacassá, is a traditional dish from the colonial period, often appearing in ceremonial meals in Macau. The porridge is not as thick as the Asian style, but is more like a soup, using thin rice noodles, cooked with dried shrimp, squid, clams and sometimes fish cakes. The broth is made from shrimp shells and sea fish, so it has a sweet taste, with a hint of dill and pepper, finished with a bit of olive oil.

This dish is usually served hot, especially delicious in the early morning or in cold weather. Riquexó restaurant founded by Ms. Aida de Jesus is one of the few places that still retains the old flavor, priced at around 50 – 70 MOP. A bowl of light seafood porridge is enough to make anyone who has had the chance to enjoy it remember it.

Robuchon-Style Mashed Potatoes

More than just a side dish, the mashed potatoes at Robuchon au Dôme have been elevated to culinary art. Chef Joël Robuchon’s “legendary” recipe turns the seemingly simple potato dish into a mouthwatering treat.

The potatoes are carefully selected, cooked to the right degree and mashed, then mixed with twice the amount of pure French butter to create a thick, smooth, fatty texture without being greasy. The potatoes are kept warm on a silver plate, when eaten, you will clearly feel the delicate fatty taste, sweet aftertaste.

The Robuchon au Dôme restaurant is located in the Michelin-starred Grand Lisboa hotel and has the most luxurious space in Macau. The price for the mashed potatoes served with the main dish is around 120 – 150 MOP (~386,000 – 482,500 VND). Even though it is just a side dish, this experience is worth trying at least once in your life.

What to eat in Macau: African Grilled Chicken

The grilled chicken dish called “African Chicken” is a unique taste fusion between Portugal, India and the local flavors of Macau. The chicken is marinated thoroughly with a rich sauce: tomatoes, crushed peanuts, garlic, chili and tropical spices, then grilled until the skin turns a shiny reddish brown. The first bite will make you feel the crispy skin soaked in the slightly spicy sauce, the soft meat inside is rich in flavor, slightly sweet aftertaste.

The dish is usually served with white rice or bread to dip the remaining sauce on the plate. Restaurante Litoral and Henri’s Galley are two prominent places serving this dish in the traditional style. Prices range from 90–120 MOP (~289,500–386,000 VND). This is not only a dish but also a slice of culture that reflects Macau’s long culinary integration process.

Caldo Verde (Portuguese Green Soup)

On a chilly evening, a hot bowl of broccoli soup is the perfect choice to start a Portuguese-style meal. Caldo Verde uses finely mashed potatoes cooked in a clear broth, mixed with finely chopped kale and thinly sliced ​​chouriço sausage. The light aroma of fried garlic and olive oil added at the end makes the soup both light and flavorful.

In Macau, this dish is often served as an appetizer in traditional Portuguese restaurants, or as a light evening snack. A Petisqueira in Taipa or O Santos restaurant is famous for its authentic version of Caldo Verde, priced at around 45–65 MOP (~144,700–209,000 VND) for a portion. Eaten while the soup is still hot, sipped with light white wine is a great combination to help relax after a long day walking around the old city.

Macau Shrimp Dumplings

Not too fussy about the appearance, Macau shrimp dumplings conquer diners thanks to the transparent, smooth shell that holds the sweet fresh shrimp filling. The special feature is the traditional bamboo steaming method, which retains the moisture and natural flavor of the filling. The filling inside is often a combination of fresh shrimp, a little minced pork fat, green onions and moderate spices. When put into the mouth, the soft and smooth shell bursts open, the shrimp filling still retains its firmness and sweetness.

Dumplings are best eaten with soy sauce, red vinegar or mild chili sauce. Lung Wah Tea House or Red 8 Wynn Macau are two prominent places serving fresh dumplings every day. The price of a steamer of 3-4 pieces ranges from 30 – 45 MOP (~96,500 – 144,700 VND). This dish is ideal for breakfast or as part of a traditional dim sum meal.

Portuguese Chicken Curry

Macau chicken curry is not like the spicy Indian style or the coconut-based Thai style. The Portuguese version has a thick texture, rich in herbs, and an impressively mild flavor. The chicken is stewed in a thick orange-yellow sauce made from turmeric, curry powder, coconut milk and onions. The accompanying potatoes and carrots help balance the fatty taste and increase the richness. When eating, people often dip bread or pour the curry over white rice.

A Lorcha restaurant on Barra Road is a famous destination, having been featured in many international culinary magazines. Each portion of curry costs about 90–110 MOP (~289,500–353,000 VND), enough for 1–2 people. This is an indispensable dish on the menu of Portuguese families in Macau, clearly reflecting the fusion of East and West cultures in each spoonful of rich curry.

Macau Capella Meatloaf

Capela is not an easy dish to find on the regular menu, but it is the pride of many Portuguese families in Macau. Minced pork mixed with chouriço sausage, black olives, onions, bread soaked in milk and eggs, then pressed tightly in a round mold and baked until the surface is golden brown and lightly crispy. The aroma is reminiscent of a weekend family meal, both simple and cozy.

At the Portuguese restaurant Dom Galo, Capela is served traditionally for about 120–150 MOP. Capela is best served hot, when the outside is lightly crispy, the inside is soft and fragrant with herbs. In addition, diners should eat it with homemade tomato sauce or black pepper sauce to increase the depth of taste. It is truly a dish that encapsulates both European culture and culinary memories in the heart of Asia.

Macau Stuffed Crab Shell

Stuffed crab shell is not only eye-catching but also “heavy” in flavor. The crab is chosen to have sweet, firm meat, boiled briefly, then the meat is mixed with fried onions, breadcrumbs, cream and a little white wine, then put back into the shell to grill. The surface is golden, slightly crispy, while the inside is fatty, soft and smells of the sea. This is a “crossover” dish between French and Portuguese cuisine, adapted by Macau to suit local tastes.

O Manuel Restaurant in Taipa is famous for this dish – a full portion of crab shell costs around MOP80–100 (~VND257,000–321,000). Served with a glass of light white wine, it will further enhance the sweet taste of the crab and the aroma of the cooking wine. This is the perfect choice for a romantic dinner or simply when you want to pamper your taste buds with a delicious and unique dish.

Serradura Sawdust Pudding

Don’t let the name “sawdust” make you hesitate – Serradura pudding is Macau’s most addictive cold dessert. Consisting of two main ingredients: a layer of rich whipped cream and a layer of finely ground biscuits spread evenly like sawdust, the dish creates a feeling of both smoothness and light crunchiness on the tip of the tongue. Each layer is arranged alternately in a small glass, kept cold to create a soft and refreshing taste, combined with a moderate sweetness, a mild fatty aftertaste but not greasy at all.

Gelatina Mok Yi Kei in Taipa specializes in Serradura with many flavors such as vanilla, coffee, matcha, with prices ranging from 25–35 MOP per portion. This is a dessert that is both light and “artistic”, making people want to come back to enjoy it again after a rich meal or to cool off on a summer afternoon.

Macau Almond Cookies

Wandering around Senado Square, it is easy to catch the fragrant smell from traditional almond cookie ovens. The tiny cookies have a golden brown crust, crispy with a fragrant filling made from roasted, coarsely ground almonds, rock sugar and malt powder. When biting into them, the sweet taste blends with the fragrant, nutty flavor that spreads slowly, not as harsh as industrial cookies.

Each cookie is baked on the spot, so it is always warm and crispy. Koi Kei Bakery is a brand of cookies that sell individually or in gift boxes, priced from 5–8 MOP/piece (~16,000–25,700 VND). In addition to enjoying them on the spot, almond cookies are also an ideal gift – both compact and carrying the typical flavor of this half-European, half-Asian land. A suggestion is to enjoy cookies with a cup of hot tea to bring out the sweet, aromatic flavor.

Macau Hand-Cast Coffee

Not espresso, nor latte, Macau hand-cast coffee evokes the nostalgia of a time when there were no coffee makers. Traditional roasted coffee powder is brewed with a filter and then hand-cranked with condensed milk until it creates a smooth foam layer, poured into a thermos cup. The coffee flavor is strong but not harsh, mixed with a layer of light sweet milk to create a balanced, well-rounded feeling. The fatty foam is not too thick, keeping each sip of coffee warm enough.

Nam Ping Cafe, located near the Red Market, is a long-standing place that specializes in this type of coffee, priced at around MOP 25–35. A hot cup of coffee, accompanied by buttered toast or egg tarts, is a great way to start your morning in Macau. No rush, no modernization, just a rich aroma and a relaxing feeling.

Tips for Enjoying Macau Food Like a “Local”

To experience Macau cuisine like a local, start by strolling around traditional markets such as Mercado de São Domingos or Taipa Village Market. Here, small stalls sell many typical dishes such as egg tarts, fried pork sandwiches, and other street food.

Instead of choosing a fancy restaurant, look for small eateries that locals often visit. These establishments often do not have large signs, but serve dishes with traditional flavors. Don’t hesitate to ask people around you about their favorite eateries; they are often willing to share their best places to eat.

When enjoying dim sum, visit old teahouses like Lung Wah Tea House. The old-fashioned atmosphere and traditional service will bring a memorable experience. Don’t forget to try minchi, a dish combining minced meat and fried potatoes, representing the fusion of Portuguese and Chinese cuisine.

Finally, bring cash, as many small eateries do not accept credit cards. And most importantly, keep the spirit of exploration and be ready to try new dishes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Macau Food

What Macau specialties should I buy as souvenirs?

Almond biscuits, dried pork/fish, packaged egg tarts and fruit preserves are popular choices to bring back, both compact and flavorful.

Where to eat egg tarts in Macau?

Lord Stow’s Bakery in Coloane is always at the top of the list of foodies. Crispy crust, soft and fatty egg filling, baked just right – authentic Portuguese egg tart flavor.

Where can I buy Macau specialties at a reasonable price?

Rua do Cunha market in Taipa is an ideal destination. There are many traditional shops here, the prices are not too high, you can try freely before deciding to buy.

Can I buy Macau specialties at the airport?

Yes, but the prices at the airport are usually higher than in the city center and the selection is less diverse. If you buy in a hurry before boarding the plane, canned egg tarts and cookies are still two popular dishes.

Are there any dishes in Macau that are suitable for vegetarians?

There are quite a few. Crispy fried tofu, cereal porridge, stir-fried noodles with vegetables and vegetarian dim sum are widely served at many traditional eateries as well as specialized vegetarian restaurants such as Lai Heen, North Palace.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in and from Macau you can refer to

• Private City Transfers between Hong Kong and Macau
• Macau Private Limo Charter
• HKMO Express Shared Bus Transfers from Macau to Hong Kong (Chinalink)
• Private City Transfers between Macau and Hong Kong
• TurboJet Ferry Open Ticket (HK Island/Macau Outer Harbor Departure) – Hong Kong Pick Up
• Shared City Transfers from Hong Kong to Galaxy Macau (via Zhuhai Bridge)
• Macau Cultural Full Day Tour from Hong Kong or Macau
• Macau Sightseeing Day Tour (Hong Kong/Macau Departure)
• Studio City Macau Buffet | Spotlight | Breakfast Buffet, Lunch Buffet, Dinner Buffet
• Macau Tower Ticket
• Cotai Water Jet Ferry Ticket between Hong Kong and Macau
• 5G Macau Unlimited Data eSIM | CTM
• Le Buffet at The Parisian Macao

Are you looking for more Macau travel guide and top things to do in Macau: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more: Top 9 cool and fun things to do in Macau you must try and Hong Kong travel blog — The fullest Hong Kong travel guide blog for a budget trip to Hong Kong for the first-timers.