The Best Places to Try Portuguese Cuisine in Macau
A former colony of Portugal for nearly 450 years, the Portuguese left a delicious culinary legacy in Macau. Underrated and yummy, Macau is one of the best places to try Portuguese dishes outside of Portugal itself. There’s the added bonus of a few unique East meets West concoctions that you’ll only find in Macau, too. Here are a handful of our favourite local Portuguese restaurants. Saúde!
1. A Petisqueira
Restaurant, Portuguese
The best of rustic, simple, Portuguese restaurants in Macau, A Petisqueira offers a cosy feel with a small bar, friendly service and an unpretentious atmosphere. They serve classic Portuguese dishes such as bacalhau (cod fish) prepared in seven different ways, lamb chops, steaks, pork ribs fried clams, and a whole host of other traditional dishes and daily specials. Top this off with a tasty serradura or egg tart dessert with a drop of sweet port wine.
2. Fado
Hotel Restaurant, Portuguese
Located in Hotel Royal, what used to be a hidden gem has emerged as one of Macau’s go-to Portuguese restaurants. A small but modern interior with lots of light, they specialise in traditional Portuguese cuisine with a contemporary twist. Both the set menu and à la carte are of superb quality. Don’t miss the traditional bacalhau à brás (salted cod with egg and fried potatoes) which is prepared at your table by the chef. Other standout dishes include the white wine garlic clams, the posta mirandesa (a northern Portuguese style ribeye) and leave room for the ‘best chocolate cake’ – a cake which honours the world famous ‘best chocolate cake’ of Lisbon based chef Carlos Braz Lopes. There is plenty of choice of wine too – in fact, a wine is suggested with each dish on the menu.
3. Espaço Lisboa
Restaurant, Portuguese
Tucked away in a small side street, near the famous Lord Stow’s egg tart bakery in Coloane Village, this two-storey restaurant is like a little slice of Lisbon in Macau. It’s a taxi ride away from the centre of town, so why not enjoy an afternoon visiting the village before you dine here. Do try the typical Portuguese dishes, like the bread stew along with the duck rice, white wine clams, garlic prawns, the presunto pata negra and pastéis de bacalhau (cod fritters). If the weather permits, ask for a table on the veranda. Only Portuguese wines are served here – but there is a good selection nonetheless.
5. A Lorcha
Restaurant, Portuguese
Located close to the popular A-Ma Temple, it’s best to book in advance here if you want to stand a chance of getting a table. It’s a lovely restaurant with rustic, homey interior and pleasant, welcoming staff. A charcoal grill in the kitchen is used for the barbecue and grill dishes and specialities including Ameijoas Bulhão Pato (clams in white wine), Arroz de marisco (seafood rice) and the African chicken. There are some delicious Portuguese wines on the menu as well.
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