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As a major port city of Southern China and former Portuguese colony, Macao has long been a destination for international cuisine. Blending Chinese and Portuguese foods with influences from Africa, India, Malaysia and South America, Macanese cuisine is a mouth-watering combination of tastes. Since 2009, the prestigious Michelin Guides have recognized Macao for its fine dining, and it came as no surprise that 19 restaurants received stars for 2017. Last year, Michelin also featured Macao in its first-ever street food guide, acknowleding that many of the region's unique dishes exist outside of sit-down establishments. Serving everything from steaming dim-sum to banana-sesame gelato, these 12 Michelin-recognized street shops are some of the best places to discover Macao's diverse palette.
Lord Stow's Bakery
Lord Stow's Portuguese egg tart is something of a Macanese icon. Though the pastry—a slightly caramelized egg custard nestled in a flaky, buttery crust—traces its roots back to Portugal, it is less sweet than the original Pasteis de Nata to suit Chinese tastes. Location: 1 Rua do Tassara, Coloane, Macao. Featured in the 2016 and 2017 Michelin Guides.
Dai Gwan
Situated in the busy area between the Ruins of St. Paul’s Cathedral and Senado Square, Dai Gwan serves Taiwanese black pepper cakes. The flaky biscuit-like buns filled with peppery meat and spring onions are sold fresh out of the oven. Location: 1 Rua do Monte, Macao. Featured in the 2016 and 2017 Michelin Guides.
Fong Kei
Fong Kei is a centuries-old pastry shop in the touristy area of Rua do Cunha specializing in almond cakes and cookies. The secret to their longstanding following? These treats are also made with seasoned pork. Location: 14 Rua do Cunha, Taipa, Macao. Featured in the 2016 and 2017 Michelin Guides.
Mok Yee Kei
With its pungent odor and strong taste, the durian is a divisive fruit. Some people love the taste; others, not so much. While hit or miss, trying durian is a must while traveling in Asia. Mok Yee Kei is a veritable castle of durian-flavored products, offering everything from durian ice cream to durian pudding. Location: 9 Rua do Cunha, Taipa, Macao. Featured in the 2016 and 2017 Michelin Guides.
Chong Shing
Chong Shing's steaming hot dim-sums caught the attention of Michelin inspectors. This small, hidden snack shop features local favorite dim-sums, ranging from shumai (traditional Chinese dumpling) to mah lai goh (steamed Chinese sponge cake). Location: 11 Rua de Tome Pires, Macao. Featured in the 2016 and 2017 Michelin Guides.
Lei Ka Choi
Lei Ka Choi's traditional Cantonese clay pot meals are a must for those in search of historical menu items. Try their stew of ox tail, braised chicken and pork belly. For a savory snack, order the deep-fried fish balls. Location: Shop E-G028 Broadway Macao, Cotai, Macao. Featured in the 2016 and 2017 Michelin Guides.
Lemon Cello
Located just off of Senado Square, Lemon Cello is a popular stop in the summertime, offering gelato in traditional flavors as well as unconventional ones including ginger, banana-sesame and bean curd. Location: Trav. Se 11r/c, Macao. Featured in the 2016 and 2017 Michelin Guides.
Kika
Next door to Lemon Cello, and a newcomer to Macao's frozen treats scene, is Japanese gelato store KIKA. The shop changes the vast array of flavor selections daily, but highlights include matcha and sakura blossom. Location: Trav. Se 11A r/c, Macao. Featured in the 2017 Michelin Guide.
Neng Meng Wang
Neng Meng Wang, a lunch spot located on the western portion of the Macao peninsula, is renowned for its broad collection of preserved fruits. Location: Lai Hou Garden, Rua Coelho do Amaral, Macao. Featured in the 2016 and 2017 Michelin Guides.
Sun Ying Kei
Anthony Bourdain visited Sun Ying Kei during his No Reservations tour, where he tried and fell in love with their pork chop buns. He marveled at the genius of their simplicity. "I think we learned something today," he says to his videographer. "Pork? Good. Pork on a sandwich? Better." Though pork chop buns are sold throughout Macao, Sun Ying Kei is the original shop located on Taipa, one of Macao’s two main islands. Marinated in Portuguese oils and spices, the pork chop is then grilled to perfection and slid onto bread that's crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Location: 2B Rua da Alegria do Patane, Macao. Featured in the 2016 and 2017 Michelin Guides.
Ving Kei
At Ving Kei, tofu is king. You could order an entire meal of tofu, beverage included. Their dessert, a chilled silky smooth sweet tofu pudding, is particularly sought after. If tofu isn't your thing, opt for one of their other noodle dishes, such as the deep-fried pork rib noodles. Location: 47 Rua da Tercena, Macao. Featured in the 2016 and 2017 Michelin Guides.
Yi Shun
Yi Shun is the home of Macao’s famous milk pudding. Walking down Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro, you might almost pass this store by if it weren't for the bright red and white sign outside. Made by hand, this milk pudding is subtle in taste and can be enjoyed cold or hot. Try it topped with red beans or ginger juice. Location: 381 Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro, Macao. Featured in the 2016 and 2017 Michelin Guides.