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The last vestige of the grand Portuguese empire, Macau presents a unique balance of colonial heritage and traditional Chinese sensibilities. While it is world-renowned for its glittering shopping complexes, its old cobbled streets and incense-filled shophouses exude distinct historical charm and offer endless avenues for exploration. Thousands of tourists flock to Macau every year to immerse themselves in its intoxicating atmosphere and exhilarating cultural scene. Owing to its mélange of Portuguese and Chinese styles, Macau is a culinary crossroad and a pioneer of fusion food. Portuguese food has influences from Malaysia, Vietnam, India and Africa, so the food in Macau (called Macanese) is possibly more mixed than any other global cuisine.
Citation preview
Tap Seac Gallery
MACAU TRAVEL GUIDE 2014
Local Travel Tips
16
14
Macau’s Foodie Pulse
Macau’s Heritage
2
CONTENT
Historical TrailsTake a walk along the streets of Macau, which brim with food and places
representative of its Chinese and Portuguese heritages. Stops include: the General Post Office, Senado Square, Heritage Exhibition of a Traditional Pawnshop Business and Historical Archive Exhibition Hall.
04
03
East Meets WestThe city’s architecture exudes a characteristic Macanese identity, of which prime examples are St. Augustine’s Church, St. Joseph’s Seminary and Church, Mandarin’s House, and A-Ma Temple.
Arts and CultureCulture and history are tons of fun at the Fisherman’s Wharf, Macau Museum of Art, Handover Gifts Museum of Macau, Macau Science Center and Macau Tower.
PUBLISHER CECILIA WOOSENIOR GROUP EDITOR ESTHER FAITH LEW
ASSOCIATE EDITOR NATALIE JOY LEEWRITER MELISSA CHUA
SENIOR CREATIVE DIRECTOR TOMMY HONGGRAPHIC DESIGNER REXMOND OHBUSINESS DIRECTOR MARIE YEO
SALES & MARKETING DIRECTOR JESSLY PAKSENIOR MARKETING MANAGER TASMIN CHUA
ALL IMAGES COURTESY OF MACAU GOVERNMENT TOURIST OFFICE
NOTE: ALL INFORMATION IS CORRECT AT THE TIME OF PRINTING
[OCTOBER 2014]
06 08
10
Introduction
12
Nature and CreativityMacau’s colonial legacy has left an impressive nature-soaked collection of Portuguese architecture. Plot some relaxing time at the Macau Reservoir, Guia Cable Car, Guia Fortress, Tap Seac Square and St. Lazarus Church.
INTRODUCTIONThe last vestige of the grand Portuguese empire, Macau presents a unique balance of
colonial heritage and traditional Chinese sensibilities. While it is world-renowned for its
glittering shopping complexes, its old cobbled streets and incense-filled shophouses
exude distinct historical charm and offer endless avenues for exploration. Thousands of
tourists flock to Macau every year to immerse themselves in its intoxicating atmosphere
and exhilarating cultural scene.
Owing to its mélange of Portuguese and Chinese styles, Macau is a culinary crossroad
and a pioneer of fusion food. Portuguese food has influences from Malaysia, Vietnam,
India and Africa, so the food in Macau (called Macanese) is possibly more mixed than
any other global cuisine. As the area is just 30sq. km in size, first-time visitors will be
able to see most of the attractions during the course of a weekend’s escape, but will
soon realise that they have hardly scraped the surface of this small but complex
epicurean paradise.
Within these pages you will find several suggestions for exploring this richly historic
city. It is little wonder that visitors keep returning to this city with its multitude of
delights to be savoured and explored.
Golden Lotus Square
MACAU TRAVEL GUIDE 2014
A TOUR OFHISTORICAL TRAILS
Rooted in a fascinating mix of Portuguese and Chinese heritages, Macau’s various landmarks pay tribute to the city’s historical milestones
Although officially known
as Avenida de Almeida
Ribeiro, this main traffic
street linking Avenida da
Praia Grande and the Inner
Harbour is affectionately
referred to by the locals as
“San Ma Lou” and is the
heart of historical Macau.
Barely one mile in length,
this heritage area brims
with evidence of its Chinese
and Portuguese roots.
Quaintly flanked by potted
plants and street lights, the
gravel-patterned roads of
San Ma Lou will lead you
to the General Post Office.
This majestic example of
neoclassical architecture
still remains operational,
and its Clock Tower chimes
different musical bells that
can be heard at various
times throughout the day.
Most of the residential and
commercial buildings in
this area were built in a
style that is typically seen
around China’s coastal
regions – brown walls with
whitewashed reliefs that
are trimmed by dark iron
railings around the balcony.
Directly adjacent to the General Post Office is
Senado Square, one of
the four largest squares
in Macau. Paved in wave-
patterned black-and-white
mosaic, the square was
named after the Leal Senado
Building, a central fixture
in Macau’s history. Senado Square is the choice locale
for firework displays and
lion and dragon dances
4
STEP OUT, EXPERIENCEMACAU’S COMMUNITIES
Leal Senado Building
MACAU TRAVEL GUIDE 2014 5
during celebrations
such as the Chinese Spring
Festival and Christmas. The
surrounding Travessa de S.
Domingos offers a plethora
of restaurants plating up
delectable Portuguese
coffee and desserts.
Continuing forth along
Rua dos Mercadores, you
will reach the Heritage Exhibition of a Traditional Pawnshop Business. Restored from an original
pawnshop that was
established in 1917, the
premises of “Tak Seng On”
(The Virtue and Success
Pawnshop) was originally
owned by Mr Kou Ho Ning,
a wealthy merchant, and has
been painstakingly preserved
to showcase the glory days of
one of the most significant
trades in Macau’s history.
As you walk along
the San Ma Lou, turn right
into Rua de Camilo Pessanha
and you will reach a light
green building that houses
the Archive Exhibition Hall, a historical tribute to the Tung
Sin Tong Charitable Society.
Established in 1892, it was
the first Chinese charitable
organisation that opened its
doors to the needy in Macau,
and has since grown from
its humble origins into an
expansive institution that
operates multiple nurseries,
schools and clinics in the
city. Come learn more about
this moving landmark and
get acquainted with the
historical origins of this
inspiring community.
Heritage Exhibition of a Traditional Pawnshop Business
St. Dominic’s Church
Ruins of St. Paul’s
MACAU TRAVEL GUIDE 20146
Escape the buzzing city centre for laid-back leisure and tranquility at several green attractions
Macau’s colonial legacy has left
it with an impressive collection
of Portuguese architecture,
including sprawling squares,
open gardens and natural
landscapes. Stroll down
Miradouro de D. Maria II
(Cape Cloud), and you will
find trails leading to the
Macau Reservoir. As you
walk down the stone steps,
you will discover the Reservoir
Recreation Area, a wonderful
space where visitors can
catch some sun and take
a leisurely stroll along the
bank, or enjoy a charming
view of the Outer Harbour.
Head right after the Reservoir
Recreation Area and go down
Avenida de Sidónio Pais.
You will find the entrance
to the Flora Garden, where
you can buy a ticket to board
the Guia Cable Car. An
elegant gondola lift system
that was opened in 1997,
it allows visitors to gain an
aerial perspective of the
picturesque gardens below,
and a breathtaking panorama
of the Macau cityscape.
A short walk from the cable car
station is the Guia Fortress,
A TOUR OFNATURE AND CREATIVITY
STEP OUT, EXPERIENCEMACAU’S COMMUNITIES
MACAU TRAVEL GUIDE 2014 7
and within the fortress, Guia
Chapel and Lighthouse. A
perfect hallmark of Macau’s
multicultural identity,
the chapel was originally
established by Clarist nuns and
features elaborate decorations
depicting both Western and
Chinese motifs inspired by
religion and mythology. The
lighthouse, the very first of
its kind to be built along
the China coast, remains
operational till this day.
Take the stone steps down
Calçada da Vitória to Tap Seac Square, the largest
open square in Macau.
Sporting a Southern European
aesthetic, the square is
surrounded by majestic
historical buildings such as
the Central Library and Tap
Seac Gallery. Designed by
Macanese architect Carlos
Marreiros, Tap Seac Square
remains one of Macau’s most
iconic landmarks and is a
must-see for any first-time
visitor. At the nearby Rua
do Abreu Nunes, you can
find numerous restaurants
offering Thai, Vietnamese and
vegetarian cuisines that are
popular amongst the locals.
Continue along Rua do Tap
Seac and you will reach Rua
do Volong, where you can
marvel at St. Lazarus Church and Parish. One of the oldest
Catholic churches in Macau,
it is a popular filming location
for movies as its surrounding
region constitutes the heart
of the city’s cultural and
creative industries. Local arts
and cultural boutiques are
situated here, some of which
are 10 Fantasia, Albergue SCM
and the Tai Fung Tong Art
House. Shoppers will enjoy
browsing through creative
and cultural products.
Lou Lim Ieoc Garden
Guia Chapeland Lighthouse
MACAU TRAVEL GUIDE 20148
A TOUR OFEAST MEETS WEST
It is not just the food that
is a unique amalgamation
of East and West; the city’s
architectural style (most
notably its historical religious
structures) also reflects a
characteristic Macanese
identity. Of particular note is
St. Augustine’s Square, which
blends various traditional
Portuguese aesthetics –
classic Southern European
architecture accompanied
by a signature streetscape
of cobblestones and wave-
patterned gravel. To the left of
the square is St. Augustine’s Church, an outstanding
building boasting pastel
yellow walls trimmed with
elegant white. According to
folklore, priests used to cover
this UNESCO World Heritage
Site’s leaking roof with palm
fronds, which swished in
the wind; a sight that the
Chinese found reminiscent
of a dragon’s beard.
A trip down Rua da Prata will
take you to the Jesuit halls of
St. Joseph’s Seminary and Church. Laid in a traditional
Latin cross with a central
dome, one of the church’s
lateral altars houses St.
Francis Xavier’s remains,
one of the great evangelists
who spread Christianity
throughout Asia in the 1500s.
The St. Joseph’s Seminary also
has an impressive display of
sketches and watercolours
by famed English painter
George Chinnery. Walk along
Rua de S. Lourenço and you’ll
reach the lovingly-preserved
landmark of Mandarin’s House, the perfect example
of East meets West in Macau.
Although it has all the
hallmarks of a traditional
Guangdong residence, it also
features a fusion of western
influences in its architecture,
giving it a distinct
multicultural character.
Mandarin’s House played a
STEP OUT, EXPERIENCEMACAU’S COMMUNITIES
A-Ma Temple
A-Ma Temple
MACAU TRAVEL GUIDE 2014 9
Macau’s colonial past has gifted it with a signature blend of Portuguese and Chinese influences that has resulted in an inimitably “Macanese” identity
significant role in historical
Macau’s Chinese culture; it
is said that Zheng Guanying
of the late Qing Dynasty
completed his celebrated
masterpiece, Shengshi
Weiyan (Words of Warning
in Times of Prosperity),
within these hallowed halls.
Located in close proximity is
the A-Ma Temple, a tribute
to Matsu, the patron goddess
of seafarers and fishermen
during the Ming Dynasty.
Already in existence long
before the city of Macau was
established, the walls of
A-Ma Temple house a variety
of pavilions dedicated
to various deities and
religions in Chinese culture,
including Confucianism,
Taoism, Buddhism, and
other folk beliefs. During
the weekends, its grounds
are transformed into the
perfect platform for cultural
performances, including
Portuguese folk dances,
modern hip-hop acts and
traditional lion dances, again
reflective of Macau’s Eastern
and Western influences.
St. Lawrence’s
Church
St. Joseph’s Seminary and Church
Mandarin’sHouse
SenadoSquare
MACAU TRAVEL GUIDE 201410
A TOUR OFARTS AND CULTURE
The Fisherman’s Wharf is
hard to miss, taking pride of
place as Macau’s first themed
entertainment complex. Take
a left turn from the Outer
Harbour’s Ferry Terminal and
you will find the wharf ideally
located along the coastline,
with lovely seaside views
that tempt you to dally. This
sprawling 111,500sqm area
is characterised by Roman-
inspired architecture, complete
with a Roman amphitheatre.
Visitors will find dining,
entertainment, shopping and
convention options here.
Walk on past the Sands
Macau Hotel and you will
discover a large square – the
site of the historic handover
ceremony of Macau back to
China – which is now home to
a couple of cultural hot spots.
The Macau Musuem of Art covers 4000 sqm of exhibition
space; the city’s largest
display for local cultural
and art relics. Spanning five
floors, permanent exhibitions
are categorised into Chinese
paintings and calligraphy,
China ceramics, early Western
paintings and Macanese art,
while temporary exhibitions
are also held regularly in
conjunction with various
nations and regions.
Nearby is the Handover Gifts Museum of Macau,
which commemorates
the city’s handover from
Portuguese power to the
People’s Republic of China
on 20 December, 1999. Built
to mark a new era in Macau’s
history (formation of the
Macao Special Administrative
Region), the three-storey
building displays gifts
The final out of four walking trails in Macau that last 90 to 150 minutes each, this particular journey encircles the city’s waterfront area, stopping by eight spots that ooze cultural charm and artistic fun
STEP OUT, EXPERIENCEMACAU’S COMMUNITIES
Macau Musuem of Art
MACAU TRAVEL GUIDE 2014 11
symbolic of the nation’s
road to prosperity, and are
given by the 56 ethnic groups
represented by the State
Council of The People’s
Republic of China.
On the right, a footbridge
over Avenida Xian Xing
Hai (N.A.P.E) leads to the
Macau Science Centre.
Easily spotted thanks to
its futuristic silver-lined
and cone-shaped exterior,
this is a favourite spot for
school-goers, where 14
galleries encourage learning
through active participation.
Galleries provide a scientific
spin on robotics, space
science, meteorology, sports
health, food science, eco
conservation and more, as
well as galleries dedicated
to travelling exhibitions.
Demonstrations also enliven
the experience, such as
hands-on interactions while
creating molecular food and
other fun experiments.
A top tourist destination
included in most itineraries
is the Macau Tower;
the iconic 338m building
is also a thrill-seeker’s
playground. At 233m high,
the AJ Hackett bungy jump
takes the Guinness World
Record for the Highest
Commercial Bungy Jump,
restricted to participants
aged 10 and above. Younger
ones may still experience an
adrenaline rush at Skywalk
X by walking around the
tower’s perimeter sans
handrail support. Otherwise,
you may just chill at the
observation deck and 360°
Café, which offer the same
panoramic view of Macau.
Macau Science Centre
Macau Tower
Kun Iam StatueHandover Gifts Museum of Macau
MACAU TRAVEL GUIDE 201412
FAST FACT
MACAU TRAVEL TIPS
POPULATIONAs of 2013, the population in
Macau stands at 624,000. About
90% are ethnic Chinese from
different provinces. The
remainder comprises Portuguese
and other ethnic groups.
Because of its small land area,
Macau has a population density
of 18,636, the highest in any
country or territory in the world.
A BRIEF HISTORY Macau was colonised by the
Portuguese from the 16th
century, who ruled the city for
over 400 years before it was
handed back to China on 20
December 1999, making it the
last European colony. The
Macau Special Administrative
Region (SAR) is a part of
China’s territory.
CURRENCY Macau’s unit of currency is the
Macau Pataca (MOP). 1MOP =
RM0.41. The Hong Kong Dollar
can also be used in Macau.
GEOGRAPHY Macau comprises the Macau
Peninsula (connected to
Mainland China), the islands of
Taipa and Coloane, and the
reclaimed area COTAI. Three
bridges connect Macau to Taipa
(Their lengths are 2.5km, 4.5km
and 2.2km respectively).
AREAMacau covers 30.3 sq. km.
DIALLING CODEMacau’s international dialling
code is +853.
ELECTRICITY220V, 50Hz.
TIME ZONEMST/UTC +8
BEST TIME TO VISITMacau is great to visit all year
around. The climate is fairly
warm and tropical. Annual
average temperature is about
20ºC. October to December is the
most pleasant season as it brings
mild and cool weather. The
average temperature is about
18°C, and rainfall is lowest during
these months.
GETTING AROUNDAs the majority of Macau’s tourist
attractions are relatively close to
one another, especially those in
the Historical Centre of the city, it
is possible to explore them by
foot. Buses run throughout the
city and are efficient and
affordable, not only in the city but
also in the islands. For journeys in
Macau Peninsula, there is a flat
fare of MOP3.20. Trips to Taipa
cost MOP4.20. Many of the larger
hotels also provide
complimentary shuttle buses to/
from Macau Ferry Terminal and
Barrier Gate (to Zhuhai).
MACAU TRAVEL GUIDE 2014 13
GETTING THEREAirAsia flies 17 times weekly
to Macau from Kuala Lumpur.
You can also fly to Hong Kong
and take a ferry to Macau
directly from the airport – this
allows you to bypass Hong
Kong customs and
immigration.
TIPPINGGenerally not practised. A 10%
service charge and 5%
government tax are imposed at
certain places, including
restaurants and bars.
LANGUAGEPortuguese and Cantonese are
the official languages of Macau,
but the latter is most commonly
used in the territory. English and
Mandarin are also widely spoken,
especially in tourist areas.
VISA Malaysians do not require
visas to enter Macau (for a
stay of up to 30 days).
Explore for more information:
MACAU TRAVEL GUIDE 201414
The Historic Centre of Macau is
successfully inscribed as a World
Heritage Site, making it the 31st
site in China to be granted this
status. It is also the product of
cultural exchange between the
East and West spanning over 400
years, and is currently the oldest,
the most complete and
consolidated icon of European
architectural legacy standing
intact on Chinese territory today.
BARRA SQUARE Barra Square lies in front of the
A-Ma Temple. Facing the Inner
Harbour, the frontal part is
constructed from famous
Portuguese mosaic, with ochre
and charcoal as the principal
colours. The overall effect is one
of fluidity and gives a strong
coastal look and feel.
In front of A-Ma Temple
MOORISH BARRACKSBuilt in 1874 by Italian architect
Cassuto, this building features
strong Islamic design influence.
Originally the home of an Indian
regiment from Goa, this place
now serves as the offices of the
Macau Maritime Administration.
Calçada da Barra
MANDARIN’S HOUSEBuilt before 1869, this was the
residence of the famous Chinese
thinker Zheng Guanying. It was
built mainly in the traditional
Chinese style, although some
foreign elements were also
incorporated.
No. 10 Antonio da Silva Lane
ST. LAWRENCE’S CHURCHOriginally built in the mid-1600s,
St. Lawrence’s Church is
considered to be one of the
three oldest churches in Macau.
The area surrounding the church
used to be an affluent
neighbourhood, thus explaining
the building’s grandeur.
Rua de Sao Lourenco
ST. JOSEPH’S SEMINARY AND CHURCHBuilt in 1758, the church features
a unique Baroque style, such as
the magnificent arc-shaped line
on the lintel, which is rarely seen
in Macau. The church also
houses a relic of the first
missionary to East Asia.
Rua do Seminario
SIR ROBERT HO TUNG LIBRARYSir Robert Ho Tung, a wealthy
Hong Kong businessman,
purchased this building in
1918. After he passed away in
HERITAGE
MACAU TRAVEL GUIDE 2014 15
1955, the building was
donated, according to his will,
to the Macau Government for
use as a public library. The
library was officially opened to
the public in 1958.
No.3 Santo Agostinho Square
“LEAL SENADO” BUILDINGOriginally built in 1784 as
Macau’s municipal office, this
building has undergone many
facelifts. The building today
dates from a reconstruction
in 1874, and possesses a
distinct Southern European
architectural style.
No.163 Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro
SAM KAI VUI KUN TEMPLE (KUAN TAI TEMPLE)Prior to the establishment of
the Chinese Chamber of
Commerce in Macau in 1912,
the area surrounding the
temple was the centre of
Chinese trading in Macau.
After the decline of the
bazaar, the temple rose to
importance in this area.
Rua Sul do Mercado de Sao Domingos
HOLY HOUSE OF MERCYBuilt to undertake charitable
work, this establishment was
founded by the first bishop of
Macau in 1569. From the side
entrance, one can reach the
in-house museum; it
contains, among other
treasures, implements given
to the Chinese to aid the work
of missionaries.
Senado Square
CATHEDRAL SQUAREWhether it is from a religious
or historic point of view, the
Cathedral and the other
buildings surrounding the
Square are highly valued
monuments.
COMPANY OF JESUS SQUAREThe buildings surrounding
the square were constructed
between 1920 and 1930, apart
from two that are 19th
century neo-classical.
SECTION OF THE OLD CITY WALLSThe Portuguese began
building a city wall around
Macau as early as 1569. Early
maps show that apart from
the Inner Harbour in the west,
this wall surrounded the rest
of the city. Fortresses were
also built, making Macau a
heavily defended fort.
CASA GARDENBuilt in 1770 as the summer
residence of the Portuguese
aristocracy, politicians and a
wealth merchant called
Manuel Pereira consecutively,
this house is touted as the
finest villa in Macau. It was
later rented out to the
English East India Company,
and then converted into a
museum in the 1960s. It is
now the headquarters of the
Oriental Foundation.
Beside Camoes Square
GUIA FORTRESSGuia fortress was built in 1622
and is the highest point in
Macau, with views of the whole
peninsula. The fortress also
contains the Guia lighthouse
and chapel. Built in 1622, Guia
chapel features colourful
murals painted using a mix of
Chinese and western
techniques, and is said to be
one of the most unique
churches in the area.
MACAU TRAVEL GUIDE 201416
FOOD
MACAU’SFOODIE PULSEWith a host of attractions and a vibrant food scene, this former Portuguese enclave is an endless epicurean adventure that promises to delight your taste buds
All That’s Local is Gold
In addition to its superb
harbour views, Sofitel Macau at
Ponte16 (Rua do Visconde Paco
de Arcos,Tel: 853/8861-0016,
www.sofitel.com) also boasts
Le Chinois on its top floor, a
perfect choice for a relaxing
evening of wining, dining and
taking in Macau’s kaleidoscopic
lights. A bottle of Vinho Verde
is the ideal accompaniment
to Chef Ho Wah’s signature
dishes of sautéed chicken and
prawns with XO sauce, lightly
steamed cod and an artistically
presented wagyu beef in mini
pumpkins.
Wine is important in
Portuguese culture, and it’s
no surprise that, being a
former Portuguese colony,
wines from here dominate
most of the wine lists. In fact,
some of the world’s best wine
lists can be found in Macau’s
Michelin-starred restaurants.
There are only two three-
star Michelin restaurants
in Macau, The Eight and
Robuchon au Dôme.
Macau’s historic heart is a
UNESCO World Heritage Site
and best explored on
MACAU TRAVEL GUIDE 2014 17
foot from Largo do Senado
Square. Walking the narrow
streets and taking in Macau’s
full sensory onslaught builds
up a thirst and hunger and it
was time to check out a much-
lauded restaurant; Wong Kung Soi Kung (1st Floor, Ginza
Place, Tel: 853/2837-2248, www.
wongkun.com.mo) within the
UNESCO zone. Shrimp roe
noodles and sea crab congee
are noteworthy dishes. Owner
Mr. Cheang uses a bamboo
press to make his noodles,
perfectly springy to accompany
the ‘fishy’ roe, while there is
plenty of crab in the smooth
and tasty congee.
Macau’s heritage zone includes
the beautifully restored
Mandarin’s House and even a
shop selling the rarely seen,
Macanese fish cake (empada
de peixe). Close by is an outlet
of Koi Kei Bakery (www.koikei.
com) which has many outlets
in Macau. Virtually every
departing passenger is armed
with colourful bags of Koi Kei
cookies, a testament to their
immense popularity.
ABA Bar in the MGM
Macau (Avenida Dr. Sun
Yat Sen, Tel: 853/8802-
8888, www.mgmmacau.
com) is a sophisticated
bar with a comprehensive
list of champagnes,
premium liquor and pre-
dinner cocktails at reasonable
prices. Comforting basics like
draught Stella Artois abide
beside classic cocktails like
Clover Club and Lipstick
Rose. Square Eight, a
contemporary and casual
dining restaurant that recently
garnered a Bib Gourmand
recommendation from
Michelin, is located upstairs.
For dessert, take a gander
to City of Dreams where the
chocolate mille-feuille at the
Michelin one-star Tasting Room by Galliot (City of
Dreams, Tel: 853/8868-7558,
www.cityofdreamsmacau.com)
had been recommended. Chef
Guillaume Galliot has created a
visual masterpiece that proved
to be as indulgent as expected.
Noodles and Congee Corner (Hotel Grand Lisboa,
2-4 Avenida de Lisboa,
Tel: 853/2888-3888, www.
grandlisboahotel.com) plates
up their signature Shan Xi
handmade noodles, together
with amazing dishes like the
spicy stir-fried string beans with
minced pork, and the roasted
pork which is lightly roasted
and very tasty. A Kung Fu Tea
Master provides extra theatre
at this 24-hour restaurant.
On the Cotai strip of reclaimed
land between what was once
Taipa and Coloane Islands,
Macau’s largest hotel, the
Sheraton Macao, houses the
contemporary trattoria-styled
restaurant Bene (Sheraton
Macao, Tel: 853/8113-1200,
www.sheratonmacao.com).
Serving up excellent Italian in
a lively setting, Bene proves
that excellent produce cooked
well is the essence of fine food.
MACAU TRAVEL GUIDE 201418
FOOD
Tarry to Taipa
If you have time to head out,
15 minutes from the city is
Taipa and Coloane with many
foodie delights awaiting,
including Portuguese
pastries, Taipa Mercato,
and several food streets.
There is a more authentic
and historic atmosphere
in Taipa, although the
retail biscuit outlets here
are popular with tourists.
Nearby, Cunha Street (Food Street) is immensely
popular all week round.
While Café Litoral (Rua do
Regedor, Taipa, Tel: 853/2882
5255, wwwcafelitoral.com)
has only been open in Taipa
since 2008, it manages to
pull off an old-world charm.
Reminiscent of an authentic
Portuguese restaurant, Café
Litoral is one of a handful
of outlets serving Macanese
cuisine. Cod fish and potato
cakes (pasties de bacalbau)
are excellent but served
with no accompaniments.
African chicken is a
famous dish that typifies
Portuguese colonialism –
remember to specify the
degree of chilli preferred,
as the spiciness can be
mouth-numbingly hot.
Other Macanese delights
include charcoal sardines,
ox tripe stew, and delicious
garlic prawns cooked in
olive oil. Cooling Super
Bock beer and Portuguese
wines complement the
dishes. Overlooking a
square, Old Taipa Taverna
(21 Rua de Negociantes,
Tel: 853/2882-5221), or
‘OTT’ as referred to by the
locals, is a friendly locale
for enjoying a little sports
action on television and a
few Macau Beers to work
up an appetite for dinner.
The semi-rural surrounds
of Coloane Village house
another culinary institution
in Macau, Lord Stow’s Bakery & Café (1 Rua
do Tassara, Coloane,
Tel: 853/2888-2534 www.
lordstow.com). While the
signature-blackened surface
will come as a surprise
to many, the Portuguese
egg tarts have a distinct
caramel sweetness and
flaky crust that has won
the hearts of many.
MACAU GOVERNMENT TOURIST OFFICERepresentative in Malaysia
Level 6, Lion Office Tower,No.1 Jalan Nagasari,50200 Kuala Lumpur.
T: 603 2144 2500F: 603 2148 1357
E: mgto@pacificworld.travelwww.facebook.com/MY.Macau
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