Macau represents the exciting, energetic and entertaining side of China, and luckily for those who are visiting ‘the Las Vegas of Asia’, there are plenty of dining options, too.
Grab a bite, Macau style
This autonomous region on China’s South Coast has a unique cuisine all of its own, in part owing to the Portuguese influence of the colonial era. Minchi can be considered to be Macau’s national dish and contains ground pork or beef in a sumptuous sauce, often topped by a fried egg. It is filling and nutritious, so ensure you give it a try. Then there is the Portuguese soup known as Caldo Verde, which is another hearty affair containing potatoes, kale, olive oil, and sometimes a meat such as ham. And don’t forget about Bacalhau, which is the salted cod popular with those of Chinese and Portuguese origin alike. They are often fashioned into balls and grilled in the cooking style favoured by the Portuguese.
Out and about
There are plenty of restaurants worth your attention in Macau if you can tempt yourself away from the casinos! In the case of Mizumi, situated in the Wynn Macau, you don’t have to leave the casino complex’s many baccarat tables at all. This Japanese is noted for its Australian wagyu beef shabu-shabu and 32 varieties of sake. You should also consider a trip to Zi Yat Heen at the Four Seasons Hotel, where you can try the best in Cantonese cuisine, including sautéed lobster with egg white and a good selection of vegetable dishes. The stunning Vida Rica restaurant takes centre stage at the five-star Mandarin Oriental Hotel, where you can find a good mix of both Cantonese and Portuguese cuisine, and marvel at the ornate interior.
All in all, Macau makes a compelling stop for foodies in South East Asia, as well as those who have come predominantly for the nightlife options which make the city famous. It offers an interesting mix of cuisines, and if you want to fall back on some comfort food, it is also not short of a good Italian and burger spot.
