Cuisines in Macau

Macau's fame for food and wine is legendary. The fusion of two very distinctive yet harmonious cultures has created an exquisite style of cuisine in Macau.

Macanese cooking is a hybrid of ingredients and recipes from Portugal, India and Malaysia. Typical Macanese dishes are more spicy and curried than their Portuguese counterparts and include "balachu" (cod, baked and grilled) and soups such as "caldo verde" and "sopa alentejana". A couple of good restaurants to sample typical Macanese fare in are the A Locha on Rua do Almirante Sergio and the Solmar on Avenida da Praia Grande. This place do superb fish and their soups are also good.

Some great traditional Portuguese food is served up in Alfonso III on Rua Central. Classical Portuguese food uses more olive oil and less chili than Macanese but is equally tasty. Alfonso III is a lovely little family run restaurant but it's often full, so try and book ahead. The deserts are especially good here including a tasty creme caramel.

Other types of international cuisine are also available here including Italian, French and South Asian food. The Italian restaurant in The Mandarin Oriental Hotel receives good reviews and is an attractive and peaceful place to dine.

Of course, there are numerous Cantonese restaurants around town too. For excellent dim sum (steamed, filled small buns and pastries) try the Jade Restaurant on Avenida do Almedia Ribeiro for a taste of typical Cantonese cuisine. This restaurant is open from 7am until 12pm.

The selection of Portuguese wine available in Macau is impressive and most bars and restaurants stock some good vintages.