Street Food in Macau, China: Delicious Macanese Culinary Delights!

Today’s feature travel video is of us eating street food in Macau, China with a specific emphasis on Macanese cuisine which has distinct Chinese and Portuguese influences.

After an impossibly long day packing up, moving out and flying to Macau from Chiang Mai, we were ready to hit the streets – after a long sleep – to check out all of the culinary delights Macau has to offer.

Unique to Macau, Macanese cuisine is an eclectic blend of Portuguese, southern Chinese, SE Asian and African influences.

It’s a fusion style of cuisine that combines ingredients found in Europe, other parts of Asia and locally.

Old world blends of spices including coconut milk, cinnamon, turmeric and bacalhau are typical seasonings when making Macanese dishes.

Baking, seldom used in Chinese cuisine, features prominently in Macanese dishes.

As we wandered through the historic area of the Macau we quickly realized we’d be able to mark off all of the items we had our checklist of street foods to try eating.

Macanese Cuisine: Street Food In Macau

On our way from Senado Square (Senate Square – *Portuguese: Largo do Senado; Chinese: 議事亭前地*) to The Ruins of St. Paul’s Cathedral (Portuguese: Ruínas de São Paulo, Chinese: 大三巴牌坊) we walked along a bustling pedestrian section featuring many kinds of Macanese dishes.

There were so many people competing for space it looked as though an ant hill suddenly split open with all the ants (people) scurrying about frantically.

Macanese Egg Tarts

First on our list was the famed Egg Tarts (Portuguese: pastel de nata) which we quickly spotted as we randomly wandered around.

Pastéis de nata were first introduced in China under the Portuguese government that controlled Macau.

In Chinese they are known locally as 蛋撻 and/or 蛋挞 (pronounced as dàntǎ) literally translating as egg tart.

On the outside they were crispy with a soft fluffy creamy center similar to a souffle. Distinctly sweet, they immediately were a hit with both of us.

As we continued along the pedestrian strip we encountered a shop giving out free samples of dried and sweetened strips of meat. Audrey took a bite and proclaimed it tasted similar to bacon.

Macanese Almond Biscuits

Our quest to satisfy our ever demanding sweet tooth brought us over to a shop selling almond biscuits (杏仁饼 or 杏仁餅). Also known as almond cakes and almond cookies, these Chinese pastries are quite similar to shortbread Christmas cookies. They’d make a great little snack for afternoon tea.

Macanese Pork Chop Bun

Feeling a little overwhelmed by the gridlock of people in tandem with stifling heat and humidity, we decided to head down a less crowded side street where we just happened to stumble across a shop selling Macanese pork chop buns.

These buns, which are crispy on the outside and soft inside, are some of the most popular snacks in all of Macau. Luckily, the little eatery we selected was full of locals, so we knew it would be good.

Also known as a piggy bun, a fried slab of seasoned pork chop (豬扒包) is placed inside of a bun that appeared to be coated with butter.

Although this dish wouldn’t score highly in terms of ‘being healthy’ it certainly was delicious as the pork was very flavorful and melted in your mouth with each bite of the bun.

The one dish we didn’t get to try was Galinha à Africana (African chicken); however, I have tried it once before and I even made my own version of African chicken which I shared as a recipe on my site.

Fish Balls

Fish balls are a quintessential street food in Macau. These savory morsels, made from minced fish and a blend of spices, are deep-fried to golden perfection. They’re often served on skewers, making them an easy snack to enjoy while exploring the city’s vibrant streets. The texture is delightfully springy with a hint of the sea that’s balanced by the seasonings.

• Savory and Satisfying: Each bite of a Macanese fish ball delivers a burst of umami flavor. The fish is finely minced, giving the balls a smooth, almost bouncy texture that’s a joy to eat.
• Perfect Street Food: Conveniently served on skewers, fish balls are the perfect street food—easy to eat on the go and packed with flavor. They’re often accompanied by a dipping sauce, adding an extra layer of taste.
• Street Stall Tradition: Many of Macau’s fish ball vendors have been in the business for decades, passing down secret recipes and techniques. This rich tradition adds to the authenticity and appeal of this street food favorite.

Serrandura

Serradura, also known as “sawdust pudding,” is a must-try treat in Macau. This sweet delight is made from layers of whipped cream and crumbled Marie biscuits, creating a light yet indulgent dessert. The name “sawdust” comes from the finely crushed biscuits that resemble sawdust, but don’t let the name fool you—this dessert is anything but gritty. It’s smooth, creamy, and utterly irresistible.

• Simple Ingredients, Rich Flavor: Serradura’s charm lies in its simplicity. The combination of rich cream and crumbly biscuits results in a dessert that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Each spoonful melts in your mouth, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and texture.
• Portuguese Influence: Like many Macanese dishes, Serradura reflects the Portuguese influence on Macau’s culinary scene. It’s a fusion of Portuguese dessert-making techniques with local ingredients, making it a unique symbol of Macau’s cultural blend.
• Creamy Texture: The whipped cream is light and airy, providing a lovely contrast to the biscuit crumbs. This combination makes Serradura a dessert that’s both rich and refreshing.
• Visual Appeal: The distinct layers of creamy white and golden brown make Serradura a treat for the eyes as well as the taste buds. It’s a dessert that’s as Instagram-worthy as it is delicious.

Durian Ice Cream

Durian ice cream is not for the faint-hearted. But for those willing to try, it offers a truly unique experience. Known as the “king of fruits,” durian is infamous for its strong smell and distinctive flavor, which can range from sweet and custardy to slightly savory. In ice cream form, these bold flavors are mellowed and blended with cream.

• Distinctive Flavor: Durian has a taste like no other—rich, creamy, and complex, with hints of almond, caramel, and even garlic. It’s a flavor that lingers, leaving a lasting impression.
• An Acquired Taste: While some are put off by durian’s pungent aroma, those who embrace it often find durian ice cream to be a delightful treat. It’s an acquired taste, but one that’s worth exploring if you’re up for a culinary adventure.
• A Local Favorite: Durian is widely enjoyed in Southeast Asia, and in Macau, durian ice cream is a popular way to savor the fruit’s unique taste.
• A Fusion of Flavors: Combining the rich, custardy texture of durian with the creaminess of ice cream results in a dessert that’s both familiar and exotic. It’s a fusion that exemplifies Macau’s culinary spirit—mixing the traditional with the modern.

Beef Jerky

Macanese beef jerky is not your typical jerky. Known for its tender texture and bold flavors, it’s a savory staple. Unlike the tougher jerky you might find elsewhere, Macanese jerky is often softer and chewier, marinated in a blend of soy sauce, sugar, and spices that infuses each piece with a rich, umami flavor.

• Tender and Juicy: Unlike the dry and tough versions of jerky you might be used to, Macanese beef jerky is marinated to perfection, resulting in a tender, juicy texture that melts in your mouth.
• Bold Flavors: The marinade, typically a mix of soy sauce, honey, and a secret blend of spices, gives the jerky a sweet-savory flavor that’s addictive and satisfying. Each bite is packed with intense, mouthwatering taste.
• Street Stall Tradition: Buying beef jerky from a street vendor is an experience in itself. The jerky is often freshly grilled, giving it a smoky flavor that’s enhanced by the caramelization of the marinade.
• Perfect Snack: Whether you’re on the go or taking a break from sightseeing, beef jerky is the perfect snack. It’s easy to carry, mess-free, and satisfying, making it an ideal treat for travelers.

Minchi

Minchi is one of Macau’s most beloved comfort foods, and for good reason. This humble dish, a staple in many Macanese households, is made from minced meat—usually a mix of pork and beef—stir-fried with onions, garlic, soy sauce, and often seasoned with a dash of Worcestershire sauce. It’s typically served over a bed of steamed rice and topped with a fried egg.

• Flavorful Simplicity: Minchi’s appeal lies in its simplicity. The combination of tender minced meat with the rich umami flavors of soy and Worcestershire sauce creates a dish that’s both comforting and delicious. The crispy bits of caramelized meat contrast beautifully with the softness of the rice, while the fried egg adds a creamy richness that ties everything together.
• Homestyle Cooking: Minchi is often described as the epitome of Macanese homestyle cooking. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug—a meal that’s deeply comforting and reminiscent of family dinners.
• East Meets West: The fusion of flavors in Minchi is a testament to Macau’s rich history as a meeting point between Eastern and Western cultures. This dish is a perfect example of how different culinary traditions can come together to create something entirely new and delicious.
• Versatility: While the basic recipe for Minchi is straightforward, it’s a versatile dish that can be adapted to personal tastes. Some variations include adding potatoes, green beans, or other vegetables, making it a flexible dish that can be tailored to what’s available.

Cheong Fun

Cheong Fun, also known as rice noodle rolls, is a beloved street food in Macau. These silky, steamed rice noodles are thinly rolled and often filled with ingredients like shrimp, char siu (barbecued pork), or vegetables. Served with a drizzle of soy sauce and sometimes topped with sesame seeds, Cheong Fun is a light yet satisfying snack that’s perfect for any time of day.

• Silky Texture: The rice noodles in Cheong Fun are incredibly soft and smooth, melting in your mouth with each bite. The combination of the tender filling and the silky noodles creates a delightful contrast in texture.
• Simple Yet Flavorful: Despite its simplicity, Cheong Fun is packed with flavor. The soy sauce enhances the natural taste of the noodles and fillings, while the sesame seeds add a slight nuttiness.
• Fresh and Hot: One of the joys of eating Cheong Fun is enjoying it fresh from the steamer. The noodles are soft, warm, and perfectly cooked, making it an ideal snack for any time of day.
• Versatile and Customizable: Cheong Fun can be filled with a variety of ingredients, allowing you to choose from different flavors and combinations. Whether you prefer seafood, meat, or vegetarian options, there’s a Cheong Fun for everyone.

Coconut Ice Cream

Coconut ice cream is a must-try when exploring Macau’s street food scene. This creamy, tropical treat is perfect for cooling down on a warm day. Made from fresh coconut milk, it captures the essence of the tropics in every bite. The texture is smooth and velvety, while the flavor is subtly sweet with a natural coconut taste that’s both refreshing and satisfying.

• Natural Sweetness: Unlike overly sugary ice creams, coconut ice cream offers a gentle sweetness that comes from the natural flavors of coconut. It’s a dessert that’s light yet indulgent.
• Tropical Vibes: The use of fresh coconut milk gives the ice cream an authentic, tropical flavor that’s hard to resist. It’s like a taste of the islands in every scoop.
• Served in Style: Some vendors take the presentation up a notch by serving the ice cream in a halved coconut shell, complete with coconut shavings on top. It’s a feast for the eyes and the palate.
• Street Food Perfection: The portability of coconut ice cream makes it an ideal street food. Grab a scoop as you explore Macau’s markets or as a sweet treat after a meal.

Steamed Milk Pudding

Steamed milk pudding is a must-try Macanese dessert that offers a silky, creamy texture with a subtle sweetness that melts in your mouth. Made from a simple mixture of milk, sugar, and eggs, this dessert is gently steamed to create a smooth, custard-like consistency. It’s often served warm or chilled.

• Smooth and Creamy: The texture of steamed milk pudding is its standout feature—soft, silky, and luxuriously creamy.
• Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor: Despite its simplicity, steamed milk pudding is rich in flavor. The quality of the ingredients—fresh milk, eggs, and a touch of sugar—shines through, making it a dessert that’s both comforting and indulgent.
• Cultural Fusion: The origins of steamed milk pudding are rooted in both Chinese and Portuguese culinary traditions, making it a perfect representation of Macau’s diverse food culture. It’s a dessert that has been enjoyed for generations.
• Versatile Serving Options: While the classic version is simply sweetened, variations of steamed milk pudding can include toppings like red beans, ginger syrup, or fresh fruit, adding a layer of flavor and texture.

Bubble Tea

Bubble tea, also known as boba, is a popular drink in Macau that offers a blend of tea, milk, and chewy tapioca pearls. This refreshing beverage is available in countless flavors, from classic black milk tea to fruity varieties like mango and strawberry. What sets bubble tea apart is its unique combination of textures—the smooth, creamy tea contrasts with the chewy, slightly sweet tapioca pearls.

• Chewy Tapioca Pearls: The signature tapioca pearls, or “boba,” add a fun, chewy element to the drink, giving bubble tea its distinctive appeal. The pearls are cooked to perfection, providing just the right amount of resistance as you bite into them.
• Endless Flavor Combinations: Whether you prefer the richness of milk tea or the freshness of fruit teas, bubble tea offers endless customization options. You can adjust the sweetness level, choose different types of milk (including dairy-free options), and even add extra toppings like jelly or pudding.
• A Trendy Treat: Bubble tea shops are a common sight in Macau, and each one offers its unique take on the drink. From traditional recipes to modern twists, there’s always something new to try.
• Perfect On-the-Go: Served in a convenient cup with a wide straw to accommodate the tapioca pearls, bubble tea is the perfect on-the-go refreshment. It’s a fun and satisfying way to stay cool in Macau.