Bar Patua @ MGM Cotai, Macao (Macau)

#sycookiestravelogue, #foodeverywhere #2018macaoyearofgastronomy #experiencemacao #sycookiesxmacao

 

Macao does casinos and entertainment like no other city. The glam and bling of luminescence and iridescent glow at every single corner reflects the class and hospitality Macao has come to represent. At MGM, the lustrous warren of comfy nooks for wooing, with an elegant even though not as imposing bar to sit at if you like some bartender chat with your drinks- there’s history and storytelling for the tasting notes on what’s offered behind the bar, which might not arouse much interest in wine or beer drinker, but is quite handy for whisky or gin lover.

Serving their signature Portuguese inspired cocktail tonight, the folks behind the bar are all practiced professionals; personable, knowledgeable and looking sharp and handsome in nicely pressed suits. Our mixologist told us quite an interesting story from how Patua Penicillin (MOP 95) came about and how dark rum, scotch, and infusion of lemon, ginger, fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme and dill works their magic as it sits longer before pouring into your drinking glasses. Also serving us a couple of other well- executed drinks like the Bunny Mary (MOP 95), the energy is high in this handsome room filled with sets of modern European.

 

consisting of dark rum, scotch, lemon, ginger, honey syrup, fresh herbs
For those in need of some food, the tapas do the trick. Key to good tapas in my opinion, is all in the combination of skillful cooking and the most convivial of atmospheres if not the sourcing of the finest ingredients; in which Bar Patua absolutely fulfills. They might not strike sourcing of perfect ingredients and very little attention to details when it comes to presentation but combined with the pairing of ethanol compound, it is all good to most people.

<i>Bunny Mary -Vodka, carrot juice, pimento salt , Snack Platter, wings . </i>

Click HERE for Menu : https://static.mgm.mo/book/publish/dining-cotai/bar-patua/menu/2/

One of the MGM Macao lobby with a center piece of a 1.5 mil USD swarovski light

Catch this on one of the #sycookiesxmacao vlog series and watch how much fun we had at this place. Having said that, bear in mind that my drinking buddies are cooler than yours. Hahahaha.

Bar Patua is inside MGM Macao at:
Av. da Nave Desportiva, Macau
<span style=”text-decoration:underline;”><a href=” https://www.mgm.mo/en/cotai/dining/bar-patua “>  https://www.mgm.mo/en/cotai/dining/bar-patua </a> </span>
Tel: (853) 8806 2398
Opening hours: 3pm – 1am daily
GPS: 22.1465991,113.5680

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Must Have Macao Sweet Treats! Portuguese tart, which is the best?

 

Macao Sweet Treats! Portuguese tart, which is the best?

 

#sycookiestravelogue, #foodeverywhere #2018macaoyearofgastronomy #experiencemacao #sycookiesxmacao

Macau egg tarts. They aren’t exactly quite “news” anymore but a visit to Macao must have egg tarts on the itinerary. Macau egg tarts were initially and commonly considered a Portuguese import, with Lord Stow being one of the early names for egg when it comes to Macao Portuguese tart. Today, it is probably most iconic version of sweet treat in Macao. The recent trip to Macao with the Macao Tourism Malaysia got me learning so much more about this little sweet treat.

 

Why egg tart and not custard tart? I read somewhere it was due to lacking a direct translation for “custard” into Chinese, hence according to the couple who contributed most to this signature sweet treat of Macao, they just called them egg tarts from when they first started the business at Lord Stow’s first bakery. Chinese customers then, needing a way to distinguish them from the British-style custard tarts, the ones with a short crust (still made in Hong Kong), started calling them ‘Portuguese’ egg tarts, creating a confusing taxonomy that persists to this day.

 

After their separation, both Lord Stow’s and Margarete’s still bakes to locals and tourist on a daily basis. To say or declare either one as the best egg tart wouldn’t do either party any justice. After all, taste profiles are subjective and if any of the answer is as important, I would say let’s look at the years of dedication and what both has contributed to the growth of tourism Macao. With the birth of this pastry treat, and the effort put into continuing the legacy, it is safe to say that Portuguese Egg Tart is synonymous with one of what defines Macao (or at least, the tourism of Macao).

 

Photography is not allowed but I had a gentle nod when asked if I can shoot. Thanks for being so accommodative.
Lord Stow’s Original Shop

 

The Crazy line outside Margaret’s Cafe e Nata

 

Modern version of Portuguese tart may present themselves in assortment of flavours but one that is most epic has got to be this one, unnecessarily with bird nest on it. 壹燕糖甜品 (Yī yàn táng tiánpǐn ) does egg tart with a dollop of bird nest on it. This solidified saliva and are particularly prized in specifically the Chinese culture due to the rarity and supposedly nutritional value. The texture is almost insignificant, let alone the flavour profile. Had this during out Food Hunt organised by the MGTO (Malaysia) .

 

 

A trip to Macau is not complete without having some egg tarts, I highly recommend the original tart and that you try them both and decide which one you like best. But before planning on that, you might want to take note that KFC’s egg tart had their recipe from Margarete herself! That’s right… go google that up! If you’ve tried the KFC’s egg tart, then you might have already tried Margarete’s recipe.

 

If anyone is keen to bake your own egg tart in Macao, Le Cesar is where you can sign up for your Portuguese tart workshop. I baked my first Macao Portuguese egg tart here too! Read about it here: https://wp.me/p1tyh7-2d7

I made my first Portuguese tart in Macao!

 

Also check out all the other food places I’ve reviewed with #sycookiesxMacao . Food places I have covered in Macao is also pinned on Gastronomy Macao map , so this hopefully would be a great help for reference for anyone planning on a Macao food trip.

 

Lord Stow’s first bakery is located at:
Address: 1 Rua do Tassara, Coloane Town Square, Macau
Tel: (+853) 2888 2534
Opening Hours:
Open Daily 7am – 10pm

HomePage

Tel: (+853) 2888 2534
GPS: 22.1181731,113.549123

 

Margaret’s Cafe e Nata is located at
Address: Gum Loi Building, 17, Rua Alm Costa Cabral,
Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro, Macau
Tel: (853) 2871 0032
Monday – Thursday, 8:30am–4:30pm
Saturday, 10am–6pm
Closed on Wednesday
GPS: 22.1917982,113.539679

 

壹燕糖甜品 (Yī yàn táng tiánpǐn ) is located at:
Address: 1 R. da Felicidade, Macau
Tel: +853 6660 2916
Open Daily : 12-11pm
GPS: 22.1936883,113.5380083

 

Book your Egg tart workshop at Le Cesar at:
Address: 300 Rua Direita Carlos Eugénio, Chun Weng Kok, G/F – Old Taipa, Macau.
Reservations: +853 2857 6682
Parking: Street and new large public car park (2 minutes walk)
Hours: Monday to Friday: 12:00 – 15:00. 18:00 – 23:00. Saturday and Sunday: 12:00 – 23:00.
Social Media: www.instagram.com/lecesaroldtaipa
GPS: 2.153535,113.55825
Blogged about my workshop here: https://wp.me/p1tyh7-2d7
Other food places I have covered in Macao is also pinned on Gastronomy Macao map , so this hopefully would be a great help for reference for anyone planning on a Macao food trip. Those struggling with Chinese and Portuguese like I do when planning a trip to Macao, you are welcome- navigating in Macau without these two languages was a pain for me! Now this would be so much easier, these places were all blogged HERE

 

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Margaret’s Café e Nata Macao, Authentic Portuguese Egg Tart

Margaret’s Café e Nata Macao. Are they any good or better than Lord Stow’s ? Who wins the battle of Macao Portuguese Egg Tart?

 

 

Macau egg tarts were initially and commonly considered a Portuguese import, with Lord Stow being one of the early names for egg when it comes to Macao Portuguese tart. Another famous egg tart seller, often linked in many posts as battle and showdown of both recipes as to who bakes the best Portuguese tart, is at the Margaret’s Cafe. Both Margaret and Stow are friendly competitors. Once married, the two used to operate Lord Stow’s Bakery. It is no surprise she will forever be Lord Stows ex wife whenever anyone go into intensive egg tart debate. This in my opinion doesn’t do Margaret much justice. Margaret’s Café e Nata should be best known for her own effort when it comes to Portuguese egg tart instead of her love life.
I personally enjoy Margaret’s because the brulee on Lord Stows were simply too overwhelming for my liking. The line though… That I did not enjoy. Fortunately, it was fast moving and having a good company to queue can be a good idea, except that would also make the line seemed endlessly long, which isn’t too great for everyone else. Oh well… I am sometimes selfish and I admit it. LOL!

 

 

Freshly baked at a very quick pace and flaky buttery delicious with a good ratio of custard and light crispy brulee on top, is a must when visiting Macao. There is always a queue and it is all part of the experience when travelling to Macao. This month is exceptionally gorgeous with light breeze and slight cooling temperature- best to stroll around and chill with these freshly baked bites of delicious sweet treats.

 

Margaret’s Cafe e Nata is located at
Address: Gum Loi Building, 17, Rua Alm Costa Cabral,
Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro, Macau
Tel: (853) 2871 0032
Monday – Thursday, 8:30am–4:30pm
Saturday, 10am–6pm
Closed on Wednesday
GPS: 22.1917982,113.539679

 

Click HERE for more photos of Macao on flickr.

 

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Lei Ka Choi Hot Pot at Broadway Macao’s Hot Pot sensation

#sycookiestravelogue, #foodeverywhere #2018macaoyearofgastronomy #experiencemacao #sycookiesxmacao

 

Hot pot is the quintessential food especially when the season turns colder. My first night in Macao was cold and much pump with anxious to if I would enjoy my trip as much if it wasn’t a work assignment. The hot pot dinner instantly had all of us bonded in no time. The communal atmosphere of dunking vegetables into a big pot of boiling soup or broth and lingering over it together with the bunch is the recipe for a perfect evening, and the heat emitted from the boiling pot itself will keep even the coldest of hearts warm this fall in Macao.
Whatever type of hot pot that tickles your fancy, they are all here in Broadway’s Food Street. With more than 50 selections of sizzling and blister pops of boiling broth and soups, and whether fiery flavor or sweet umami, Broadway Macao’s Hot Pot Sensations , it is the time of the year to huddle up and cook away. Imagine the entire street filled with hot steams and aroma wafting through and this is currently happening now till 28th February 2019. Perfect weather this very moment and perfect timing if you are visiting during the lunar new year.

 

 

Prepared over a charcoal flame, the casserole packs the flavour and aroma with layers of taste profile harmoniously coming together in chunks and bites of very tender and delicious meat. Lei Ka Choi here is a Micheline recommended and it is not difficult to see why. Their success passes over generations as they innovatively raised the bar of traditional Cantonese claypot dishes. Serving the best of traditional Shunde cuisine, I am totally thrilled with the uniqueness of the dish when it is categorised as hot pot, and how the naked flavours with such subtle cooking skills are being translated into lip smacking. Together with bean curds, and the freshly cooked vegetables to your own liking of texture, it is part of Shunde culinary heritage to showcase the freshest and best of quality in the ingredients. With very little liquid, vegetables are cooked mostly with the high temperature so each bite of vegetables are still packed with flavours.

 

Simple fresh cuts of meat slowly cooked with turnip and pepper soup.

 

The menu includes a whole range of different fresh but can be hard to decipher for a beginner so just going for the abovementioned dishes is a safe bet. But skip the fried fish ball to save some quota for dessert next door despite it being a signature dish. Actually, skip all the side dishes if you are considering a drink or two at the nearby bars. Their hot pot is where the highlight is.

 

Menu https://image.broadwaymacau.com.mo/user-

 

Deep Fried Pork Intestines 55MOP, Deep Fried Fish Balls 55 MOP, Deep Fried Wanton 48MOP

 

Gathering the famous names, Food Street could save you so much time travelling around Macao when all the latest and oldest are gathered along this street.That we are talking about names like San Ma Lo Seng Kei Congee, Chi Kei Ngao Chap, Yi Sun, as well as some popular names crossed over from Hong Kong, such as Tsui Wah or Tim Ho Wan. Topping that with vibrant entertainment and art performances at all time, dining is fully entertained and pleasant. Not to mention the availability of International and Macanese dining houses. It is the perfect place to taste Macao at one location. That is if you have the space in your stomach.

 

 

Lei Ka Choi (Broadway) is located at:
Broadway Food Street, E-G028
Tel: +853 8883 3338
Opening Hours: 12pm – 3pm, 5pm – 1am
https://www.broadwaymacau.com.mo/restaurant/lei-ka-choi/

 

Food places I have covered in Macao is also pinned on Gastronomy Macao map , so this hopefully would be a great help for reference for anyone planning on a Macao food trip. Content made possible by Macao Government Tourism Office Malaysia and check out all the other food places I’ve reviewed with #sycookiesxMacao . Watch this on my vlog as well and I also have another hot pot place in the line up for those travelling to Macao.

 

Click HERE for more photos on flickr.

 

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Macao Portuguese Egg Tart at Lord Stow original bakery

 

Photography is not allowed but I had a gentle nod when asked if I can shoot. Thanks for being so accommodative.

 

Macao egg tart is probably most iconic version of sweet treat in Macao. One of the oldest and most famous of this English-Portuguese hybrid with this soft custardy filling inside the flaky shell with burnt and caramelised top, is none other than the famous Lord Stow. With a couple of outlets everywhere else, the oldest bakery giving birth to the reputation of Macao Egg Tarts is in Coloane’s central square. And it remains a must visit for what’s being offered isn’t just the sweet pastries alone-there’s so much history to this place and the tale as old as this place is surreal. Every brick and rock and smiles on the people’s faces, churches and all the Instagram worthy spots; they tell a story of their own. The recent trip to Macao with the Macao Tourism Malaysia got me learning so much more about this popular baker.

 

Chapel of St. Francis Xavier (Read up the history of this Chapel here: http://en.macaotourism.gov.mo/sightseeing/

 

Take your time here.There is plenty of tourist spot, including some up and coming ig hit spot in Coloane Town

 

Other pastry and breads sold to the locals in this peaceful town.

 

 

Macau egg tarts were initially and commonly considered a Portuguese import. But in my opinion, it is very much defined by the origin of early influences from both British, as imported from Hong Kong, and tuned with cream pastry by Portuguese immigrants, and made to the likings of local Chinese. With the birth of this pastry treat, and the effort put into continuing the legacy, it is safe to say that Portuguese Egg Tart is synonymous with one of what defines Macao (or at least, the tourism of Macao).

 

Portuguese Egg Tart is one sweet treat that is synonymous with what defines Macao (or at least, the tourism of Macao). Here is a good place to visit whilst grabbing some of these freshly baked egg tarts.

 

 

Lord Stow’s first bakery is located at:
1 Rua do Tassara, Coloane Town Square, Macau
Tel: (+853) 2888 2534
Opening Hours:
Open Daily 7am – 10pm

HomePage

Tel: (+853) 2888 2534
GPS: 22.1181731,113.549123

 

Chapel of St. Francis Xavier is at:
Rua do Caetano, Largo Eduardo Marques, Coloane
Opening hours: 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
GPS: 22.1168916,113.54929

 

Content made possible by Macao Government Tourism Office Malaysia and check out all the other food places I’ve reviewed with #sycookiesxMacao . Food places I have covered in Macao is also pinned on Gastronomy Macao map , so this hopefully would be a great help for reference for anyone planning on a Macao food trip.

 

Click HERE for more photos of Macao on flickr.

 

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Making Portuguese Egg Tart with Portuguese Chef in Macao before an authentic Portuguese meal at Le Cesar (old Taipa)

I made my first Macao Portuguese Egg Tart and had the tastiest rice dish ever!

The most amazing people you can travel with (L-R): Sharon, Fish, Jixin, Tino, Ophelia, Zee Luei, yours truly ( yes, I am amazing to travel with and this self-praise is not an understatement. Haha. ), Willy, Jess.

Portuguese tart or egg tart, or Macau egg tart. Whatever it is that you are calling it, we know for sure that this creation is born synonymously with what defines modern Macao. No tourists visit Macao without eating a bite of egg tart, myself included. I am a big fan of food and its origin, but being able to bake my very own Portuguese egg tart in Macao? That’s probably one of the highlights at my recent engagement with the MGTO Malaysia. Attending this workshop at the Le Cesar restaurant was quite an amazing experience. Skip the workshop if you are no fan of baking but never skip dining at Le Cesar. They served me the best rice I’ve ever had.

Le Cesar boasts the kind of bright and airy roominess and while there may not be stunning views elusive to many grand hotel and resorts, the space here is polished, with warm yellow lighting, punctuated in the right places with absolute cosy and calmness. There is a bar and a good dining space that could serve as their workshop area. Dishes are based on Portuguese traditional recipes, and nothing seemed simple at this modest-looking establishment. Starting with the appetizers, and we are looking at cod fish cakes with black-eyed bean salad-my favourite. Followed by the Portuguese “pata negra” 24 months smoked ham and the Sauteed clams in white wine, Portuguese style of course. And another winner, the Octopus salad Portuguese style. All with a lovely pairing of wine of your choice. Did I mention the owner imports Portuguese wines and supplies them to the local business?

Dipping bread into the broth in the clams were crazy mixed of emotions on the palate. The squeeze of lemon into the savoury sweetness from the wine was delicious fantastic as an appetizer.

The champion has got to be the Wet fish and prawn rice. It was insanely delicious, it got me a little angry and frustrated having to think of where I would have to go for the exact same thing in Malaysia. There is a longer cooking time required for this particular dish but it was totally worth the wait. Each bite was packed with flavours down to each and every single grain, with prawns so fresh and delicious it’s almost like tasting sea. Completing the meal with meat on the menu, we had Grill black pork, not just any part- the feather’s blade. Served with choice of potato chips house made with whole potato, or creamy spinach. We were pampered and spoilt by the owner when dessert is being served with wine, you had no idea how much guilt I had when I started counting the calories.

My first Pastel de nata!

Chef Pedro Quintantiro patiently guiding us through his workshop

Things only gets better when at this point, egg tarts we made from the workshop prior to being seated for our meal were out of the oven! Freshly baked! Making it without anyone’s help probably contribute to the excitement. Ok I lied. It is obvious but I didn’t get too much help from chef- maybe because I was good at it? (puked at this self-praising statement at this point of writing). But it was so much fun at the workshop it would be a great activity for not only the locals, tourists as well.

Jess and I, we bonded over raw eggs.

Here’s some useful information courtesy of Fish (thank goodness someone was taking notes):
1.The price and the duration:
Price: 200.00 mop/person
Duration: around 45 minutes

2.The participants get to make at least 2 egg tarts whilst sipping your complimentary house wine (from Portugal of course)

3. Minimum and maximum headcount per workshop:
Minimum: 10 pax
Maximum: 50 pax

4. How to apply?
Contact Le Cesar via telephone +853 6252 6530 or email epld.dg@gmail.com , or pm them on Facebook.

Le Cesar (Old Taipa) is located at:
300 Rua Direita Carlos Eugénio, Chun Weng Kok, G/F – Old Taipa, Macau.
Reservations: +853 2857 6682
Parking: Street and new large public car park (2 minutes walk)
Hours: Monday to Friday: 12:00 – 15:00. 18:00 – 23:00. Saturday and Sunday: 12:00 – 23:00.
Social Media: www.instagram.com/lecesaroldtaipa
GPS: 2.153535,113.55825

Content made possible by Macao Government Tourism Office Malaysia . Big thanks to Chef Pedro Quantantiro for being so willing in sharing his baking tips and owner Mr Diogo Giraldes for putting up with my nonsense.
Also read about my Macao stories with #sycookiesxMacao , and other posts of Sycookies Food Travelogue when I travel out of Klang Valley for food.

Food places I have covered in Macao is also pinned on Gastronomy Macao map , so this hopefully would be a great help for reference for anyone planning on a Macao food trip.

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#sycookiestravelogue, #foodeverywhere #2018macaoyearofgastronomy #experiencemacao #sycookiesxmacao

Tromba Rija Authentic Portuguese Buffet

 

What started from humble business as a local butcher and wine tavern shop, Tromba Rija at the Macao Tower is now one with some of the popular Portuguese dishes to offer when visiting Macao. More so if you are paying a visit to the Macao tower. The AJ Hackett Macau Tower Bungy Jump is 233m / 764ft high, making the jump a Guinness World Record for the Highest Commercial Bungy Jump in the world. Now if that is not a reason to visit, think about the authentic Portuguese dishes with quality ingredients, and great ratio of spice and flavour. While the restaurant is decorated in contemporary elements with an adoption of rustic, family style design, from setting, to the most prominent details in decorations, Tromba Rija still serves the flavour of home like delicacy. Here at the Macau Tower, we find cold cuts, platters, signature dishes of both cold and hot, as well as local Macanese cuisine.

 

Feel the adrenaline rush as you step onto the 233 m height of glass floor windows. Easy planning when you get your tickets from www.klook.com

Bungy jumping from the top of the tower or stroll around the perimeter at the observation deck-Observation deck operating hours: 10:00am-9:00pm (Mon-Fri) and 9:00am-9:00pm (Weekends & Public Holidays)

Portuguese Cream Custard

Portuguese tart is prevalent in Macao, loved by the locals, and popular amongst the tourists. The mini tarts on their buffet spread was lovely. Glazed on the outside, beautifully moist in the middle, it’s glorious. But the dish that blew me away was an impossibly perfect pastry bites with salted cod- a Macanese specialty.

 

The next time anyone needed to squeeze a jump and a meal on the very same day, with a taste of Portuguese and authentic Macanese spread of quality ingredients and top meticulous services, here is one to consider. But I wouldn’t recommend squeezing your itinerary in Macao. Take your time and the country has got so much more to offer, other than blings of glamorous casino and churches.

Food places I have covered in Macao is also pinned on Gastronomy Macao map , so this hopefully would be a great help for reference for anyone planning on a Macao food trip.

 

Also read about my food trail in Macao, and other posts of Sycookies Food Travelogue when I travel out of Klang Valley for food.

 

Tromba Rija is located at :
G/F, Macau Tower Convention & Entertainment Centre
Reservations: (853) 2896 2878
Note: All prices are in MOP and subject to a 10% service charge.
Lunch serves at 12pm-2:30pm and dinner at 6:30 pm- 11 pm
https://www.macautower.com.mo/tower-overview/ Prices starting form 170 MOP for lunch and 370 MOP for dinner.

Snacking and Eating down Heritage and Cultural exploration in Macao (Macau)

 

I’ve seen some of the prettiest view and some very photogenic places when exploring the UNESCO Heritage site, and at the same time snacking and eating whilst enjoying some of the most beautiful and unique charm of Macao.
If anyone is keen with the history of Macao for most things, in particularly the origin and heritage of Macanese and its food, consider taking a stroll down the lane of exploration at the prominent historical locations. To truly understand the deep roots of Macanese cuisine, one needs to look further than just the Portuguese influence. Surely the influences were inevitably big as foundations in Macao but the transformation were distinctively notable in the Macanese cuisine. The birth of Macanese and the multicultural layers that formed modern Macao is very interesting even more so if you are a history buff. The Macao Museum is a good place to start. Tucked inside the Mont Fortress, with the ground surrounded by a beautiful panoramic view of the city.

 



Ruin’s of St Paul’s , Mount Fortress, Macao Museum, Rua Felicidade

Freshly baked almond cookies.

Portuguese Egg Tart- this one is with a twist. Can you see the bird nest right in the middle? Read about this HERE

Some useful information from this post:

Museum Macao and Mont Fortress is at:
112 PRACETA DO MUSEU DE MACAU
澳門博物館前地112號
GPS: 22.1929656,113.5396276
Opens daily from 10am-6pm , Closed Monday

Ruin’s of St Paul’s and Rua Felicidade at:
GPS:22.1977708,113.53864 and 22.1944554,113.53542

 

Food places I have covered in Macao is also pinned on Gastronomy Macao map , so this hopefully would be a great help for reference for anyone planning on a Macao food trip. Those struggling with Chinese and Portuguese like I do when planning a trip to Macao, you are welcome- navigating in Macau without these two languages was a pain for me! Now this would be so much easier, these places were all blogged HERE
This content is made possible by the Macao Govenrment Tourism Office (MGTO) Malaysia when I was invited for a Food Hunt in conjunction with the #2018macaoyearofgastronomy

 

Also read about my food trail in Macao, and other posts of Sycookies Food Travelogue when I travel out of Klang Valley for food.

 

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Authentic Macanese food at La Famiglia 葡意之家 , Macao (Macau)

 

La Famiglia’s vibrance totally reflects the rich heritage behind Macanese cuisine, blending the roots of Chinese with the legacy of Portuguese, expounding an interesting diverse and influence of history in culinary reflected in signature cuisines in Macao. It is a great place to dine in comfort and ambiance filled with positive vibes only. The Macanese Gastronomy was inscribed on the Macao Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2012 and this in my opinion is truly the most accurate identification that constitutes the uniqueness of culinary Macao. Tracing in time from during the 16th and 17th century to the ports of Africa and Southeast Asia, Macanese is the marriage of Portuguese and local Chinese as Portugal inhabit the land that grew not only in size since then. There is influence of international spices traced back from Africa to India and Melaka, with Chinese techniques and ingredients cooked in traditional Portuguese dishes. The birth of this is the delicious Macanese dishes we are having today.

 

The arrangement and seats were in such of a culture which explicitly highlights the importance of meals being enjoyed in a wholesome manner with family- a rich culture of the Macanese. To start the meal, our host, chef Florita Alves, a Macanese with so much passion in her food and restaurant, welcomed us with an introduction to the most staple Portuguese appetiser with a platter beautifully arranged with a smorgasbord of a combination of Macanese and Portuguese Deep Fried Snacks- the “Sortido.s. de Fritos Macaenses”. At this point, some might have had the same thought that went through my head when these Portuguese names starts popping up. And if you are wondering if Chinese or Macanese in Macao actually still reads Protuguese words? Well I was told only a small percentage does that. Either way the names are still all over the country and that could perhaps spell the root and presence of the heritage. But language aside, the platter is undoubtedly an integration of perfect combination proven not impossible. La Famiglia gave us bites of history and tradition beyond a mere satisfaction on the palate through prominent flavours.

 

“Sortido.s. de Fritos Macaenses”- Assorted Macanese and Portuguese Deep Fried Snacks (Bacalhau Balls, Chilicote, Chamusas, Rissois, Meat Croquettes, Stuffed Roll Bread

 

Moving to mains was when the meal becomes even more interesting. Even though I did not personally enjoy the duck rice on its own, I fancy the pairing of it with African Chicken – a Macanese classic dish marinated in a special chilli sauce, grilled and then baked. Others were given in big, bold flavours, whether you’re in the mood for pig or fish. From farm to sea harvest, Macanese cooking sure gives a splash of familiarity to those of us who has tasted the flavours of South East Asia. Take the Suckling Pig for instance. It wasn’t anything too overly different from what’s served at most Chinese weddings, except the pig comes in whole and that it is slightly meatier with the similar Candy crackling-like crispy layer of skin over the meat.

 

href=”https://www.flickr.com/photos/sycookiesfoodeverywhere/31041239137/in/album-72157697965823850/&#8221; title=”2.La Famiglia 葡意之家 , Macao (Macau)”>


“Arroz de Pato” Duck Rice
“Galinha Africana” African Chicken – A Macanese classic dish marinated in a special chilli sauce, grilled and baked
“Leitao Assado” Portuguese Suckling Pig – Roasted suckling pig dish marinated in home made spices

 

My personal favourite has got to be the Portuguese baked cod fish with carrot and cream sauce. It is uncommon to have cod fish in other cooking method aside from the conventional steam or grill. That probably contributes to how I find this particular dish tantalisingly amusing. Florita was kind enough serve the us with simple sautéed vegetable. I can never be anymore grateful. To be honest, I think I might have quietly walloped the entire serving.

 

Desserts aren’t this famiglia’s strongest suit. But I must emphasize that Portuguese dessert are a lot sweeter than what we Malaysians have accustomed when it comes to sweet profile. And if you follow tightly to my palate then you’d probably know my scale of acceptance when it comes to sweets. However, coconut did earn extra credit for the panna cotta here. Plus the fresh tang from the mango puree, it was good if not great thou I’d still skip this one for anything else on the street perhaps?

 

“Bacalhau Espiritual” – Traditional Portuguese baked cod fish with carrot and cream sauce
“Vegetais Salteados” Sauteed Vegetables
“Coconut Panna Cotta with Mango Puree

 

If anyone is keen with the history of Macao for most things, in particularly the origin and heritage of Macanese then take a stroll down the lane of exploration at the prominent historical locations. I’ve seen some of the prettiest view and some very photogenic places. Read about my Snacking and Eating down heritage and cultural exploration HERE

 

This content is made possible by the Macao Govenrment Tourism Office (MGTO) Malaysia when I was invited for a Food Hunt in conjunction with the #2018macaoyearofgastronomy

 

Also read about my food trail in Macao, and other posts of Sycookies Food Travelogue when I travel out of Klang Valley for food.

 

La Famiglia is located in Taipa at:
氹仔花朵圍6-12號，木鐸街76號
Taipa, Ilhas, Macau
76 R. dos Clerigos, Macau
Daily: 12pm- 10:30pm
Tel: +853 2857 6131
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/famiglia.macau/

 

Food places I have covered in Macao is also pinned on Gastronomy Macao map , so this hopefully would be a great help for reference for anyone planning on a Macao food trip. Those struggling with Chinese and Portuguese like I do when planning a trip to Macao, you are welcome- navigating in Macau without these two languages was a pain for me! Now this would be so much easier, these places were all blogged HERE

 

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2018 Macao Year of Gastronomy Food Hunt

 

To say that Macau is all about Casinos and hotels would be a vast understatement. Long before the blinking lights and polished floors that draws millions of visitors that is generating folds of revenue so much more than Las Vegas each year, Macao was no more than just a trading port rented to the Portugal. Today, we see Macao in being massive with reclaimed land and renown for the glam and shiny high rises, baccarat, and other signs of modern life. The Historic Centre of Macau, which is entirely in the Macau Peninsula, became a World Heritage Site in 2005 and is magnificent heritages unveiling their wonderful stories. Food as cultural heritage is closely tied and recently in the UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, what better way to experience the charm of Macao if not through their food?

The Macao Government celebrated the occasion with a promising series of activities lined up in corresponding to the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) mission of using creativity as a driver for sustainable urban development. As the third Creative City of Gastronomy in China, after Chengdu and Shunde, 2018 Macao Year of Gastronomy is absolutely the perfect opportunity for anyone from all over the world to experience the charm and creativity of what Macao can offer. In the recent participation of Food Hunt organised by the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), we experience Macao food with fun, laughter, and bonds of new friendship and friendly coalition.

 

From left: Jess, Jixin, Fish, Sharon, me, Will

 

There might have been an interpretation of what is offered in Macao but the heritage of Chinese and Portuguese from the past and present of modern fusion and influences is always ever exiting as this global pantry continuously offering both local and international innovative of possible creativity in culinary. This Food Hunt have us racing in teams to eat at designated food stops in the shortest time and both trendy and classic gourmet had showcased the diversity of food choices in Macao. What a way to experience Macao!

 

 

Here are six within walking distance and the list comprises some fancy creativity alongside classy selections of signature Macao food adored by the locals themselves. Some I was told, have been selling for decades. Take Man Kei Eatery (文记咖啡面食) for start. Like most local diners, whetting the appetite of locals and tourists alike, they humbly offer flavours that hit all the right gastronomic notes. With a succulent cut of chicken chop nestled in a gloriously crispy bun, this shop inspires queues snacking outside and a must try that’ll make you fall in love with Macao. I make new friend with this local patron outside this shop.

 

Chicken Polo Bun (MOP 22)

 

Speaking of tiny shop with delicious offering, Feng Cheng Zhen Ji (凤城珍记)showed us how fish can be folded into crispy parcels before deep frying and at the same time tastes uniquely intriguing. Sui Gao is lusciously filled generously with lightly minced pork, leaving satisfying bites of crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

 

Deep Fried Fish wanton & Sui Gao 炸鱼角水饺 (MOP110)

 

In recognition of the vital role street food plays on Macao’s gastronomic scene, the renown Michelin guide has added a merited category dedicated to their guide. From Shunde steam milk pudding, coconut pudding to Portuguese egg tarts with clever twist of versatility, the most popular snacks deliver a bite-sized gastronomic world tour on the streets of Macao. Taking a walk on the streets filled with Chinese and Portuguese signs and road name was a challenge but interacting with the locals as the gastronomic adventure took place was one of the loveliest experience. Smooth scoops of tofufa dessert and cooling spoonful of coconut pudding were seriously one of the best kind of dessert one can ask for. The coconut pudding was a first time for me to actually realised that I could have so much emotions on pudding.

 

Steamed milk pudding (MOP15/big & MOP9/small) and Whole Coconut Pudding (28 MOP)

 

For those who want to take a walk on the nifty side when it comes to bites sizes of tarts, head for your share of Bacalhau Tart (马介休挞)- a signature Portugal ingredient made of cod inside a tart or Sardine Tart 沙丁挞 (18 MOP) at Sab 8 café. That or the famous Portuguese tart, with bird nest on it at Yī yàn táng tiánpǐn (壹燕糖甜品) for those seeking fancier selection. Myself was not overly convinced with this one but it sure is a tourist favourite.

Bacalhau Tart 马介休挞 (20 MOP) & Sardine Tart 沙丁挞 (18 MOP)
Bird Nest egg tart (15 MOP)

 

Places we covered within walking distance in 2 hours, also pinned on Gastronomy Macao map . Those struggling with Chinese and Portuguese like I do when a trip to Macao, you are welcome- navigating in Macau without these two languages was a pain for me!

 

Man Kei Eatery (文记咖啡面食) – Chicken Polo Bun (MOP 22)
Monday to Sunday (8am- 6pm) , Closed Saturday
GPS: 22.1952796,113.538245

Feng Cheng Zhen Ji(凤城珍记) – Deep Fried Fish wanton & Sui Gao 炸鱼角水饺 (MOP110)
11am – 11.30pm Daily
GPS: 22.195826,113.539485

K.Dessert ,Tang Ge (糖阁)-Whole Coconut Pudding (28MOP)
G/F, Yonglian Building,
Daily 11am – 930pm
GPS: 22.2011654,113.54519

Li Kangji @ Firma U Tac Hong (李康记) – steamed milk pudding (15 MOP/big & 9 MOP/small)
Monday to Sunday (8am- 6pm), Closed Wednesday
GPS: 22.1958573,113.5381139

(壹燕糖甜品) – Bird Nest egg tart (15 MOP)
Daily 12–11pm

GPS: 22.1937966,113.5379467

Café Sab8- Bacalhau Tart 马介休挞 (20 MOP) & Sardine Tart 沙丁挞 (18 MOP)
Daily 12-7pm, Closed Thursday
GPS: 22.1963876,113.5383603

 

Also read about my food trail in Macao, and other posts of Sycookies Food Travelogue when I travel out of Klang Valley for food.

 

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Hands and Heart @ Bangkok, Thailand

 

Beyond their instagrammble white lay out, this coffee spot delivers for those serious about their brew. An understated coffee bar with minimal seating, it’s probably not the best place to linger but serious coffee drinkers will find this an essential destination for the passion of coffee brewing is hard core at this cafe. While coffee bean from various origins are part and parcel of this impressive coffee bar, there is one particular item on the menu that caught my heart, soul and everything or anything you can probably think off to have me returning again.

 

 

Myself could come up with reasons more than you can shake a stick at to revisit for their Kombucha Coffee. Being a huge fan of Kombucha mainly because of that unique and pleasant taste on top of the beneficial factors, the coffee Kombucha here is probably the best I have ever had so far. And to make it worst now that I am back home, I’ve not found any place in Malaysia with coffee Kombucha half as close to this one that I’ve had here in Hands and Heart Bangkok. Oh well…looks like I am visiting Bangkok again real soon.

 

 

Also read about SycookiesXThailand for all the food trip in Thailand and Sycookies Food Travelogue when I travel out of Klang Valley for food.

 

Hands and heart Café is located at :
33 Sukhumvit 38 Alley,
Khwaeng Phra Khanong, Khet Khlong Toei,
Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10110, Thailand
Phone: +66 81 442 7977
Opens Daily : 7 am- 7pm
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/handsandheartcoffee
GPS: 13.7215827,100.579373

 

Click HERE for more photos on flickr.

 

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D’Ark Café at Piman 49, Bangkok

Bangkok has a lot more than just Tom yam and green curry chicken. In fact, there’s not much that they don’t offer. This, we are referring to contemporary restaurants and cafes. And with very little time in Bangkok recently, I managed to slot D’Ark restaurant into our recent 4 days eating trip. D’Ark in the Pinman 49 complex offers elaborated meals covering brunch till late evening, and comfort food all day long with kitchen led by passionate cooks accompanying Michelin star background chefs. Walk through the path of Chef Jeriko Van Der Wolf’s Michelin star background as you dig into delicious mains and appetizers made to challenge the taste buds.

Some of the dishes that we ordered is perfectly encapsulated by quality mix of minimal and creative element and yet not having to splash out on your meals. Spend your hard earned cash here for some fun and delicious without reservations – just walk in and go nuts with the comfort casual and be sure to finish the dessert and booze. The likes of humble yet creative oven roasted Beetroot with Burrata Cheese, pomegranate, truffle oil and honey dressing (B330) or Crispy Snow Pea Salad (B190) covered with a blanket of grated Pecorino cheese, small cuts of cured smoked pork cheek, mint and dressing; share space with timeless classics done well, such as Pan seared sea water Barramundi fillet (B510) served on a bed of creamy and comforting mashed potatoes and roasted cherry tomato or English Cocotte (B 350) featuring a medley combination of Cumberland sausage, baked organic free ranged egg, baked beans in tomato sauce, roasted cherry tomatoes, eryngii and shimeiji mushroom.

The short drinks list, meanwhile, pulls its weight admirably, showcasing classy wines and cheerful beers with playful mix of fun shakes with fancy toppings. We had some sparkling and picked a shake from the glorious page of assorted shakes. At the same time, D’Ark does have an amazing coffee reputation and it is confirmed that coffee choices are commodity. Just don’t go looking for artisanal craft. Take consolation in the smoothie but the small pleasures from the sip of thick liquid is far from the satisfaction from the ice cream.

Monkey Shake (B 350)- Milkshake with banana, honey, peanut butter, topped with whipped cream, Reese chocolate, frozen chocolate banana, toasted marshmallow house made granola.

Capuccino (B 115)- Pick with options like skinny milk, soy milk, extra shot or decaf etc, just add a B10 to suit your caffeine preference.

Refine and elegant (B 330 per glass) -Vouvray ‘Pinon’ Brut Non Vintage, Domain de La Poultiere, Chenin Blanc, Loire, France .Bottle fermented Cremant from a deep chalky cellar.

Take note that they are generously portioned and deliciously served. I have had the best three picks of scoop with the 3 scoop pyramid (B125) but the worst decision of bread pudding when I ordered the Peanut butter Bread Pudding (B 330). Brioche Pain perdu with dollops of peanut butter may sound right but the horrid rendition of blackberry jelly totally ruined it.

D’Ark at Piman 49 is located at:
48/1 Klang Alley,
Khwaeng Khlong Tan Nuea, Khet Watthana,
Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10110, Thailand
Tel: +66 02 6627900
Daily 8.00 AM – 10.00 PM
http://www.darkoffee.com/
GPS: 13.7322988,100.576384

Click HERE for MENU and more photos on flickr.

Also read about SycookiesXThailand for all the food trip in Thailand and Sycookies Food Travelogue when I travel out of Klang Valley for food.

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