When you think of Macao, what delicious foods come to mind? Egg tarts, pork chop buns, or almond cookies? One unique offering you can find only in the city is Macanese cuisine. Recognized by UNESCO as “the world’s first fusion cuisine”, the Macanese culinary tradition has emerged from a rich blend of Chinese and Western cultures over the past 400 years. Many recipes are passed down through generations, which puts some dishes at risk of being forgotten.
Since Macao’s return to the motherland, both the central and Macao Special Administrative Region governments have prioritized the protection of cultural heritage and the preservation of local diversity. Thanks to the central government’s support and the dedication of the Macanese community, the culinary traditions of Macanese cuisine continue to thrive. Today, an increasing number of visitors are coming to Macao to savor its distinctive flavors!