When it comes to souvenirs, most tourists' first stop is usually the Taipa Old Village area on the Macao Peninsula. However, Coloane, located at the southernmost tip of Macao, is actually the best place to find the truly authentic Macao flavor. Here, there's no crowd of Estrada do Istmo and no upscale shopping malls, but it preserves Macao's last fishing village charm. The souvenir shops, though few in number, each have their unique stories and local flavors. As a seasoned shopping enthusiast who has been exploring Coloane for years, I'd like to share some of my personal favorite souvenir shops.
There's a unique phenomenon in Coloane's souvenirs——most shops here are small in scale, but they're long-established or family-run businesses without excessive commercial packaging, and the prices are relatively affordable. If you're tired of the almond cakes from chain brands and looking for something "different", Coloane is definitely worth a special trip.
Andrew's Bakery can be considered one of the most famous landmarks in Coloane. When it comes to Portuguese egg tarts in Macao, everyone knows Andrew. This old shop, founded in 1989, was the pioneer that introduced Portuguese egg tarts to Macao and made them famous. The Portuguese egg tarts in the shop are MOP$9 each, and the price increase over the years has been limited, making it a mid-range price in Macao. The signature Portuguese egg tarts have crispy pastry and smooth egg custard. The biggest difference from regular egg tarts is the higher egg-to-milk ratio, giving them a rich milk and egg flavor with a hint of cinnamon. What many don't know is that Andrew's Portuguese egg tarts are actually a "Macao exclusive" version created after the founder traveled to Portugal to learn the recipe and then improved it——it can be considered a representative work of authentic Macao-made products. The Portuguese egg tarts here are baked multiple times a day, usually at 11 AM, 3 PM, and 6 PM. If you want to buy them fresh out of the oven, timing is key.
If you like Andrew's flavor but are looking for a more "local" choice, Ming Kee Coffee & Food will be another surprise. This old shop in Coloane's town center is famous for Hong Kong-style milk tea and local delicacies, but their homemade almond cakes should not be underestimated. Unlike large bakeries that mass-produce, Ming Kee's almond cakes are all handcrafted with limited daily quantities. MOP$15 for a small package (about six pieces), the portion is just right for gifting or personal use. Their almond cakes are firmer than chain brands with a richer nut aroma. The recipe is said to have been passed down for two generations. If you want to experience the "old flavor from the alleyways," Ming Kee is an excellent choice.
Speaking of Coloane's specialties, Fai Kei Dried Seafood has earned a great reputation among local residents. This small shop near Coloane's pier specializes in various dried seafood, including dried shrimp, dried scallops, dried squid, and salted fish. The shop may be unassuming, but the owner is extremely strict about quality, personally selecting all products. Recommended gift combinations include dried shrimp and dried scallops, with prices ranging from about MOP$80-200 depending on quality. It's worth noting that dried seafood in Macao is generally about 20% cheaper than in Hong Kong, because Macao has no additional import duties and rental costs are lower. If you have friends who love cooking, bringing them a pack of Coloane's dried shrimp is definitely more heartfelt than any snack.
If you're looking for something "different," the community shops at Shek Peng Wan Public Housing Estate are worth a visit. This public housing estate at the junction of Coloane and Taipa has gained attention in recent years due to community art revitalization. Near the Shek Peng Wan Market, there are a few small shops run by local residents, selling handicrafts and homemade food. Most worth recommending are their handmade jam and local honey, with reasonable prices and simple packaging that carries a sincere "from a Macao small shop" feeling. These products don't have the flashy packaging of big brands, but better reflect the "quality materials" local spirit.
Finally, if you want to buy all of Coloane's specialties in one go, the street stalls in Coloane's town center are also great places to find treasure. On holidays, Coloane's town center has temporary stalls selling various snacks and souvenirs, including freshly baked fish floss egg rolls and homemade dried fruits and preserved sweets. The prices here are usually 10-20% cheaper than chain stores, and you can try before buying——this can be considered Coloane's unique "free market" experience.
Useful Information
Getting to Coloane is very convenient. From the Macao Peninsula or Taipa, you can take a bus. Bus routes 15, 21A, 21B, 26A, and others all reach Coloane's town center, with a fare of MOP$6. It takes about 20 minutes from Taipa's town center and about 45 minutes from the Senate Square on the Macao Peninsula. If you want to explore more leisurely, you can also take a taxi from Estrada do Istmo to Coloane's town center for about MOP$50-60.
Regarding business hours, most shops in Coloane open at 10 AM and close around 6 PM, possibly closing earlier on holidays. Andrew's Bakery has longer hours, usually from 8 AM to 8 PM. I recommend arriving around 2-3 PM, when you can conveniently buy souvenirs after finishing your beach visit.
Travel Tips
Coloane is not large in area, and you can walk through the main attractions. However, if you want to buy dried seafood or souvenirs in bulk, it's best to reserve at least two hours. Coloane's beaches (Hac Sa Beach and Cheoc Van Beach) are the only natural beaches in Macao, so you can also enjoy swimming in summer. When buying souvenirs, remember to check the expiration date, especially for almond cakes and pastries——best consumed within a week. Both Macao Pataca and Hong Kong Dollar are accepted in Coloane, with Hong Kong Dollar usually calculated at 1:1, but the change you'll receive is usually in Macao Pataca. If you have any left, you can spend them at the airport duty-free shop.
