Macau Egg Tart Complete Comparison 2026
TL;DR: Koi Kei egg tarts from MOP$12·Lord Stow's origin store in Coloane·Margaret's Taipa flagship daily limited·Available across Macau Peninsula·Crispy crust vs Portuguese creamy - two schools
For the best Portuguese egg tarts in Macau, Lord Stow's Bakery (Coloane origin store) and Margaret's (Macau Peninsula) are recognized as the two major schools - the former has richer cream flavor, the latter has more layered crust, both sell at MOP$12-15 each, freshly baked daily, often sold out by afternoon.Main choices: Lord Stow's Bakery (ColoaneBlack Beach Road, with the founder's story); Margaret's (Hero Square, recognized by the British Royal Family); Koi Kei Bakery (20 stores across Macau, easiest to find). Detailed Portuguese egg tart taste comparisons and store addresses, see → Macau Portuguese Egg Tart Complete Guide.
Lord Stow's vs Margaret's vs Citywide Egg Tart Map - One Article to End All Debates
I. The History of Macau Egg Tarts: An Accidental Legend by a British Pharmacist
From Essex to Coloane: Andrew Stow's Journey to Macau
The story of Macau Portuguese egg tarts begins with an adventurous young man who grew up in Essex, England. Born on April 8, 1955, Andrew Stow cycled to Germany during his teenage years and later lived on a kibbutz in Israel. He studied pharmacy at Portsmouth Polytechnic and after graduation, joined the British well-known retail chain Boots as an industrial pharmacist.
In 1979, a chance recruitment ad changed everything—the Anglo French Laboratories had a pharmacist position in Macau. Without hesitation, Andrew flew to this small Portuguese colony. The company later relocated, but he chose to stay.
From Health Food to an Egg Tart Empire
Initially, Andrew operated a health food business in Macau called Tropical Health Food Ltd, which he co-founded with local Chinese woman Margaret Wong in June 1984. But he later admitted that this business was "20 years ahead of its time" and simply couldn't sell in Macau at that time.
To make a living, Andrew took a job as manager at the Green Parrot disco bar in the Hyatt Regency. There, his Portuguese friends nicknamed him "Lord Stow"—because this British man was always "lording it over" everyone. This nickname later became the brand name.
The turning point came when Andrew visited the Belém district in Lisbon, Portugal. He tasted pastéis de nata (Portuguese traditional egg tarts) there and was deeply inspired by the culture of coffee paired with egg tarts. He wondered: Why can't we find something like this in Macau, which also has Portuguese culture?
Back in Macau, Andrew, being a pharmacist, approached the recipe with a scientist's spirit, repeatedly experimenting with the formula. He didn't simply copy the Lisbon method—traditional pastéis de nata use flour-thickened custard and cinnamon. Andrew increased the proportion of egg yolks and cream, added butter to the custard, making the pastry flakier and the custard richer and smoother, creating the unique "Macau Portuguese Egg Tart."
September 15, 1989: The Legend Begins
Late 1988, Andrew and Margaret Wong got married (according to Margaret herself: "We got married three times—once in Hong Kong, once in England, once in church"). On September 15, 1989, the couple opened Lord Stow's Bakery in Coloane Village. Four months later, their daughter Audrey was born.
The bakery initially supplied bread and pastries to supermarkets, but the egg tarts quickly stood out and became their signature item. At its peak, the bakery produced approximately 13,000 egg tarts daily.
Divorce, Split, and the Birth of Two Major Brands
However, the marriage didn't last in the end. After Andrew and Margaret divorced, Andrew retained the Lord Stow's Bakery in Coloane and subsequent franchise operations; Margaret opened Margaret's Café e Nata on the Macau Peninsula in 1992, named after herself.
In 1997, Andrew licensed the egg tart formula for franchise, sparking an "Egg Tart Frenzy" across Asia. Margaret took a different path—she licensed her formula to KFC. Starting in 1999, KFC introduced Portuguese egg tarts in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and mainland China, making "Margaret's Egg Tarts" a household name.
II. Complete Andrew Stow's Bakery Guide: All 7 Macau Branches Explained
Following Andrew Stow's passing, the family has steadily expanded the brand. As of 2026, Andrew Stow's Bakery has 7 locations across Macau, ranging from the Coloane flagship store to hotel malls along the Cotai Strip.
Egg Tart Price List
| Purchase Method | Coloane/Taipa Street Stores | Hotel Mall Locations |
|---|---|---|
| Each | MOP$11 | MOP$13 |
| 6-pack | MOP$65 | MOP$75 |
| 12-pack | MOP$130 | — |
Complete Information for All 7 Branches
1. Coloane Flagship Store (Est. 1989) Must-Visit
Address: G/F, 1 Rua do Tassara, Coloane Village
Hours: Daily 07:00–21:00
Phone: (+853) 2888 2534
Transport: Bus 15, 21A, 26A to Coloane Town Hall; or 25, 26, 50 to Coloane Village
Best Time: 07:00–08:30, avoid 10:00–14:00 tour group rush
2. Lord Stow's Café - Coloane
Address: 9 Largo do Matadouro, Coloane Village
Hours: Weekdays 09:00–18:00 | Weekends & Public Holidays 08:00–18:00
Phone: (+853) 2888 2174
Specialty: Full café dining service, perfect for savoring egg tarts with coffee
3. Lord Stow's Garden Café
Address: G/F C, Houston Court, 21 Largo do Matadouro, Coloane Village
Hours: Weekdays 09:00–18:00 | Weekends & Public Holidays 08:00–18:00
Phone: (+853) 2888 1851
Specialty: Outdoor garden seating – the most relaxed egg tart experience in Coloane
4. Lord Stow's Express - Coloane
Address: Houston Court, 17E & 19D Largo do Matadouro, Coloane Village
Hours: 10:00–18:00 (Closed Wednesdays)
Phone: (+853) 2888 2046
Established: August 2013
5. Taipa Rua do Cunha Store (Est. 2016)
Address: G/F, 9-E Rua do Cunha, Pak Hung Building, Taipa
Hours: Daily 09:00–21:00
Phone: (+853) 2857 6580
Specialty: Located on Taipa's busiest food street, within walking distance of major hotels
6. Venetian Store (Est. 2010)
Address: Shop 870 & 308, Venetian Resort Shopping Centre, Mask Street
Hours: Daily 10:00–22:30
Phone: (+853) 2886 6889
Transport: Bus 15, 21A, 25, 25X, 26, 26A, 35, MT4 to Cotai/Strip stops, or take the Venetian free shuttle
7. Londoner Store (Est. 2024) Newest
Address: Shop 2113, Level 2, Shoppes at Londoner
Hours: Daily 10:00–22:00
Specialty: Latest location featuring both Bakery and Café sections
Note: Hotel stores are MOP$13 each, slightly more expensive than street locations
III. Margaret's Egg Tarts Complete Guide: The One and Only in All of Macau
In stark contrast to Andrew's chain expansion strategy, Margaret Wong chose the opposite path—only one store in all of Macau, consistent for over thirty years.
瑪嘉烈蛋撻店 Margaret's Café e Nata
- Address: Shop B, 17B Rua do Comandante Mata e Oliveira, Macau
- Phone: (+853) 2871 0032
- Business Hours:
- Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri: 08:30–16:30
- Sat, Sun & Public Holidays: 10:00–18:00
- Closed every Wednesday
- Price: Single MOP$11 | 6 for MOP$65
- Location Tips: Located in a narrow alley near Casino Lisboa; approximately 5 minutes walk from Senate Square
- Note: Plastic bags not provided—bring your own or pay MOP$1 to purchase one
Margaret's Three Distinctive Features
1. Hidden Gem in the Alley: Unlike Andrew's prominent location at Coloane's main square, Margaret's is tucked away in a back alley of the Nam Wan commercial district. First-time visitors often get lost—but that's precisely what makes discovering the shop feel like finding treasure.
2. Margaret's Personal Commitment: Margaret's Egg Tarts is still personally managed by Margaret Wong herself. No franchising, no chains, no branch stores. She has stated that quality control is her top priority—she'd rather sell fewer tarts than risk damaging her reputation.
3. Closing Early by Design: The shop closes at 16:30 on weekdays—almost unheard of in Macau's tourist hub. However, this means each day's egg tarts are strictly limited in supply, and once they're gone, they're gone.
Optimal Visit Strategy
Weekdays: Arrive when the shop opens at 08:30, and you'll likely skip the line entirely. Tourists start arriving after 10:00, with the peak period from 12:00–14:00.
Weekends: The shop opens at 10:00; arrive by 09:45 to secure your spot in line. Tarts often sell out early on weekend afternoons.
Perfect Combo: Beyond egg tarts, the shop also offers sandwiches, salads, and beverages. An egg tart paired with milk tea, enjoyed standing in the alley—that's the most authentic Macau experience.
IV. Lord Stow's vs Margaret's: The Ultimate 10-Dimension Comparison
This is the first comprehensive multi-dimension breakdown of the two leading egg tarts on the web. Not the meaningless "both are delicious" take, but specific differences.
| Comparison Dimension | Lord Stow's | Margaret's |
|---|---|---|
| Pastry | Clearly layered, about 80-90 layers, substantial texture, like a mille-feuille | Fewer layers, thinner and crisper, crumbles at touch, more like French pastry |
| Custard | Higher yolk ratio, rich and substantial, reminiscent of crème brûlée | Higher cream ratio, silky and light, more like custard |
| Caramelization | Prominent caramel spots, deep brown tiger stripe patterns | More even caramelization, light golden color, finer spots |
| Sweetness | Medium-high, intertwining egg and caramel sweetness | Medium-low, cream-forward, clean finish |
| Size | Slightly larger, plump and substantial | Standard size, delicate and refined |
| Unit Price (Store) | MOP$11 | MOP$11 |
| Number of Branches | 7 locations in Macau (Coloane: 4 | Taipa: 1 | Hotels: 2) | Only 1 location in all of Macau |
| Business Hours | Coloane flagship: 07:00–21:00, open year-round | 08:30–16:30 (weekdays), closed every Wednesday |
| Queue Time (Weekdays) | Coloane flagship: 5-15 minutes; Taipa branch: 10-25 minutes | 15-30 minutes (only one location, concentrated traffic) |
| Michelin Recognition | Recommended in 2025 Michelin Guide Macau | Not listed in Michelin, but consistently high ratings on Tripadvisor |
V. New Forces Across the City: Beyond Andrew and Margaret
The Macau egg tart landscape of 2025-2026 is no longer a two-horse race. Three new powers have emerged, each with its own distinct character.
1. 八目烘焙 BAMU Bakery — Caramel Butter Tart
八目烘焙 BAMU Bakery
- Signature: Caramel Butter Tart MOP$12
- Hours: 11:00–20:00
- 3 Locations:
- Ruins of St. Paul's Store: Shop B, G/F, Defu Building, 25 Rua da Cripta (5-minute walk from Ruins of St. Paul's square)
- Ho Lan Van Store: Shop H, G/F, Pou Seng Kuo
- Taipa Store: Shop B, G/F, Manhattan, 36 Rua de Nanking
- Specialty: Extremely caramelized surface, close to French crème brûlée; prominent flaky crust layers. Viral on Xiaohongshu and Instagram; top choice among younger clientele.
- Other Popular Items: Lemon Bow Tie Pastry (MOP$42), Pistachio Raspberry Croissant (MOP$38)
2. Goat Bakers — The Premium Route with Japanese Ranko Eggs
Goat Bakers
- Signature: Ranko Egg Egg Tart MOP$12 | Cheese Flower Cup MOP$38
- Hours: 12:00–18:00 (Daily limited supply; sold out ends the day)
- 2 Locations:
- Cobertura Store: 72 Rua do Comandante
- Taipa Store: Near Rua do Cunha (walking distance to Andrew's Taipa location)
- Specialty: Uses premium Japanese Ranko eggs; the custard has a rich orange-red hue with exceptionally pronounced egg flavor. The signature "Cheese Flower Cup" is an oversized egg tart topped with cheese flowers—a must-photograph for Instagram.
- Note: Baked fresh at 12:00 daily with limited quantity. Instagram Stories announce the daily baking menu.
3. Manteigaria — Authentic Lisbon Arrives
曼撻格利亞 Manteigaria Macau Asia's First Store
- Signature: Authentic Portuguese Cream Tart MOP$12 | 6 for MOP$70
- Hours: 08:00–20:00
- Address: Shop E, G/F, Manson Building, 598 Avenida da Praia Grande (approximately 6-minute walk from Ruins of St. Paul's)
- Phone: (+853) 6288 2877
- Background: Founded in Lisbon, Portugal, this renowned egg tart brand operates 15 locations across Portugal, France, and Spain. Expanded to Macau in early 2025, opening its first Asian location.
- Specialty: Open kitchen allows full view of the tart-making process. Using traditional Portuguese recipe with exceptionally thin and crispy pastry; the custard is authentic cream flavor (not egg-yolk dominant), Closest to the original Belém taste in Lisbon.
- Significance: This marks the first time an authentic Lisbon brand has entered Macau's egg tart history, allowing food enthusiasts to directly compare the "Macau-adapted version" versus the "Portuguese original."
Other Egg Tarts Worth Trying
| Store | Type | Specialty | 参考价格 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Koi Kei Snacks | Souvenir Egg Tart | Room-temperature version, ideal for bringing home; firmer texture but convenient for travel | ~MOP$10/each |
| Grand Lisboa Palace Tea House | Hotel Version Egg Tart | Bird's nest flaky egg tart, luxury category; one of the dim sum selections | ~MOP$50+ |
| Hotel Buffets | Hotel Version Egg Tarts | Available at Wynn, Grand Lisbon, MGM Cotai and other hotel buffets; consistent quality but lacks handcrafted warmth | Included in buffet price |
VI. Best Ways to Enjoy Egg Tarts: Timing, Pairings, and Storage
Freshly Baked Timing Guide
The soul of an egg tart lies in eating it "fresh from the oven." The puff pastry is at its crispest within 10 minutes of baking, and the custard achieves its silkiest texture when slightly warm. Once cooled for more than an hour, the pastry begins to soften, and the flavor diminishes significantly.
| Shop | Baking Frequency | Best Time |
|---|---|---|
| Andrew Stow's Original Store | Every 15-20 minutes | 07:00 opening batch | avoid 10:00-14:00 |
| Margaret's | Every 20-30 minutes | 08:30 opening batch (weekdays) |
| Bamu Bakery | Continuous throughout the day | Arrive at 11:00 opening |
| Goat Bakers | Limited daily release at 12:00 | Arrive precisely at 12:00 |
| Mantegaclia | Open-kitchen continuous baking | Morning hours are less crowded |
Best Drink Pairings
Classic Pairing: Espresso or Bica
What originally drew Andrew Stow to egg tarts in Lisbon was the combination of egg tarts with espresso. The sweetness of the tart is perfectly balanced by the bittersweet coffee. Both Andrew's Café and Garden Café serve quality coffee—this pairing comes highly recommended.
Hong Kong-Style Pairing: Iced Milk Tea or Iced Lemon Tea
Margaret's Egg Tart Shop offers milk tea, and the tea astringency combined with the sweetened condensed milk in Hong Kong-style iced milk tea pairs surprisingly well with egg tarts.
Premium Pairing: Portuguese Ginjinha Cherry Liqueur
If you enjoyed egg tarts as dessert after a meal at a Portuguese restaurant in Coloane or Macau Peninsula, pairing it with a small glass of Ginjinha cherry liqueur offers the most authentic Portuguese experience.
Storage and Reheating Guide
Room Temperature Storage: Consume within 3-4 hours; beyond this, the texture noticeably deteriorates.
Refrigerated Storage: Can be stored in the fridge for 1-2 days, but the puff pastry will become completely soft.
Reheating Restoration: Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and heat for 3-5 minutes. Never use a microwave—microwaving turns the puff pastry into a rubbery texture, and the custard will release excess water. An air fryer at 160°C (320°F) for 2-3 minutes is also a good option.
Bringing Egg Tarts on Airplane: Ask the shop to pack in a paper box (Andrew's provides this) and carry it onboard. Checked baggage pressure and temperature changes will crush the tarts. It's recommended to purchase within 2 hours before departing Macau, and reheat immediately upon arrival at your destination.
7. FAQ: 8 Common Questions
Q1: Which is better, Andrew's or Margaret's egg tarts?
This is the "eternal debate" in Macau's food scene—with no definitive answer. Here's a quick comparison:
- Andrew Stow's: More distinct puff pastry layers, richer and thicker custard, higher caramelization, like crème brûlée. Ideal for those who prefer bold flavors and intense egg taste.
- Margaret's: Thinner, crisper puff pastry, smoother and lighter custard, slightly lower sweetness, milk-dominant. Ideal for those who prefer a refreshing, delicate profile.
Serious advice: Visit both shops and decide for yourself—that's the best answer.
Q2: How much does one Andrew's egg tart cost?
Taipa Store and Coloane Store: MOP$11 each, MOP$65 for 6, MOP$130 for 12.
Londoner and Venetian hotel stores: MOP$13 each, MOP$75 for 6. Hotel store prices are approximately 18% higher.
Q3: How many branches does Margaret's egg tart have?
Only one location in all of Macau, situated at Shop 17B, GFB Building, Rua do Comandante. Margaret Wong insists on no franchises or branches—same as it has been for over 30 years. Closed every Wednesday, and closes at 4:30 PM on weekdays and 6:00 PM on weekends.
Q4: What is the relationship between Andrew and Margaret?
They were once married. British pharmacist Andrew Stow married Macau local Margaret Wong in 1988, and together they founded Lord Stow's Bakery in Coloane on September 15, 1989. They later divorced—Andrew kept Lord Stow's Bakery in Coloane, while Margaret opened her own Margaret's Egg Tart shop in 1992. Andrew passed away on October 25, 2006 due to an asthma attack at age 51.
Q5: Can I bring Macau egg tarts back to Taiwan / Hong Kong?
Yes, but there's a time limit. Egg tarts are best consumed within 3-4 hours at room temperature. Tips for carrying them:
- Ask the store for paper box packaging, and carry it on board (do not check it in luggage)
- Reheat in oven at 180°C for 3-5 minutes, or air fryer at 160°C for 2-3 minutes upon arrival
- Never use a microwave—it will ruin the texture
- Flying to Hong Kong takes about 1 hour, to Taiwan about 1.5 hours—completely feasible timewise
Q6: When is the best time to buy egg tarts with the shortest queue?
Best times for each store:
- Andrew's Coloane store: 07:00-08:30 opening hours, virtually no queue
- Andrew's Venetian/Londoner: 10:00 opening or after 20:00 when tourists have left
- Margaret's: Weekday 08:30 opening; on weekends, arrive by 09:45 to queue early
- BAMU Bakery: 11:00 opening—arrive right when it opens; afternoon gets crowded
General rule: Avoid 10:00-14:00 tour group peak and weekend afternoons. Weekday mornings are always the best choice.
Q7: Is KFC's Portuguese egg tart related to Macau's?
Yes, directly. After divorcing Andrew Stow, Margaret Wong licensed the egg tart recipe to KFC. Starting in 1999, KFC launched "Portuguese Egg Tarts" in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and mainland China, sparking an egg tart craze across Asia.
However, KFC's version is factory-mass-produced using fundamentally different ingredients from the handcrafted, freshly baked version. If you've only had KFC egg tarts and think you know the taste of Portuguese tarts, trying the authentic Macau version will feel like "being fooled all these years."
Q8: Besides Andrew's and Margaret's, what other egg tarts are worth trying?
Emerging egg tart forces in Macau 2025-2026:
- BAMU Bakery: Caramel egg tarts at MOP$12, highest caramelization, popular with young people
- Goat Bakers: Egg tarts using Japanese Ranko eggs at MOP$12, most intense egg flavor; the "Cheese Flower Cup" at MOP$38 is an Instagram sensation
- Manteigaria: First Asian location of the famous Lisbon egg tart shop at MOP$12, closest to authentic Lisbon flavor
Recommended route: Visit Andrew's (Coloane) → Margaret's (Peninsula) → BAMU or Goat Bakers (Ruins of St. Paul's/Canais) all in one day for a complete Macau egg tart tour.
