1. The Past and Present of Rua do Cunha: From Fishing Village Alley to Macau's Top Food Street
The Portuguese name of this street, Rua do Cunha, honors Pedro Alexandrino da Cunha, the 81st Governor of Macau. This Portuguese naval captain arrived in Macau in 1850, but unfortunately died of cholera during his term. In 1884, the street was officially named Rua do Cunha to commemorate this short-lived governor.
For a long time, Rua do Cunha was just an ordinary residential street in the old town area of Taipa. The southern end intersects with Rua do Estádio and Rua de Cá da Costa, forming a T-junction, while the northern end connects to Rua do Tabique and Praça do Corpo de Bombeiros. The street is only 150 meters long and 5 meters wide—just wide enough for two people walking side by side with umbrellas.
The turning point came on June 1, 1983: Rua do Cunha was designated as Macau's first pedestrian-only zone. With vehicles banned, the ground-floor shops began transforming from grocery stores into restaurants and souvenir shops. In the 1990s, Tai Lei Lai Kei's pork chop buns gained popularity, Mok Yi Kei's durian ice cream became a trending topic, and the souvenir shop rivalry between Jiu Ji and Chao Heong Yuan first ignited on this street.
By the 2000s, Rua do Cunha had evolved from a "souvenir street" into a "food destination." Lord Stow's egg tarts established a presence, Seng Cheong Restaurant's mud crab porridge appeared in major travel guides, and Sei K Cafe's thick egg pork chop buns went viral on social media. Today, this short pedestrian street welcomes tens of thousands of visitors daily, serving as the undisputed heart of Taipa's old town district.
2. Street Food Stall-by-Stall Review: From One End of the Street to the Other
The following introductions of the main food establishments are organized in order from the south end of Rua do Cunha (入口 from Rua de Eduardo Monteiro) to the north end (exit near Rua da Fortress/前地消防局). Actual shop locations may vary slightly due to renovations, and prices are based on 2025-2026 field measurements.
South End Entry Area (Street Entrance)
Lord Stow's Bakery (Rua do Cunha Store)
Address: 氹仔官也街9號柏鴻大廈地下E座 │ Phone: +853 2857 6580
Hours: 10:00-19:00 (Daily)
澳门葡撻始祖 Andrew Stow started his business in Coloane, and this is the Rua do Cunha branch. The pastry layers are perfectly flaky, and the egg custard has a caramelized aroma with a silky-smooth texture—crispy on the outside with a molten center when just out of the oven.
Portuguese Egg Tart MOP$13 each │ Box of 6 MOP$65
Mok Yi Kei
Address: 氹仔官也街9號 │ Phone: +853 6669 5194
Hours: 07:00-23:00 (Daily)
A beloved dessert shop established in 1954, featuring multiple consecutive years of Michelin Street Food Guide recommendations. Their signature item is ice cream made with Malaysian Musang King durian—so intensely rich that durian skeptics will shy away, but fans become hooked for life. The grass jelly dessert is refreshing and cooling, while the serradura (crumble pudding) has a luxuriously creamy texture.
Musang King Durian Ice Cream MOP$68 │ D24 Durian Ice Cream MOP$33 │ Grass Jelly MOP$15 │ Serradura MOP$30 │ Mango Pomelo Sago MOP$38
Chak In Kei
Address: 氹仔官也街 (Alley next to Lord Stow's)
Hours: 11:00-20:00 (Daily)
A creative snack shop famous for "Portuguese Egg Tart Egg Waffles." The interior is decorated with Portuguese azulejo tiles, creating a warm nostalgic atmosphere. Each order of egg waffles is made fresh to order, crispy on the outside and soft inside. The Portuguese egg tart flavor combines two of Macau's most iconic treats—a recent social media favorite.
Egg Waffles from MOP$30 │ Portuguese Egg Tart Egg Waffles MOP$38
Mid-Section (Central Area of the Street)
Fong Kei
Address: 氹仔官也街14號 │ Phone: +853 2882 7142
Hours: 09:00-20:00 (Closed Wednesdays)
The most story-rich century-old pastry shop on Rua do Cunha. Unlike Koi Kei and Choi Heong Yuen which expanded into chain brands, Fong Kei remains committed to this single heritage shop, using traditional methods to make meat floss pastry (肉切酥), chicken biscuit (雞仔餅), and almond cookie (杏仁餅). Prices run slightly higher than chain brands, but food connoisseurs agree that the flavors are the most authentic. Their signature meat floss pastry features a crispy outer shell with a sweet-savory meat floss filling that can't be found elsewhere.
Meat Floss Pastry MOP$45/box │ Chicken Biscuit MOP$50/box │ Almond Cookie MOP$55/box
Koi Kei Bakery (Rua do Cunha Store)
Address: 氹仔官也街11-13號
Hours: 10:00-21:00 (Daily)
Winner of Macau's souvenir sales championship for multiple years, with over 30 stores across Macau. This Rua do Cunha branch is one of the earliest opened. Their charcoal-roasted almond cookie is the signature item, alongside dozens of other options including peanut candy, egg rolls, and dried pork jerky. Staff generously offer samples—the only worry is you won't buy after trying!
Almond Cookie MOP$65/box │ Phoenix Roll MOP$58/box │ Original Dried Pork Jerky MOP$90/package
Choi Heong Yuen Bakery (Rua do Cunha Store)
Address: 氹仔官也街19號地下至3樓
Hours: 10:00-21:00 (Daily)
A heritage brand established in 1935, ranking among Macau's top three souvenir brands. Their Rua do Cunha store spans three floors, with the ground floor offering views of the手工杏仁饼 process. Their almond cookies take a "melt-in-your-mouth" approach, contrasting with Koi Kei's "crispy" style. The seaweed meat floss egg roll is a recent bestseller.
Almond Cookie MOP$70/box (~18 pieces) │ Seaweed Egg Roll MOP$55/box │ Charcoal-Roasted Cashew Cookie MOP$62/box
Wing Kei Beef Offal
Address: 氹仔官也街 (Near Mid-Street)
Hours: Approximately 11:00-20:00 (Until Sold Out)
Beef offal prepared with asecret family recipe, including tripe, lung, tendon, and abomasum (fourth stomach), braised in a rich, flavorful sauce. The owner will ask if you want it spicy—recommend mild, as the chili oil's aroma pairs perfectly with the gelatinous texture of the offal. Queuing is common, but turnover is fast.
Small Bowl Beef Offal MOP$50 │ Large Bowl Beef Offal MOP$70
Comida Portuguesa O Santos
Address: 氹仔官也街20號地下 │ Phone: +853 2882 5594
Hours: 12:00-15:00, 18:30-22:00 (Closed Mondays)
The only authentic Portuguese restaurant on Rua do Cunha, notably understated among the bustling snack street. The bacalhau croquette (salt cod mashed potato fritter) is the perfect starter—crispy outside, fluffy inside, with balanced saltiness. Baked Portuguese chicken and curry cow tail are also highly recommended by diners. Simple ambiance with generous portions.
Bacalhau Croquette MOP$60 │ Baked Portuguese Chicken MOP$128 │ Average per Person MOP$180
Seng Cheong
Address: 氹仔舊城區官也街28-30號 │ Phone: +853 2882 5323
Hours: 12:00-00:00 (Daily)
The most prominent sit-down restaurant on Rua do Cunha, famous for their salt crab congee. The congee base is simmered until silky smooth with crab, featuring sweet crab meat and rich crab roe. Beyond the salt crab congee, the salted pepper frog and black bean sauce clams are also worth trying. Expect queues of 30 minutes or more during peak dining hours (12:30-13:30, 18:30-19:30).
Famous Salt Crab Congee (Small) MOP$210 │ Salted Pepper Frog MOP$120 │ Average per Person MOP$150-250
North End Exit Area (Near Rua da Fortress/前地消防局)
Sei Kee Café (Rua do Cunha Store)
Address: 氹仔官也街 (Indoor Seating) │ Phone: +853 6377 9664
Hours: 11:00-19:00 (Daily)
The Rua do Cunha branch of the famous Ruins of St. Paul store, renowned throughout Macau for their thick egg pork chop bun. The bun is buttered and toasted until crispy outside and soft inside, filled with thick slices of pork chop and a generous portion of scrambled eggs—one bite delivers the Macau-style "breakfast burger." Clay pot coffee and milk tea are also classics. The peanut butter cream toast squares are a hidden popular menu item.
Thick Egg Pork Chop Bun MOP$46 │ Clay Pot Coffee MOP$32 │ Peanut Butter Cream Toast MOP$28
Tai Lei Loi Kei (Rua do Cunha Store)
Address: 氹仔官也街 (Near North End) │ Flagship: 35 Rua de Dr. José Leite de Cabral
Hours: 08:00-18:00 (Daily) │ Pork Chop Bun available around 15:30, until sold out
The quintessential Macau comfort food. The pork chop is marinated with asecret recipe then deep-fried to golden perfection—crispy on the outside, juicy within—sandwiched in a soft buns. This Rua do Cunha location is a branch; the flagship store is at 35 Rua de Dr. José Leite de Cabral nearby. For the freshest buns,，建议arrive before 15:00 to join the queue at the flagship store.
Pork Chop Bun MOP$48 │ Coffee MOP$20
Bitter Sweet
Address: 氹仔官也街92號
Hours: 12:00-19:00
A Portuguese dessert specialist famous for serradura (crumble pudding). Serradura is made by layering crushed biscuit with whipped cream, creating a texture that sits between ice cream and cake. They also offer serradura cake and various Portuguese desserts, making it a great choice for dessert after a meal.
Serradura MOP$38 │ Serradura Cake MOP$45/piece
III. Guan Ya Street Top 10 Must-Eat Rankings
Based on four dimensions—food quality, value for money, queue time, and uniqueness—we've selected the top 10 must-try dishes on Guan Ya Street. Even with limited time, following this list ensures you won't be disappointed.
1Dai Lei Lai Min Pork Chop Bun — Macau's No.1 national snack; not trying it means you haven't truly visited Guan Ya Street. MOP$48.
2Andrew's Portuguese Egg Tart — The original Portuguese egg tart, featuring the classic combination of flaky crust and caramel custard. MOP$13 each.
3Moyi Ji Musang King Durian Ice Cream — Impressively luxurious ingredients; one bite delivers pure Musang King durian. MOP$68.
4Shengchang Rice Restaurant Water Crab Congee — Crab roe blended into the congee base, so fresh and sweet you'll want to lick the bowl. MOP$210/small pot (serves 2-3).
5Sai Kee Coffee Thick Egg Pork Chop Bun — Thick-cut egg + pork chop + butter bun: Macau's ultimate super breakfast. MOP$46.
6Wong Kee Offal — Secret family recipe braising sauce, with perfectly gelatinous texture. MOP$50/small bowl.
7Fongkei Meat Crust酥 — Century-old traditional method, Sweet-savory flaky pastry you won't find anywhere else. MOP$45/box.
8Zekin Portuguese Egg Tart Waffle — Cross-genre fusion of egg tart and Hong Kong bubble waffle, essential for the new generation's Instagram. MOP$38.
9Portuguesa Serradura Pudding — Iconic Portuguese dessert, cool and creamy, perfect as a post-meal treat. MOP$38.
10Santos Bacalhau Ball — Portuguese salted cod and mashed potato deep-fried ball, crispy outside and fluffy inside, perfect with beer. MOP$60.
IV. Hidden Gem Restaurants in the Alleyways Around Rua do Cunha
Rua do Cunha itself is only 150 meters long, but just a few steps away to the surrounding Rua da loads, Rua do Terror, and Rua dos Bombiteiros, you'll find restaurants truly worth sitting down for a proper meal. These places are less frequented by tourists and known only to locals.
António Restaurant António
Address: G/F, 7 Rua da loads, Taipa Village | Phone: +853 2888 8668
Hours: 11:30-23:30 (Daily)
Featured in the Michelin Guide for 11 consecutive years, founded by Portuguese Chef António Coelho in 2008. The restaurant is tucked away in a Portuguese-style heritage house on Rua da loads, with a discreet storefront that's easy to walk past. Indoor seating for 80, plus an outdoor terrace area — the evening atmosphere is exceptional.
Must-try dishes: Portuguese Baked Duck Rice (signature), Crab Meat Stuffed in Crab Shell (MOP$195), White Wine & Garlic Clams (MOP$185), António Seafood Paella (MOP$580, serves 2-3), Special Roasted Suckling Pig (MOP$390).
MOP$300-500 per person | Advance reservation recommended
Cozinha Pinocchio Portuguese Restaurant
Address: Rua dos Bombiteiros, Taipa (North exit of Rua do Cunha) | Phone: +853 2882 7128
Hours: 12:45-23:00 (Daily)
Founded in 1977 by local Portuguese Mr. Denis Badat, this is one of Taipa's oldest Portuguese restaurants. The three-story light yellow Portuguese-style building is highly visible at the north exit of Rua do Cunha, perfect for photos day or night. The menu offerings are more accessible, with generous portions and prices friendlier than António's.
Must-try dishes: Baked Portuguese Chicken (regular portion MOP$188), Codfish Balls, Portuguese Garlic Baked Mussels (MOP$60/half dozen), Red Wine Braised Ox Tail Rice (MOP$48), Curry Chicken Rice (MOP$48).
MOP$160-250 per person
O Galo Portuguese Restaurant
Address: G/F, 45 Rua do Cunha, Taipa
Hours: 12:00-23:00 (Daily)
A long-established restaurant featuring Portugal's national treasure — the Barcelos rooster. The atmosphere is more relaxed than Cozinha Pinocchio, like stepping into a Portuguese tavern. The two-person dinner set at MOP$388 offers excellent value.
Must-try dishes: Baked Portuguese Chicken, Codfish Balls, Curry Ox Tail.
MOP$180 per person | Two-person set MOP$388
5. Souvenir Purchase Recommendations: Jukei vs Koui Heng vs Fongkei - Comparison of Three Major Brands
Not bringing souvenirs back from Rua do Cunha is like making a trip for nothing. Each of the three cake shops has its own strengths. Below is a横向 comparison across five dimensions to help you make the best choice.
| Comparison Items | Jukei | Koui Heng | Fongkei |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rua do Cunha Address | No. 11-13, Rua do Cunha | No. 19, Rua do Cunha | No. 14, Rua do Cunha |
| Year Established | 1997 | 1935 | Century-old shop (Late Qing Dynasty) |
| Number of Stores | 30+ stores across Macau | 10+ stores across Macau | This one only |
| Signature Products | Almond Cake, Phoenix Rolls, Dried Meat | Almond Almond Cake, Seaweed Egg Rolls | Meat Cracker, Cocktail Cookies, Walnut Cookies |
| Almond Cake Style | Crispy and substantial | Light and delicate | Traditional handmade, firmer texture |
| Almond Cake Price | MOP$65/box | MOP$70/box (approx. 18 pcs) | MOP$55/box |
| Sample Tasting | Generously offered | Partially offered | Limited |
| Rest Day | Open year-round | Open year-round | Every Wednesday |
| Best For | Gift-giving, widest variety | Traditional flavor enthusiasts | Food connoisseurs, authentic taste seekers |
VI. Best Visiting Time & Transportation
Best Visiting Time
| Time Slot | Crowd Level | Suitable For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekday 10:00-12:00 | Low | Photography, Leisurely Stroll | Some shops just opened, limited selection |
| Weekday 12:00-14:00 | Medium | Lunch + Shopping | Optimal balance point |
| Weekday 14:00-17:00 | High | Peak Tour Group Hours | Best to avoid this time slot |
| Weekday 17:00-19:00 | Medium | Evening Stroll + Dinner | Some food stalls already closed |
| Weekend/Holiday | Very High | Not Recommended | Queue time doubles, experience greatly diminished |
Transportation
1. Macau Light Rail (Most Recommended)
Take the Taipa Line of the Macau Light Rail to Paint CAN (Pai Ka) Station. Exit and walk approximately 5 minutes to reach Rua do Cunha. Operating hours are 06:30-23:15 daily (extended to 23:59 on Fridays through Sundays and public holidays), with trains every 5-10 minutes. Fare is MOP$6-12 (half price with Macau Pass card).
2. Bus
Take bus lines 11, 15, 22, 28A, 30, or 33 and get off at "Taipa Rua do Cunha" stop, then walk 1 minute to reach your destination. Bus fare is MOP$6 (MOP$3 with Macau Pass card). Nearby bus stops include Chung Shing Wei Terminal, Black Bridge/Di Bao Street, Taipa Sino-Portuguese Primary School, and Swimming Pool.
3. Hotel Free Shuttle Bus
Major resort properties such as The Venetian, Galaxy, Studio City, and Londoner offer free shuttle buses. Walking 10-15 minutes from each resort to Rua do Cunha is also convenient. Galaxy resort is the closest, approximately 8 minutes' walk.
4. Taxi
Taxi fare from Macau Peninsula to Rua do Cunha is approximately MOP$60-80, and from the Cotai resort area is approximately MOP$25-19. Flagfall starts at MOP$19.
VII. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Where is Rua do Cunha? How do I get there?
Rua do Cunha is located in the Taipa Old Town district of Macau, covering a total length of 150 meters. The most convenient way is to take the Macau Light Rail to Lotus Station and walk for approximately 5 minutes. You can also take bus routes 11, 15, 22, 28A, 30, or 33 to the Taipa Rua do Cunha stop. Several hotels offer free shuttle buses, with the Galaxy resort being the closest—about an 8-minute walk away.
Q2: What are the opening hours of Rua do Cunha?
Most shops operate from 10:00 to 21:00. Souvenir shops typically open between 09:00-10:00, while restaurants stay open until 22:00-23:00. Weekends and public holidays are the busiest, so visiting on weekdays is recommended. Avoid the tour group peak hours between 14:00-17:00.
Q3: What are the three must-try foods on Rua do Cunha?
(1) Tai Lei Lei Kai Pork Chop Bun (MOP$48), Macau's iconic comfort food; (2) Mok Yi Gao Durian Musang King Ice Cream (MOP$68), featured in the Michelin Guide's street food selections, established in 1954; (3) Andrew's Portuguese Egg Tart (MOP$13 each), the original Portuguese egg tart brand's location on Rua do Cunha.
Q4: Which souvenir shop should I choose? How to pick between Koi Kei, Choi Hong Yuen, and Wong Kee?
Koi Kei (No. 11-13 Rua do Cunha) offers the widest selection and most elegant packaging, making it ideal for gifts. Choi Hong Yuen (No. 19 Rua do Cunha), founded in 1935, is known for its traditional charcoal-roasted almond cookies with a steady reputation. Wong Kee (No. 14 Rua do Cunha) is a century-old family-run shop—the only location—with the most authentic Pork Floss Crisp and Chicken Biscuits, though it closes every Wednesday. We recommend sampling products from all three shops to compare.
Q5: Are there any authentic Portuguese restaurants near Rua do Cunha?
Three recommended options: (1) Antonio (No. 7 Rua do Museu), Michelin-selected for 11 consecutive years, with an average spend of MOP$300-500 per person; (2)葡%立 Portuguese Restaurant (Praça do Quartel), established in 1977, averaging MOP$160-250 per person; (3) Santos (No. 20 Rua do Cunha), the only Portuguese restaurant on the street, averaging MOP$180 per person.
Q6: How long does it take to explore Rua do Cunha? How should I plan my itinerary?
A quick visit takes 30-45 minutes. If you plan to sample food at every stall, buy souvenirs, and take photos, allow 2-3 hours. Recommended route: Start with Andrew's egg tarts at the street entrance → sample snacks along the way → buy souvenirs in the middle section → enjoy a proper meal at Seng Cheong Restaurant or a Portuguese restaurant → take a散步 to the St. Francis Xavier Church to digest your meal.
Q7: Are there vegetarian or halal options on Rua do Cunha?
The street is primarily meat-focused, with limited vegetarian options. Mok Yi Gao's durian ice cream, grass jelly dessert, and mango pomelo sago are suitable for vegetarians. Some almond cookie flavors are also vegetarian. For halal dining, we recommend the international restaurants at the Cotai Strip resort areas.
Q8: How much money should I budget for a visit to Rua do Cunha?
Street food: MOP$100-200 covers most major snacks. Souvenirs: MOP$100-300 depending on quantity. Full meals: Seng Cheong Restaurant averages MOP$150-250 per person; Portuguese restaurants average MOP$200-400 per person. A reasonable total budget is approximately MOP$400-800 per person. Macau dollars, Hong Kong dollars, and (at some shops) Chinese yuan are accepted at a 1:1 exchange rate (HKD and MOP are equivalent).
