This guide covers the best restaurants, street food, and dining experiences in Macao.
For more recommendations, see the full guide.
When it comes to Macau cuisine, egg tarts are definitely a classic not to be missed. This dessert, which originated in England but truly shines in Macau, has long become a must-try for visitors to Taipa. The area around Rua do Cunha in Taipa's Old Town is home to both long-established bakeries and innovative new patisseries, offering satisfying choices whether you prefer the traditional crispy texture or enjoy experimental flavors.
The soul of an egg tart lies in its layers of flaky pastry and silky smooth custard. Traditional methods use lard to create the laminated dough, which expands during baking to form stunning caramelized spots. Each egg tart shop in Taipa has its own secret recipe—some adhere to traditional handmade techniques, while others incorporate Japanese or Taiwanese methods, creating a unique diversity of flavors.
In Taipa's Old Town, stroll from Rua do Cunha to Rua do Regedor, and within just a few hundred meters you'll encounter several famous egg tart shops. Lord Stow's Bakery is practically synonymous with Macau egg tarts. Mr. Andrew Stow adapted the recipe brought by Portuguese missionaries to create a uniquely Macau flavor. Their egg tarts feature a crispy, melt-in-your-mouth crust with rich, perfectly balanced sweetness—an essential choice for any food connoisseur. Lines form daily during baking times; to avoid crowds, visit in the morning.
For a different style, Choi Heng Kei is a local favorite. This century-old bakery insists on daily handmade production, using a family recipe for pastry with distinct layers and rich milky flavor. Their egg tarts are slightly larger with a more generous filling, allowing the Egg custard to dissolve on your tongue with each bite. Besides the classic original, they also offer creative options like ice-cold egg tarts to suit different tastes.
Located on Rua do Regedor, Kafk is a recently risen literary-style bakery that incorporates French pastry aesthetics into their egg tart creations. Their egg tarts are elegantly refined with an even flakier crust and silky-smooth custard. Paired with a pour-over coffee, it's the perfect afternoon tea. The shop features minimalist industrial decor, ideal for photos and check-ins.
Continuing down Rua do Cunha, a small stall beside Wong Kee Tofu & Noodles hides a delightful surprise. This unnamed stall run by an elderly couple offers smaller but more affordable egg tarts at MOP$6 each—exceptional value. The crust is softer but the egg flavor is rich, representing nostalgic old-school taste.
For practical information, Taipa's Old Town is compact and best explored on foot. From the Macau Peninsula, take bus 11, 15, 22, or 28A to the "Rua do Cunha" stop; the fare is approximately MOP$6. From Cotai Strip, it's about a 15-minute walk. Egg tarts at various shops cost roughly MOP$8-15; Lord Stow's offers a box of six for MOP$45, while Choi Heng Kei sells individual tarts starting at MOP$10.
Most shops open at 7 AM and often have fresh batches in the afternoon. Try to avoid weekend peak times, or call ahead to ask about baking schedules. For best texture, eat them the same day you purchase.
Each egg tart shop in Taipa has its unique character, whether you seek traditional flavors or innovative creations—it's worth spending half a day sampling them all. Stroll along the stone-paved streets with a warm egg tart in hand, experiencing Macau's laid-back lifestyle. That's the most charming culinary journey Taipa has to offer.
Macanese Culinary Culture Data
- Macanese Food History: Macanese cuisine originated after the Portuguese settled in Macau in 1557, fusing Cantonese, Southeast Asian, Indian, and African ingredients to create the world's unique "Macau cuisine," with over 460 years of development history.
- Birthplace of Egg Tarts: Lord Stow's Bakery was founded on September 15, 1989, in Coloane Village, marking the birthplace of Macau egg tarts. They now produce approximately 21,000 egg tarts daily, distributed to 7 branches throughout Macau.
- Michelin Recognition: The Michelin Guide for Macau evaluates over 20 restaurants annually, with numerous traditional Macanese restaurants receiving continued recognition, solidifying Macau's position as the Asian capital of Portuguese cuisine.
