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, Portuguese egg tarts are an absolute must-try classic. This dessert originated in Britain but found its golden moment in Macau, becoming a must-have delicacy for every traveler visiting Taoipa. The old Taoipa district around Rua do Cunha is home to both time-honored bakeries and emerging patisseries, offering options for those seeking traditional crispy textures or innovative flavors.
The soul of Portuguese egg tarts lies in their layered flaky crust and silky smooth egg custard. Traditional methods use lard to create the pastry layers, which expand during baking to form stunning caramelized spots. Each egg tart shop in Taoipa has its own secret recipe—some adhere to traditional handmade techniques, while others blend Japanese or Taiwanese methods, creating a unique diversity of flavors.
Strolling through Taoipa's old town from Rua do Cunha to Rua do Desembarque, you'll encounter several famed egg tart shops within just a few hundred meters. Andrew's Bakery is practically synonymous with Macau's Portuguese egg tarts. Founder Mr. Andrew adapted the recipe brought by Portuguese missionaries to create a uniquely Macau flavor. Their egg tarts feature a crust so crispy it melts instantly in your mouth, with a rich egg custard and perfectly balanced sweetness—making them the top choice for many food connoisseurs. The daily baking sessions always attract long queues; to avoid the crowds, it's best to visit in the morning.
For those wanting a different style, Zha Xian Ji comes highly recommended by locals. This century-old bakery insists on daily handmade production, using a treasured family recipe for the pastry—distinctly layered with a rich milky flavor. Their egg tarts are slightly larger with a more generous custard, and when you take a bite, the egg and milk aroma unfolds beautifully on your tongue. Beyond the classic original, Zha Xian Ji also offers creative options like iced egg tarts to satisfy different palates.
Located on Rua do Desembarque, Kafk is a recently rising artistic patisserie that incorporates French patisserie aesthetics into their egg tarts. Their egg tarts take a refined approach—with an even flakier, thinner crust and silky smooth custard. Paired with a hand-brewed coffee, it makes for a perfect afternoon tea. The shop features a minimalist industrial style interior, perfect for photos and social media posts.
Continuing along Rua do Cunha, you'll find a hidden gem next to Wong Kee Tofu & Noodles. This unnamed stall run by an elderly couple offers smaller egg tarts at budget-friendly prices—MOP$6 each is truly exceptional value. The crust is softer but the egg flavor is rich, representing nostalgic traditional taste.
For practical information, the old Taoipa district is compact and best explored on foot. From the Macau Peninsula, take bus routes 11, 15, 22, or 28A to the "Rua do Cunha" stop, with a fare of approximately MOP$6. From Cotai, it's about a 15-minute walk. Egg tarts at various shops range from MOP$8-15; Andrew's Bakery sells boxes of six for MOP$45, while Zha Xian Ji starts from MOP$10 per piece.
Most shops start operations at 7 AM, and fresh batches are usually available in the afternoon. It's advisable to avoid weekend peak hours or call ahead to inquire about baking times. For the best flaky crust texture, consume on the same day of purchase.
Each egg tart shop in Taoipa has its own character—whether you seek traditional flavors or creative innovations, half a day to sample them all is well worth it. Stroll along the cobblestone streets, holding a warm egg tart in hand, and experience Macau's laid-back lifestyle. This is what makes Taoipa's food journey so enchanting.
