Coloane is Macau's only remaining traditional fishing village, preserving the slow-paced lifestyle of Macau from last century. Currently, there are approximately 20-30 traditional cha chaan tengs (tea restaurants) and coffee shops tucked away in the alleys and lanes. According to local residents, the waterfront area near Coloane's town center is the best choice for experiencing the leisurely "coffee by the sea" atmosphere—perfect for enjoying a cup in the early morning or at dusk.
When it comes to Coloane, many people today first think of Lord Stow's egg tarts, but this small island—listed as Macau's least populated administrative district—actually hides many perfect spots to slow down and enjoy a good cup of tea. As the last corner of Macau that retains its fishing village charm, the coffee and tea shops here aren't as crowded as those on the Macau Peninsula, offering a rare sense of calm and从容.
A distinctive feature of Coloane's beverage shops is that they aren't really "Instagram hotspots"—they feel more like part of local residents' daily life. Many stores are small without fancy decorations, but they serve authentic Hong Kong-style milk tea, yuanyang (coffee-tea blend), or Portuguese-style coffee. Prices here are also relatively affordable—a cup of milk tea costs around MOP$18-25, almost half the price of coffee bars at five-star hotels along the Cotai Strip.
If you enjoy a travel pace where you can "sit down when you've walked enough," Coloane is absolutely Macau's best place to "grab a drink and take a break." Here are some of my personal hidden gems:
Temptation Tea & Coffee is located near Dr. Ernesto deoliveira祁 from the start of Coloane town center, one of the few tea restaurants specializing in Hong Kong-style milk tea. Their milk tea has a stronger tea flavor and isn't too sweet—perfect for "authentic Hong Kong-style" enthusiasts. The space inside is small, but there are seats facing the street corner. The sunlight pours in around 3 PM, and paired with a pineapple bun (bolo bao), it makes for a standard Macanese afternoon tea. Their egg tarts are also made in-house—not sourced from Lord Stow's—featuring a milky flavor with nicely layered, flaky crust. MOP$20-25 can get you a milk tea plus a snack.
Coloane Pier Coffee Stall Technically speaking, this isn't a "shop" but rather a small stall by the Coloane Pier, specializing in disposable cup coffees and milk tea. There's no seating—the boss lady hands you your drink directly from the boat pier. But that's exactly what makes the experience so "local"—holding your coffee while watching the fishing boats docked at sea and the ferries going to and from Zhuhai, the feeling is completely different. A cup of yuanyang costs around MOP$15, a price you can hardly find in downtown Macau.
Bamboo Bay Coffee House Located near the Hac Sa Beach direction, near Bamboo Bay Beach. This one is quite special, serving Portuguese-style coffees—like mazza cake with Portuguese coffee, or lemon tea with locally-made cookies. The decor has a Southern European vibe, and outdoor seating overlooks the sea. Perfect for a break after playing at Hac Sa Beach, to replenish your hydration. Coffee averages MOP$30-40, which is normal for a tourist spot.
Tan Ka Fish Congee Shop Technically this is a congee shop, but their Hong Kong-style milk tea is surprisingly good—and it's offered free with your meal. Many locals come for breakfast to have a bowl of boat congee (tsai chai jook) with a cup of milk tea, and they won't feel hungry all morning. If you want that kind of "fill up and fuel up" start, this is the top choice. A bowl of congee costs MOP$25-35, with milk tea at no extra charge—easy to find in Coloane town center.
Leila Wan Village Coffee Van This is a newly emerged "mobile coffee van" in recent years, usually appearing near the abandoned Leila Wan Pier. There's no fixed operating hours, but they're more common on weekends and holiday afternoons. The owner uses a siphon coffee machine to brew single-origin coffees—worth trying for pour-over enthusiasts. Prices are similar to specialty coffee shops in town, MOP$35-45, but the environment is unbeatable—sipping coffee by the sea, everything just slows down.
If you're coming by bus, the most convenient option is bus routes 15, 21A, or 26A, getting off at "Coloane Town Center" stop or "Hac Sa Beach" stop. Macau Pass cards are accepted—just remember to tap your card when boarding.
My personal experience is that 2 PM to 4 PM is the most comfortable time in Coloane—it's not too hot, the sunlight is just right, and most customers in the tea restaurants are local uncles and aunties playing cards (commonly called "锄大地"). That atmosphere is hard to find anywhere else in Macau. If you want to experience "Macau's last slow soul," don't plan Coloane as a "ten-minute photo op" itinerary—give these small shops two hours, and it'll be worth so much more.
