When it comes to Portuguese cuisine in Macau, most people first think of the five-star hotel buffets along the Cotai Strip. But tucked away in Taipa Old Town are a handful of long-established Portuguese restaurants with affordable prices and authentic flavors—the "Portuguese taste" that locals truly recommend.
Taipa Old Town is one of Macau's most Portuguese-style neighborhoods. Rua do Cunha, the cobblestone paths, colorful Portuguese architecture—the atmosphere here is a completely different world from the luxury of the Cotai Strip. For me, the charm of the Old Town lies in: no over-packaged tourist formula, owners who are truly local Macanese, dishes that are family recipes passed down for decades, and—much more reasonable prices.
If you want to experience authentic Macanese Portuguese cuisine, these Old Town establishments are worth a dedicated trip.
O Santos is located at No. 20 Rua do Cunha, Ming Zhu Building, a family restaurant known to older Taipa residents. The signature dish is Portuguese grilled chicken—the skin is perfectly crispy while the meat stays juicy, served with garlic fries and a refreshing salad. A single set is generous enough for two to share. The restaurant space is small, decorated with old photos on the walls, and the owner herself serves guests. It's all about "the warmth of home cooking." Google rating 4.2 stars, popular with local families for gatherings.
Portuguese Chicken Rice Shop is located at G/F No. 45 Di Bao Street, the name tells you exactly what they're known for. Macau's Portuguese chicken differs from the version in Portugal—Hong Kong-style curry influence gives the sauce a richer, slightly spicy flavor, served with chicken that absorbs the sauce and long-grain rice—a Macau original creation. This place is generous with portions—a Portuguese chicken rice set comes with soup and drink, perfect for a lunch energy boost. The owner says the recipe was passed down from the previous generation, with seasoning ratios adjusted over and over to preserve "the taste from memory."
Gold Water is located at No. 3-5 Doctor Costa Street—the name is interesting, but it's actually a long-established Portuguese pastry shop. The signatures are Portuguese egg tarts and various Portuguese cakes. Don't underestimate this place—many five-star hotels order their takeaway desserts from here. Egg tarts at MOP$8 each, with especially flaky pastry and smooth, not-too-sweet custard. They also have traditional Macau treats like wife cakes and almond cookies, with prices nearly half of those at Cotai souvenir shops—great for bringing back gifts.
If you've finished your meal and want somewhere to sit, head to Ming Zhi Sweet Soup (No. 45 Rua do Desembargardo), where mango pomelo sago and red bean soup are the signatures—around MOP$20 a bowl—perfect for a rest after exploring the Old Town. This is the local's "second living room," where you'll often see elderly folks hanging out, enjoying sweet soups and chatting.
Practical Information
The easiest way to reach Taipa Old Town is by bus. From the Macau Peninsula, take routes 11, 22, 28A, 30, or 34, and get off at "Taipa Old Town" or "Rua do Cunha" stop—fare is MOP$6. You can also walk from the Cotai Strip, about 15 minutes, passing by the St. Francis Xavier Church—those mint-green Portuguese buildings that make for great photos.
Most Old Town restaurants are concentrated on Rua do Cunha, Di Bao Street, and Rua do Desembargardo—small area, best to avoid peak meal times (1-2 PM, 6-7 PM). Most restaurants open at noon and close around 9 PM, may be closed during Chinese New Year.
Travel Tips
Parking is limited in the Old Town—if you drive, park at the Northern Terminal Parking Lot and walk in. Rua do Cunha now has many souvenir and almond cookie shops—recommend "look but don't buy"—because prices get cheaper the further in you go, that's Macau retail's hidden rule. For souvenirs, wait until you reach the Gold Water area—definitely better value than the shops at the street entrance.
If time permits, don't miss the Old Town morning—Rua do Cunha at 8 AM has almost no tourists, with uncles and aunts having breakfast at the coffee shop doors—that "local life" feeling is Macau's most precious scenery.
Macau Portuguese Food Culture Data
- Macanese Food History: Macanese Portuguese cuisine originated when the Portuguese settled in Macau in 1557, fusing Cantonese, Southeast Asian, Indian, and African ingredients to create the unique "Macanese cuisine"—the only one of its kind globally, with over 460 years of development history.
- Egg Tart Origin: Lord Stow's Bakery was founded in Coloane Village on September 15, 1989, being the birthplace of Macau's egg tarts. Currently producing about 21,000 egg tarts daily, distributed to 7 branches across Macau.
- Michelin Recognition: The Michelin Guide Macau selects over 20 restaurants annually, with many long-established Portuguese cuisine establishments consistently receiving ratings, establishing Macau's position as the Asian hub for Portuguese gastronomy.
