Macanese Cuisine

Macanese restaurants receive praise from tourists around the world for their special fusion of East and West palates. Trade within the Portuguese Empire gave birth to the unique cuisine of the Macanese. At the beginning, when Portuguese explorers were traveling on their ships sailing to other continents, they carried with them traditional European ingredients such as red wine, olive oil, and smoked meats. After stopping at various locations and coming in contact with new exotic diets, the Portuguese incorporated many foreign spices into their own dishes. In India, the locals introduced them to curry; in Southeast Asia, the Portuguese learned about pepper and flavorful leaves; in Macau, Chinese culinary aspects influenced the Portuguese. All of these discoveries gave the Portuguese more delicious seasoning. Macanese food continues the diversity of Portuguese cuisine by combining elements from different nations. 

Some popular Macanese dishes include:

African Chicken

Bacalhau (Portuguese Salt Cod)

Macanese Chili Shrimp

Stir-Fried Curry Crab

Cha Gordo (Afternoon tea meal that mixes Chinese and Portuguese styles)