Macau, Southern China

Swim, fly, and walk if you have to, but make sure you end up just short of Hong Kong on the small, character-filled island of Macau.

There is something very special about Macau Island. This autonomous region was formerly a Portuguese colony and is now back in the hands of the People's Republic of China. Still, it reflects a huge mix of cultural influences and is a fascinating place to visit. It's unlike anywhere else in China given its Westernised past. For this reason, it should definitely be on your to-do list for anyone planning to travel to Asia.

LEFT: Macau, located off the coast of Hong Kong. RIGHT: Steeped in history, St. Dominic’s Church (Igreja de São Domingos) sprang to life in 1587 when 3 spirited Spanish Dominican priests journeyed from Acapulco, Mexico, to Macau.

The food in Macau alone is worth the trip to this tiny island in southern China. While most visitors come to Macau to gamble in the Las Vegas of the East, foodies will absolutely love Macau for its unique and delicious food scene.

The combination of European and Chinese culture, exciting casinos and of course the extraordinary food makes Macau one of the top places to visit in China. Macau is perfect for a day trip, to spice things up when travelling in Asia. It’s a great night out on the town and a bonus is that all the tourist attractions can be completed within a day while still being able to catch a taste of all the amazing food on offer.

Getting There
The best way to get to Macau from Hong Kong is by ferry. It takes about an hour each way with ferry trips being made around the clock from both Kowloon and Hong Kong ferry terminals.

SO, if this snippet tickles your fantasy (and tastebuds) you’d want to put these sights on your to-do list. I know we personally had a blast at each spot! If you’re a ‘grammar like me, you will be stoked to know that every spot in town is an insta-perfect hotspot! Your fans will be doing like, follow and share things. Wink Wink.

Skip down to Senado Square
This architecturally stunning square has been the centre of Macau's city for centuries and remains an important site for locals today. The road still has a Portuguese influence with mosaic-style paving. (Oh my heart couldn’t take the cobblestone roads!) A modern reminder of Macau's Western past. The fountain is the centrepiece of Senado Square, surrounded by majestic neoclassical buildings. Directly opposite the fountain is the old Senate building.

Senado Square is the cobbled paved town square, that is actually in a shape of a triangle and is a UNESCO world heritage site. This part of Macau is rich in Portuguese heritage as some buildings dating back to the 16th century still stand today. It is a pedestrian-only zone which allows tourists to take in the experience on foot.

Ruins of St Paul’s
The ruins of a 17th-century cathedral comprise one of the most unmistakable sights in Macau. Built originally to house St Paul’s College, it is now recognised officially by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The Macanese government have restored the cathedral’s ruins and transformed them into a museum. Guys, what a museum it is! It seems to give off a poor man’s Athens and Rome vibes at first, but it comes with its own unique plot twist! Go find out what that plot twist is, there are no disappointments in Macau.

Venetian Macau and Parisian Macau
Macau’s casino scene is second to none in Asia. In fact, in terms of gaming revenues, it even puts Las Vegas in the shadows. Being one of the world’s biggest casino resorts, a trip to Venetian Macau is an experience itself, with its lavish Italian-themed interiors. Slightly newer than the Venetian, Parisian Macau is yet another casino resort. Its theme is inspired by the city of Paris, which has its own replica of the famed Eiffel Tower.

Macau Giant Panda Pavilion
Animal lovers will adore a visit to the Macau Giant Panda Pavilion, with two 330 sqm indoor areas, as well as a 600 sqm outdoor space for the pandas to explore. There are two different viewing levels, which ensures that it never gets too busy either for the visitors or the giant pandas.

Macau’s famous St. Pauls Ruins which are the remains of a 17th-century Catholic church that serve as a reminder of Macau’s vibrant history.

The Food
Ok, since we literally just came here for the food, let me list the meals that will nourish your soul and literally have you dancing in your seat because I guarantee you won't get enough. These are some real life-changing flavours, a life-changing experience if you will. Let's go!

The main course of this trip was undoubtedly Ameijoas com alho - Portuguese clams in a garlic sauce for us English people. CLAMS, who would have thought it, but not just any clams. The freshest, the silkiest. MY OH MY, the absolute most tempting clams you're likely to ever eat. If you are a seafood lover, this dish will really rub you in!

Pro tip when looking for the good stuff: the best of little seaside restaurant shacks. The buttery and garlicky flavour adds incredible flavour to the medley of mussels swirling in your mouth.

Clams are simmered in a garlic and butter broth and served with crispy ciabatta. (More of which you need to wipe the plate clean!) This dish can also be made to your spice level if you prefer a kick.

Dish number two goes something like this: AFRICAN CHICKEN **Throws Both Hands in the Air** - As a South African, you can bet your girl loves a squirt of anything that might taste like home. You would like that too! I like to call it the “Nandos Original.” Hunting for African chickens in Macau may sound strange, but trust me, the hunt is worth it. Invented locally in the 1940s, the original chef sadly passed away without sharing the story behind the dish's name. The grilled (or braai’ed) chicken, coated in a spicy peri-peri sauce, is said to have a possible nod to Portugal's Moorish past. Whatever the background, it's definitely a tasty meal. If you know, you know!

Finishing third is a close competition between these two local favourites, at least for me! One of them is pork chop buns. There are few things in life as satisfying as a hearty slice of meat sandwiched between bread. When in Macau, do as the locals do and enjoy one of these succulent pork chop buns. Bite into the juicy, tender meat between the perfectly toasted buns for a succulent, flavourful treat just waiting to be devoured.

Secondly is Minchi. Supposedly deriving from the English word ground beef, minchi is a simple dish of ground beef or pork seasoned with molasses and soy sauce and served with rice. Vegetables or fish can also sometimes be substituted for meat, and this dish is said to taste best when shredded by hand with two cleavers. I would recommend beef, pork or the vegetarian option. The fish here is more of an acquired taste. There's no shame in sticking with what you know when it comes to Minchi. This home cooking is the number one choice for locals and should be on your must-try list too!

I just can't decide between these two beauties so I would probably get them both if I were you! Now that we have our appetizers, the main course it is time for diabetes-causing desserts.

The food and delicacies of Macau's melting pot of cultures are a must try around the island.

Moving swiftly on to the delicacies of the island:

Pastel de nata – Portuguese egg tart, or in layman’s terms custard tarts. Consider all the custard tarts you've ever eaten in your life before the Macanese versions were subpar. These perfectly baked babies are popular with tourists and locals alike, and with good reason. The pastry is buttery, flaky, and crunchy on the outside, sweet and pudding-like on the inside, and finished with a charred glaze on top. Stopping on just one may prove to be your ultimate holiday challenge because just one won't be enough!

Where to try it: Lord Stow’s Bakery | Address: No. 1 Rua do Tassara, Coloane Village, Macau
       

Last, but defiantly not least on the list is Macau’s almond cookies!

If you need a sugar rush while you’re travelling, Macau’s signature almond cookies should be in your stash. The melt-in-your-mouth texture juxtaposed with crunchy almond bits makes it a sure-fire hit with just about anyone. Nothing beats having these cookies fresh out the oven!

That’s it, folks. Remember life is about learning, travel is the best university and the only way to explore is to eat your way through the world! As you can see, Macau is a rich and varied city, from the glitz and glamour of its casino scene to its Portuguese ruins, monuments and absolutely tantalizing dishes! Go on an adventure, go to Macau.

Happy travels!

The bustling street scenes of Macau.