Recently, I had the pleasure of spending time in Macau for work and got a chance to know more about this small SAR state. It is not very large in size, approximately 29.2 sqkm, by comparison to HK – 1,108 sqkm. It used to be made up of Macau Peninsula + 2 islands, Taipa and Coloane, but the area between Taipa and Coloane was reclaimed and is now known as Cotai strip (on which sits the Venetian Macau). On my previous trip to Macau, I did not spend enough time to get to know the place and was better prepared this trip. I had several items on my wish-list and have ticked them all off.
1) Food – For reasons unknown to me, I had this impression that Macanese and Portugese food is very tasty. So during my visit, I actively sought out Macanese and Portugese food. The conclusion was not as expected… I was disappointed by the Macanese and Portugese food. Instead of dwelling on the not-so-nice, here are some of the food / places that I am able to recommend from experience:
- Serradura – This is a Macanese Dessert, made from vanilla whipped cream and biscuit crumbs. It is lip-smacking-licious. A must-try. You can find it at most bakeries, but the one sold at Grand Lapa Macau (formerly Mandarin Oriental Macau) is just nice, the right texture and sweetness. You will want more than one but remember it is mostly cream.
A very yummy dessert, found in Macau
- Grilled Afrikan Chicken (Macanese) – taste something like Nando’s chicken, only better.
- Afonso III, Rua Central, Macau Peninsula (Portugese) – It is a quaint, family-run restaurant, with a limited menu. The food was fresh and tasty and quite affordable (in the range of MOP 70 to 180 for mains). Portions are large, so sharing may be necessary.
- Le Bonne Heure, Travessa S. Domingos, Macau Peninsula (French) - by a French chef. I haven’t had much french food, so won’t comment how authentic it is. From the taste perspective, it was good. Price was affordable for the portion size.
2) Sights – It is easy to walk about Macau, I guess because it is small there is no risk of getting lost. Free maps are easily available at the ferry terminal and hotels. You may even find street maps in touristy areas. I found the following places, worth a visit:
- Macau Tower - I forget how tall it is but tall enough that you can see the whole of Macau Peninsula and most of Taipa and Coloane. In fact, I was able to see across the border into China. For no reasons, I was in awe of my first view of China !
- Taipa Old Village – It is quite possible that I didn’t actually find the old village and instead found the village that was made to look old. This is the original Taipa village before all the constructions. Most of the streets are narrow, able to fit one vehicle at a time. The buildings are not very tall, mostly 2 storey. This is as close as I could get to experiencing the original village.
- Senado Square and St Paul’s ruins – I’ve written about this in a previous blog entry, from my first visit. The view of St Paul’s ruin never fails to make me qawk everytime.
- Water fountain at Wynn Casino - I found this a wonderfully unique feature, from all the other casinos around it. It is a musical fountain that sways to the sound of music. The first time I saw it, it literally took my breath away… the waves were so graceful, almost human-like in movement and as-if to make a point, the climax in the music was accompanied by fire being shot about a meter high.
3) Interesting snippets I picked up:
- Grand Lisboa – this is the updated, grander version of Stanley Ho’s Lisboa Hotel and Casino. It is quite an interestingly shaped building. At night, the whole building lights up with neon words flashing across it. When I first looked at the structure from far, I thought it looked like a pineapple. But my observation was corrected by a local who explained that it is actually shaped like a Brazilian Headdress. I laughed when I was first told, it’s quite a mouth-full and who would have guessed!
- Portugese Language- Although Portugal colonised this state for a long time and gave it over to China in 1999, we hardly heard any portugese being spoken. There is however, a Portugese language radio channel, road sign and establishment signs are in Portugese but that is all.
- Macau PR and Citizens pay no income taxes. In addition to that, they all receive a bonus from the Government every year.
- Retail prices in Macau are similar to HK, which I thought is rather high for a small state. The only consolation is rent is substantially lower, thus making it affordable for the locals.
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