5 Unique Local Snacks in Macau

If you’re heading to Macau, chances are that trying local snacks is at the top of your to-do list after exploring local casinos and tourist attractions. Aside from the beauty of the city, Macau is full of unique snacks that reflect the culture and traditions of this region of China. While walking around and exploring the city, it’s highly recommended to check out some food stores in between your wins and losses at Macau casinos. 

If you aren’t sure where to start, here are 5 snacks from Macau that you should begin with. Who knows — you might just find your new favorite treat!

1. Dragonbeard Candy

Dragonbeard Candy is one of the most unique snacks you can try not only in Macau but in general. Basically, it is peanut, wrapped in sweet white floss. This snack might remind you of cotton candy with its look and texture and let’s be honest, the taste is pretty much the same, with the addition of peanuts. And if you’re not a big peanut enthusiast, you can try a few different flavors, such as black sesame or Belgian dark chocolate. Interestingly, some stores even offer customers to see how Dragonbeard candy is made in action, which is indeed a fascinating activity. 

So, if you’re on a break from the excitement of GGBET slot machines, you can always enjoy this unique candy and add a sweet little cultural twist to your betting experience. 

2. Pasteis de Chaves

Pasteis de Chaves originally came from a small city called Chaves in Portugal. But it’s so popular in Macau that tourists never hesitate to dedicate some time to visiting Pastéis de Chaves Macau bakery. It is a crispy pastry filled with minced, nicely seasoned beef, which is amazing and very satisfying. 

This pastry is usually spiced with cinnamon, cloves, and garlic. It has a similar texture to the French croissant, but for savory treat lovers, it’s even better, as the tasty soft meat creates a very nice combination. Pasteis de Chaves can often be used as an appetizer treat. However, keep in mind that it’s a bit pricy and costs up to $20 per serving. Still, once you try it, you will know for sure why it was worth the price.

3. Egg Tarts

If you decide to take a trip to Macau, don’t forget to get the taste of the famous egg tarts. His delicious treat was originally introduced by Portuguese settlers. Since then, it has become a beloved snack in Macau’s culinary scene. 

Egg tart is a crunchy, buttery pastry tart with smooth caramelized egg custard filling on top. At first glance, it looks like creme brulee on flaky pastry.

Not surprisingly, it’s best to try while it’s still hot. Therefore, in Macau streets, this snack is usually served fresh and as warm as possible. Egg tarts are usually eaten as a dessert part of the meal. They can be very fulfilling and enjoyable and you can often come across them in dim sum restaurants and bakeries around Macau.

4. Almond Cookies

For those who like to enjoy popular snacks like Almond Joy, trying almond cookies in Macau is a must. These cookies are one of Macau’s most classic sweet snacks. Their basic ingredients include ground almonds, flour, sugar, and butter. As a result, they have a powdery and crispy yet crumbly texture and the taste is just incredible. Sometimes they are topped with whole almonds for a better appearance.

Almond cookies in Macau resemble a little bit of Christmas shortbread cookies. That’s probably why they are served around New Year. You can find almond cookies at a lot of places in the city, and sometimes you might even see people lining up at the bakeries only to try those magical cookies. 

5. Spicy Beef Cubes

Flavorful and savory spicy beef cubes are a perfect snack for spicy food lovers. They might have different varieties, like curry meat, curry beef, spicy meat, and satay pork. Out of all of them, spicy beef is the most popular. This snack is usually made with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and different spices for the flavor. The most popular variety is cooked with chili peppers, chili paste, or Sichuan peppercorns.

The meat of Spicy Beef Cubes is supposed to be crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. For this, it’s recommended to marinate the meat first. Spicy beef cubes can be a great choice if you’re looking for a small, delicious snack full of spice and flavors.

Bottom Line

Overall, it is evident that Macau has an incredible variety of local snacks that are surprisingly unique. For people who are looking forward to trying out new tastes and exploring the local What’s more, they bring you closer to the rich tastes and textures that make Chinese and Portuguese-influenced snacks in Macau so unforgettable.