Macau Street Food egg tart and cookies — *Look at those thicc cookies! And those Portuguese egg tarts? Give me 20 of them!*

Ahh Macau, the land of expensive luxury hotels, gambling, historical colonial landmarks, and of course good food! Macau is a city where East meets West and in this Macau Street Food Guide, I’ll be bringing you to try 10 of the most delicious street food in Macau!

From flaky and custardy Portuguese Egg Tarts to a savory and meat beef jerky, Macau is a street food lover’s dream and what’s better is that you’ll have the chance to snack while exploring awesome historical landmarks such as the Ruins of St. Paul in Senado Square!

Whether you’re on a quick one day trip from Hong Kong or whether you’re intending to fully explore both Macau and Taipa island, join me in my Macau Street Food Guide, as I bring you to taste 10 street food dishes in Macau that you must try!

Affiliate Disclaimer: This page contains affiliate links. By clicking on the links and purchasing the product, I will receive a partial commission at no cost to you. All of these products are ones that I fully trust and recommend with my heart. Thank you for your support!

Where to Find the Best Macau Street Foods?

If you're anything like me, trying authentic local foods is the first thing you think about when you travel, and in the case of Macau, the streets do not disappoint. Fortunately, the best street food in Macau isn’t gatekept in a fancy indoor restaurant.

The best places for street food in Macau is the Senado Square and Rua Do Cunha in Taipa Village. Though you might hear that the Red Market is also one such place but it’s more like an actual market where you buy fresh ingredients and such for cooking, not a place where you find food to eat.

Street Food in Senado Square, Macau

Ruins of St. Paul in Senado Square Macau — *The Ruins of St. Paul, one of the most iconic landmarks in all of Macau*

One of the most iconic Macau street food locations is the Senado Square, the UNESCO Historic Centre of the Macau World Heritage Site. This is where you’ll find various Portuguese colonial landmarks such as the St. Dominic's Church and the Iconic image of Macau tourism, the Ruins of St. Paul.

Aside from historical landmarks, Senado Square is where you’ll find many of the must-try Macau street foods. Juicy pork chop buns, buttery almond cookies, flaky Portuguese egg tarts, and salty meat jerky.

Senado Square is the kind of place where you can just spend a whole day exploring and eating till your heart’s content. In fact if you are staying overnight in Macau, I’d recommend finding a hotel near Senado Square because that’s where all the major tourist attractions are.

Location: Largo do Senado, Macao

Street Food in Rua Do Cunha in Taipa Village, Macau

For a more laid-back, local vibe, Rua Do Cunha in Taipa Village is where I recommend you go. This pedestrian-only street is basically a goldmine when it comes to where to eat in Macau.

The narrow walking street and its many branching cramp alleyways are hiding a treasure trove of Macau’s favorite desserts like creamy serradura (sawdust pudding) and chewy mochi stuffed with peanut or black sesame.

Rua Do Cunha is where you can also find the Old Market, now a cultural hub with the Taipa Flea Market where local vendors sell a plethora of hand-made goods and souvenirs. This market is only open on Sundays and it’s something that you’ll definitely not wanna miss if you enjoy immersing yourself in the local culture.

Location: Rua do Cunha, Macao

Want to stay near the Macau Street Food scene?

Street Food in Senado Square Macau — *You see all those people standing in front of the shops? Those are free samples :)*

These top rated hotels near Senado Square and Taipa Village put you just steps away from the best street food in Macau!

Hotels Near Senado Square (Central Macau)

Hotel Metropole Macau - This hotel offers cozy rooms and is just a 2 minute walk to Senado Square.
Hotel Sintra - Close to major attractions, with shuttle service to the Cotai Strip and walking distance to food stalls and bakeries.
Royal Hotel Macau - Luxurious rooms and amenities to pamper yourself after a full day of eating.

Hotels Near Rua Do Cunha (Taipa Village)

Inn Hotel Macau - 10 minute walk from Rua do Cunha, right in the heart of Taipa’s old town and food scene.
Grandview Hotel Macau - Near the Macau Jockey Club, 4-star hotel, great value with modern amenities and easy access to local eats.
The Venetian Macao - Luxury resort on the Cotai Strip, perfect if you want high end comfort while staying close to Macau’s iconic food street.

The Top 10 Street Foods in Macau to Try!

You’ll notice that Street food in Macau is an elegant blend of Portuguese and Cantonese cultures, so you can expect a lot of the street food items here to be fairly unique compared to the rest of China or Asia for that matter.

So without further ado, here are 10 must try street foods in Macau!

Portuguese Egg Tart

Let’s start off with the most iconic street food in Macau, the flaky, buttery, and oh so creamy Portuguese Egg Tart. Honestly if I wasn’t so self conscious about my body image, I could literally scarf down a dozen of these pastries worthy of the Gods.

Inspired by Portugal’s Pastéis de Nata, Macau’s version of the Portuguese Egg Tart is sweeter and served warm. Imagine the most flaky and butter puff pastry wrapped around a the most creamy egg custard filling, complete with a toasty caramelized top.

This little pastry is the absolute must try street food in Macau, you really do not wanna miss out on the Portuguese Egg Tart. Here are a few places that I recommend where you can find the best egg tarts in Macau:

Margaret’s Café e Nata - A famous local favorite near Senado Square, though a bit touristy
Lord Stow’s Bakery - The literal birth place of the Portuguese Egg Tart, created by Englishman Andrew Stow in 1989.
Koi Kei Bakery - A bakery empire in Macau, though mostly known for their almond cookies, they have a mean egg tart, they have multiple locations throughout Macau

Pork Chop Bun

The second most iconic street food in Macau is a juicy slab of pork between a toasty bun, the Pork Chop Bun. Though it might look really simple and plain, the pork chop bun is one of the most comforting things to eat in Macau. I mean who doesn’t want to release their inner carnivore and just bite down on a hunk of meat and bread?

Thick, juicy pork chop, often marinated and fried to golden perfection, placed between a soft and slightly crusty bun. The pork is oh so tender, the bread is just the right balance of chewy and crunchy, and if you're lucky, you might get a touch of sweet, tangy sauce to tie it all together.

Who knew meat and bread could be so good? I sure didn’t. For the best pork chop bun in Macau there are a few places that I wanna share:

Tai Lei Loi Kei - A true Macanese institution, This spot has been serving the iconic pork chop bun since 1968
Cafe Kam Ma Lon - A popular cafe in Senado Square, great for breakfast, and of course their pork chop bun
Sei Kee Cafe - They add a juicy, fluffy omelette to their pork chop bun, enough said

Curry Fishballs

Though often associated as a popular street food in Hong Kong, curry fish balls are also enjoyed in Macau with some vendors putting their own special twist on the classic street food item. In Macau you can find local vendors who take it to the next level with richer curry blends or extra toppings like tofu, radish, or stuffed bean curd (my personal favorite).

Chewy, bouncy fish balls simmered in a thick, fragrant curry sauce similar to Japanese style curry. It’s spicy, savory, a little bit messy, totally addicting, and maybe a little bit nostalgic for the locals.

The best part? They're cheap, quick, and always satisfying. For curry fish balls, these can be found almost anywhere in Macau:

Roa De Cunha - A beloved local spot in Taipa Village known for bold curry and generous servings, I recommend the combo skewers here
Senado Square - A lot of street stalls all over Senado Square serve curry fish balls

Beef and Pork Jerky

The Macau style meat jerky is one street food snack that’s impossible to ignore, that’s because while walking along the busy alleys of Senado Square, every vendor will hold a tray of these guys and wave pieces of them in the air for you to sample for free.

They come in mainly 2 types, beef or pork, spicy or non-spicy. Unlike the tough, dry jerky you might imagine from the United States, Macau’s version is tender, sticky, and a little caramelized on the edges. This is from the marinade consisting of sweet soy sauce, spices, peppercorns, and sugar.

The flavor is very bold and it’s a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and a bit of smokiness.

Jerky shops here love to offer samples, so don’t be shy to eat away like your gorging yourself with Costco samples. Some vendors even mix in fusion flavors like honey lemon or chili garlic for something a little more unique.

Meat Jerky can be found everywhere in Macau, because they are often purchased as snacks to bring back home. Some of the best places for meat jerky in Macau are:

Senado Square - The streets of Senado Square are full of maybe dozens of vendors selling meat jerky
Koi Kei Bakery - Same Koi Kei Bakery as previously mentioned, they are also well known for their meat jerky

Serradura (Sawdust Pudding)

Ok, I know “Sawdust Pudding” isn’t the most appetizing name out there but the Serradura is a favorite dessert in both Portugal, Macau, and my stomach and it should be at the top of your list for desserts in Macau that you should try.

Serradura is a chilled layered pudding made from alternating layers of whipped cream and finely crushed tea biscuits from which it got it’s “sawdust” name. Light, airy, and decadent whipped cream, combined with the slight crunch and nuttiness from the tea biscuit. Serradura is refreshing and tasty and it pairs really well with a cup of hot tea or coffee.

You’ll be able to find this Serradura Sawdust Pudding in almost every cafe or dessert shop in Macau but especially at the previously mentioned Taipa Village which is best known for desserts. the best spots for this dessert in Macau is at these places:

Serrdura - This dedicated Serradura shop offers a variety of sawdust puddings including chocolate and mango.
San Hou Lei - A cozy, family run cafe serving traditional Macau desserts, their homemade Serradura is a fan favorite.

Almond Cookies

Much like the previously mentioned meat jerkies, another popular street food in Macau that’s often bought back home as souvenirs are Almond Cookies.

Although, honestly, I think a more representative name for these cookies should be “Mung Bean Cookies” because they are traditionally made with mung bean flour as a base ingredient, then lard and crushed almonds are added later.

These cookies are crumbly, toasty, nutty, and although they are a bit dry, I guarantee that you won’t be able to stop eating them. Plus they have these beautiful flower designs from the wooden molds that are used to press these cookies into shape.

Almond cookies can be found everywhere in Macau, but not all are created equal. I urge you to skip the overly packaged ones at the airport and go for the freshly baked ones straight from the local snack shops. These are some of the places where you can find this dainty cookie in Macau:

Koi Kei Bakery - Multiple locations, especially near Senado Square. Their almond cookies are the best in the country.
Choi Heong Yuen Bakery - Founded in 1935, this bakery is one of the three major places for the best Almond Cookies in Macau
Pastelaria Yeng Kee - The oldest bakery (founded in 1928) which serves a legendary Almond Cookie

Durian Ice Cream

You wouldn’t expect it, Durian is more of a Southeast Asian thing, especially in Thailand but yes, Durian is a fairly prominent street food in Macau, you’ll find, the whole shebang, the Durian fruit, Durian cupcakes, but the most popular street food item is the Durian ice cream.

Now personally, I don’t like Durian, but I can definitely get behind Durian ice cream, it’s creamy, luscious, and surprisingly the Durian flavor itself isn’t too bold or pungent compared to the pure fruit form. In fact the flavor of the Durian ice cream is sort of mild, but of course the flavor depends on the vendor, but that’s the general taste profile.

If you’re a skeptic like I was, don’t be, give Durian Ice Cream a try, it could very well be one of your favorite and most memorable street food items in your Macau holiday. Some of the places I recommend you try Durian Ice Cream in Macau are:

Gelatina Mok Yi Kei - Famous in Taipa Village for their Durian ice cream and Durian mochi. It’s a must-stop.
Durian Garden - Offers chilled Durian ice cream along with the whole fruit.

Steamed Milk Pudding (Double Skin Milk)

The Steamed Milk Pudding (also known as double skin milk) is probably the most simple and unassuming dessert or local street food in Macau, but it’s certainly something that I recommend you try when you’re in Macau.

Made by gently steaming milk with egg whites and sugar, the milk pudding is smooth and silky in texture and delicate in flavor. The milk pudding has this custardy consistency with a milk skin on top for a slightly chewy texture, similar to tofu skin if you’ve ever had that.

The fun part comes in when vendors add some toppings to the milk pudding, some versions are served warm, others chilled, and many are topped with red bean paste, ginger syrup, or fruit for extra flavor.

Milk Pudding is an especially popular snack for the late afternoon while strolling through the humid heat of the historical alleys of Macau. You’ll often find steamed milk pudding in small cafes or dessert stalls such as these places:

Yee Shun Dairy Company - The OG. Their double skin milk is legendary and a must on any Macau food trip.
Leitaria I Son - Classic location with a retro vibe, perfect for chilled or warm milk pudding.
Fong Kei Dessert - Tucked in a quiet lane near Senado Square, this hidden gem serves great traditional Chinese desserts.

Portuguese Chicken

As I’ve said before, Macau’s food culture is where East meets West, and nothing captures that fusion better than Portuguese chicken.

This creamy, baked curry chicken dish isn’t actually found in Portugal it’s a Macanese invention, much like how Pineapple fried rice isn’t actually a thing in Thailand but the western world seems to think it is.

Anyways, tender chicken is simmered in a thick coconut milk based curry sauce, throw in some onions, potatoes, and bell peppers. Baked the curry in a dish until it’s nice and bubbling. Rich, mildly spicy, and comforting, what more could you want in a plate of food?

You’ll mostly find Portuguese Chicken in proper sit down restaurants and diners, some street food vendors have started serving it in smaller, takeaway friendly portions, perfect while you are exploring street food in Macau. Here are some of my recommendations for the best places to try Portuguese Chicken in Macau:

Café Vong Kei - A retro style local diner in Taipa Village known for their creamy Portuguese chicken rice.
Riquexo - A humble spot run by a Macanese chef, serving old school Portuguese chicken with a homemade vibe.

African Chicken

African Chicken is one of Macau’s most iconic Macanese born creations. This dish usually features grilled or pan fried chicken smothered in a rich, spicy sauce made with coconut milk, chili, garlic, paprika, and sometimes even peanut butter.

The flavors are deep and complex, creamy, tangy, and smoky. Oh and of course, rich and absolutely delicious. It’s one of my favorite eating experiences I’ve had in Macau.

Though not technically a street food, I still recommend you give this dish a try because it’s that good. If you’re exploring the street food in Macau at places like Senado Square or Taipa Village, you’ll likely come across a few restaurants that offer this dish as takeaway. Here are a few places that serves up some of the best African Chicken in Macau:

Henri’s Galley - One of the most well-known spots for African chicken, located near the outer harbor.
Riquexo - Also known for Portuguese chicken, this spot does a killer version of African chicken too.
Litoral Restaurant - A slightly upscale option serving classic Macanese fare, including their legendary African chicken.

Tips for Eating Street Food in Macau

james kaewanan jameskwn feastography — *Don’t mind my goofy face, this egg tart was flaky and creamy and buttery and warm and delicious*

I know you’re excited to finally start eating some delicious street food in Macau but there are some things helpful tips that I need to tell you before you get feasting.

How Much Does Street Food Cost in Macau?

Street food in Macau is pretty cheap, although there are some stalls, notably ones that are really popular, who do jack up their prices quite a bit but they’re still relatively cheap compared to the food you’ll find in proper sit down restaurants.

Most street food snacks range from 10-30 MOP ($1.25-3.75 USD) per item. For example, a famous pork chop bun might cost around 25 MOP, while a skewer of curry fish balls could be as low as 10 MOP. While meals at sit down restaurants can go for around 60-80 MOP.

Be sure to bring some extra cash because most small street food vendors do not accept credit cards or online payment systems.

Is street food in Macau safe to eat?

Unlike the street food you’ll find in Thailand or Penang, Malaysia where it’s like playing Russian roulette, not saying the quality of the street food there is bad just saying that you’ll need a strong stomach, Macau’s street food scene is relatively safe to eat.

There are laws in order to maintain food safety standards so you rarely have to worry about bowel movements the next morning.

Looking for Things to Do in Macau?

Macau Tower Skywalk - Take an open air walk around the top of the Macau Tower
Macau Open Top Bus Tour - Ride a night time sightseeing bus through Macau
Gondola Ride at The Venetian - Enjoy a leisurely ride along the canals of the Venetian Hotel
Discounted Tickets - Browse a variety of attractions, tours, and transports all for a great price