What Food To Try in Macau and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Macau for 2024.
National currency: , symbol — (international currency code MOP).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Macau cafes and restaurants
$5.2
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $5.01
$36.8
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $25.79
$3.9
Combo Meal
Starting from $3.87
What to Try in Macau
Must-try Dishes
Portuguese Egg Tart - Pastel de Nata (creamy pastry) - This flaky pastry is filled with a rich custard that has a slight caramelized top, baked to perfection. Locals often enjoy it with coffee as a morning treat or an afternoon snack.Pork Chop Bun - Chee Cheong Fun (savoury sandwich) - A juicy pork chop seasoned with spices, nestled in a soft bun that mirrors the textures of bao. Usually eaten at lunch from street vendors, it’s the perfect on-the-go meal — just be careful not to order without sauce, as it can be a common mistake!
Macanese Minchi - Minchi (flavourful casserole) - A hearty mix of minced pork or beef, diced potatoes, and soy sauce, often topped with a fried egg. This is a staple for dinner at family gatherings, typically served with rice to soak up the delicious juices.
Samosa - Cho-Cho (spiced pastry) - Crispy, golden pastries filled with seasoned potatoes, peas, or minced meat that carries a hint of spice. You’ll find locals munching on these as street food while wandering through markets, often enjoyed with a spicy dipping sauce on the side.
Curried Crab - Crab Curry (rich seafood dish) - Sweet crab meat swimming in a rich coconut curry sauce that balances flavors perfectly. Typically served during the rainy season, it makes for a filling meal that brings friends and family together, enjoying crab cracking challenges along the way!
Stir-fried E-Fu Noodles - E-Fu Mian (savory noodle dish) - These silky, egg-based noodles are stir-fried with various vegetables and meats, creating a satisfying blend of textures and tastes. Best enjoyed during special occasions, locals often share this dish as a celebratory meal.
Beef Brisket Noodle Soup - Ngau Lam Mien (hearty broth) - Tender beef brisket simmered for hours, served in a rich broth with fresh noodles and vegetables. Traditionally eaten for brunch, this comforting dish is perfect for cold or rainy days, warming the soul with every bite.
By the way, don’t skip breakfast in Macau — it's definitely a local tradition to enjoy a hearty start to the day!
Desserts & Drinks
Teh Peng - 凉茶 (iced herbal tea) - A refreshing blend of various herbs, served with ice and often sweetened with sugar. Locals sip this during the hotter months, and it's great for cooling down while walking around the busy streets.Portuguese Egg Tart - 葡式蛋挞 (creamy pastry dessert) - Buttery, flaky crust filled with a silky smooth egg custard, baked until golden and slightly caramelized on top. These tarts are a staple for coffee breaks, usually enjoyed hot with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Beer - 啤酒 (local lager) - Light and crisp, this drink is perfect for washing down a hot day walking around the city. Many enjoy it at local street stalls, often served in a chilled glass with a side of peanuts (perfect for sharing while mingling with friends).
Durian Ice Cream - 榴莲冰淇淋 (exotic frozen treat) - Creamy ice cream made from the distinctive and strong-flavored durian fruit, known for its divisive taste. Perfect for cooling off after dinner, you’ll often find this served at local night markets.
Rice Cake - 年糕 (festive sweet) - A chewy and slightly sweet rice cake traditionally served during Chinese New Year. Usually sliced and steamed, it symbolizes good fortune for the new year, with locals often adding dried fruits or nuts for an extra touch.
Food and Groceries in Macau
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $1.43 |
| Oranges | $2.23 |
| Potatoes | $2.58 |
| Apples | $6.94 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $1.09 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $0.83 |
| Imported Beer | $1.7 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $8.76 |
Various Groceries
| Chicken | $9.21 |
| Cigarettes | $3.76 |
| Rice | $2.19 |
| Local Cheese | $16.34 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
The typical hustle and bustle in Macau's dining scene starts around noon, as locals flock to their favorite lunch spots, creating a lively atmosphere filled with laughter and the sizzle of cooking. It's a sight: families, friends, and coworkers gathering in groups of four to eight around large tables, sharing dishes in a communal fashion, reflecting the culture's emphasis on togetherness during meal times.
Dining hours vary widely, but you can expect lunch to peak between 12 PM and 1:30 PM, while dinner often commences around 7 PM and can stretch till past 9 PM. This timing is particularly noticeable in bustling areas like Senado Square and the Venetian, where eateries cater to both locals and tourists. For those on a budget, lunch specials often hover around MOP 60 to 100, while a dinner for two can range from MOP 200 to 400, depending on the restaurant's location and type.
Payment customs are relatively straightforward. Most places accept cash, but you'll also find a growing trend toward digital payments via apps like Alipay and WeChat Pay. I've noticed more eateries than ever sporting QR codes on tables for ease of payment—definitely a plus for anyone trying to navigate without cash! However, it's essential to check if a place accepts these methods before sitting down, especially in older establishments.
Tipping isn't a strict requirement, but leaving change or rounding up the bill is appreciated, particularly in tourist-heavy areas. A common tourist mistake is assuming that every dining establishment will accept credit cards or that tipping is obligatory—both can lead to confusion, especially in smaller, family-run spots.
In terms of dining customs, sharing food is a cherished local practice. Instead of individual plates, dishes are placed in the center for everyone to enjoy, promoting a sense of community. That said, make sure to get to restaurants early during peak hours, as popular spots can become packed, resulting in long waits.
If you're planning to visit during the festive season, be prepared for price increases—some traditional dishes can trend higher around holidays, contributing to an overall increase of MOP 20 to 50 depending on the ingredient popularity.
In the past few months, there has been an observable shift towards healthier dining options, especially among younger locals who lean towards vegetarian and organic dishes. As this trend continues to grow, it will likely reshape how some traditional meals are prepared and enjoyed. Those who wish to sample the evolving food scene may benefit from making reservations in advance at popular spots to ensure you aren’t left waiting, especially during weekends and holidays.
Dining hours vary widely, but you can expect lunch to peak between 12 PM and 1:30 PM, while dinner often commences around 7 PM and can stretch till past 9 PM. This timing is particularly noticeable in bustling areas like Senado Square and the Venetian, where eateries cater to both locals and tourists. For those on a budget, lunch specials often hover around MOP 60 to 100, while a dinner for two can range from MOP 200 to 400, depending on the restaurant's location and type.
Payment customs are relatively straightforward. Most places accept cash, but you'll also find a growing trend toward digital payments via apps like Alipay and WeChat Pay. I've noticed more eateries than ever sporting QR codes on tables for ease of payment—definitely a plus for anyone trying to navigate without cash! However, it's essential to check if a place accepts these methods before sitting down, especially in older establishments.
Tipping isn't a strict requirement, but leaving change or rounding up the bill is appreciated, particularly in tourist-heavy areas. A common tourist mistake is assuming that every dining establishment will accept credit cards or that tipping is obligatory—both can lead to confusion, especially in smaller, family-run spots.
In terms of dining customs, sharing food is a cherished local practice. Instead of individual plates, dishes are placed in the center for everyone to enjoy, promoting a sense of community. That said, make sure to get to restaurants early during peak hours, as popular spots can become packed, resulting in long waits.
If you're planning to visit during the festive season, be prepared for price increases—some traditional dishes can trend higher around holidays, contributing to an overall increase of MOP 20 to 50 depending on the ingredient popularity.
In the past few months, there has been an observable shift towards healthier dining options, especially among younger locals who lean towards vegetarian and organic dishes. As this trend continues to grow, it will likely reshape how some traditional meals are prepared and enjoyed. Those who wish to sample the evolving food scene may benefit from making reservations in advance at popular spots to ensure you aren’t left waiting, especially during weekends and holidays.
Tourist Reviews
All photos and texts belong to their authors
2) In Macau, stunning high-rise condominiums and gated communities stand right next to slums, with cages on the windows and balconies.
3) They drive on the left side, and the currency is the Macanese pataca. The locals are quite different from those in mainland China. Only about 2% are Portuguese, and all the signs are in Portuguese.
4) You can explore Macau in half a day, considering the heat.
5) They have built a lot of casinos, let me tell you. Honestly, I expected more. It’s pretty similar to a small resort town, except for the fancy cars.
6) The cuisine is Portuguese everywhere. Portions are gigantic. Prices are higher than in mainland China. »