Must eat in Macau

I must admit that I am a hopeless blogger when it comes to food. It just never cross my mind to take some pictures everytime something is served on the table. I would like to enjoy the food as it should be. While travelling, food is rather important to me. Not just because I'm hungry from all the walking and all but food is able to tell the culture and way of lives at a certain place. So, I'm attempting here to highlight 4 restaurants / type of food that explains it all about Macau.

Portuguese Cuisine at Fernando's
9 Praia de Hac Sa, Coloane Island

Fernando's restaurant is not only famous in Macau, in fact it is regarded as one of the most famous restaurant in South East Asia. Located in a secluded corner in Macau fronting a beach, I must say it is pretty difficult to go there unless you have a car. Of course, I'm lucky to have my friend Mimi to bring us around at night. This restaurant is situated on a very beautiful scenic brick building and offers a very relax and laid back atmosphere. Serving one of the best Portuguese food in the region, this is a must try when in Macau.

Dim Sum at Hotel Lisboa
2-4 Avenida de Lisboa, Macau

As you probably agreed, Dim Sum is almost like the national breakfast for chinese all over the world. Every corner of the world you go, you will find dim sum as long as a chinese community is present. Although Macau used to be a Portuguese colony, I'm guessing 90% of the population are chinese. Hence Dim Sum becomes something you have to try here and where better place to have it then at the Hotel Lisboa in Macau.

Portuguese tarts at Margaret's Cafe e Nata
Edificio Kam Loi, Nam Van, Macau

Portuguese Tarts or pastéis de natas was created around 18th century by catholic nuns in Portugal. Due to its Portuguese influence, this pastry is found all over Macau. A lot of tourist gets to sample the one near St. Paul's ruins but the best portuguese tarts title belongs to Margaret. I used to like portuguese tarts a lot few years back when one of the bakery in KL introduce them. But once I have my bite of Margaret's version, I guess I will never go back to the rest.

Almond cookies from Koi Kei
Rue de felicidade

Actually I have not a single idea why is almond cookie so famous in Macau. It is so famous that right now this almond cookie probably is one of the main food export of Macau. Like the Portuguese tarts, you can find almond cookies everywhere and in La Senado itself, you probably have at least 10 stalls selling this cookies. This almond cookie is the best souvenier you can find and bring home a slice of Macau with you.

I guess with this blog, it wraps up my travelling experience in Macau. Do not believe the myth that there is nothing to do in Macau apart from gambling. The mix of Portuguese influence, Chinese culture, heritage elements and the fastest growing playground of the east makes this place simply fascinating, unique and a must come in Asia.

Location : Macau

Date of travel : Feb 2009

Hello Mr Stanley

In the Chinese tradition, there’s an old saying that goes like this; "When you enter a temple, you gotta pray to the God. When you enter a house, you gotta greet the master." So if I ain’t gonna spend some money at Casino Lisboa, I gotta at least be there to take a picture. This is a sign of respect. OK, that's my version of respect.

You see, the old Casino Lisboa is probably the first casino in Macau and it is owned by Mr Stanley Ho. It was built in the 1960s. Back then, Mr Stanley practically owns the whole of Macau, if you know what I mean. This casino is in my opinion very important as it is the beginning of what has becoming the Macau of today. It is afterall, the 'Vegas of the East'.

Today, there’s new Grand Casino Lisboa standing majestically right opposite the old one.

At night the neon display on the new Lisboa is simply breathtaking.

Inside the Casino Lisboa lobby, we are standing in front of hundred of thousand dollar horse sculpture which was acquired by Stanley and he will apparently be presenting it to the museum. Doing his community service, I guess.

Location : Macau
Next, Must eat in Macau

The icon of Macau

You know in each country there is a place that you absolutely have to go, even if it is just to take some pictures to show that you’ve been there; like Eiffel Tower in Paris or Tower Bridge in London? Yeah, OK, so this is what ruins of the 16th century St Paul church is for Macau.

The Ruins of St. Paul’s refer to the façade (in other words, just the wall) of what was originally the Church of Mater Dei built in 1640. It was destroyed by fire in 1835.

Ladies and gentlemen, this is the icon of Macau.

So, let's snap photo

and another one.

Next to the iconic St.Paul is the first Western Fortress in China! This place gotta be like the main town centre in the 15th century.

The Mount Fortress (Monte Forte) was built in between 1617 to 1626. This was the city’s principal military defence point. Apparently its significance is that the Dutch attempted invasion of Macau in 1622 has failed because they couldn't break the defence of this fortress.

The fortress was equipped with cannons, military barracks, wells and an arsenal that held sufficient ammunition and supplies to endure a siege lasting up to two years.

Look at the retaining wall, quite awesome, yes?

OK, confession time. I did not climb up the fortress because my feet still hurt from the shopping the day before at Venetian. So this picture was taken by my hubby up at the fortress.

This is the view of Macau town from the fortress.

Location : Macau
Next, Hello Mr Stanley

Sights, sound & sampling of Macau

A friend asked me what is there to do in Macau for 4 days since I don’t gamble? See in Macau, it is not about how many tourist spots you can cover during your visit there. You have to simply enjoy Macau the way it is. The way of life, the portuguese influences, the smell, the colour, the air, the nite view and everything.

OK, let me relive some of the sights, sounds and sampling of Macau. First of, all guide books tell us to start our journey from La Senado. From there almost everywhere is within walking distance. And you will know when you’re there from the mosaic walkways.

La Senado is paved with a wave-patterned mosaic of coloured stones apparently created by Portuguese experts

Beautiful fountain at the main square

The atmosphere and beautiful surrounding of La Senado Square

Originally built in 1784, this was Macau’s municipal chamber. One of the most significant building here.

Me, sitting at the Senado Square, sipping coffee and soaking in Macau's sights and sounds.

If you did not tried the Portuguse Tart, you have definitely fail to sample a very important element of Macau.

There is a lot of churches in Macau that probably qualifies for the World Heritage status and they are all within walking distance from La Senado. I lost count as well as lost track how many churches I did went in and which one is which one because they all look the same.

This is St.Dominic. I actually only figured out after I came back and saw it on the web. So guess you'll know it is one of the more significant church.

This is a very hot spot for picture taking so we also took the chance to have one.

Who's this, he asked.

Location : Macau
Next, The icon of Macau

The Venetian Macau

I can’t remember exactly how much time I have spent in Venetian. The fact is Venetian itself is a tourist spot. Apparently it is the exact replica of the Venetian in Vegas. It boost the largest casino in Macau (at the point I was there), it most probably is the largest shopping mall in Macau (1million sq feet). Doesn’t matter what you wanna eat, you can find it there. Did I mentioned that we need a map to find our suite and to walkabout in Venetian or else we could just get lost?

The Grand Canal Shoppes, holds over 300 stores from medium to finest brand names

Living Statue

Gondoliers who actually sing very well

Food court. Look at the skyline, its not actually sky but mural drawn on the ceiling. But the effect is superb.

Wondering if Venice looks like this? Maybe this is better, eh?

Now, just to show how beautiful and grand The Venetian Macao is.

A centre court foyer where the casino is situated at the ground floor. No photography is allowed in the casino though.

The entrance to the lobby.

One of the main walkway connecting the shopping area to the hotel. The ceiling effect is just so dramatic and grand.

A beautiful sculpture at the reception area

I didn't get a chance to take a picture of the hotel during day time but this is a shot of it at night from afar. Simply magnificient.

Apart from staying and gambling in The Venetian, actually there is a lot more things to do. For example shopping for shopaholic like me. Or you can catch the Cirque de Soleil ZAIA show at the theatre that was purpose build for them. I could have done that but we can't drag along my 4-year old son, so we gotta passed. What a pity.

Location : Macau
Next, Sights, sounds and sampling of Macau

My Venetian hotel suite ... OMG!

So I was surfing the Air Asia website for a good bargain air ticket while planning a holiday with my family and come across air ticket to Macau. I cannot believe my eyes when I managed to get 3 return tickets for less than 1 grand! So there you go, Macau it is. Plus of course its high time I visit my dear friend, Mimi, who has been working there a couple of years now and she can get us very good rate at The Venetian Macau; and I mean really good rate. OK, I shall not disclosed how good, but its really good.

Upon arriving at the airport, we were greeted by a shuttle bus to fetch us to The Venetian Macau. Look at my son's excitement in the shuttle bus.

So what is so special about The Venetian Macao's suites? OMG, this is by far the largest hotel room I have ever stayed in. It is more than 500sq ft in total. In Hong Kong, a whole apartment that houses a whole family is probably at that size. Not to mentioned the furnishings are tasteful and really beautiful. And Mimi told me this is the standard room, they have even larger suites!

The lounge area

The ensuite bathroom. The mirrored door will lead to a separate toilet

My son keep wanting to go back to the 'new house' when we're out sight seeing in Macau.

The beautiful bedroom

The tastefully make-up bed

You know this is one of those hotels that you want to just have the experience to have stayed there like "I've stayed at the Venetian, have you?"

Location : Macau
Next, The Venetian Macau