Streets of Macau

The last time I went to Macau was ages ago. At the time it was considered the backwaters to Hong Kong - famous for the Lisbao Hotel and Casino and not much else. Most people would make a side trip there if they are in Hong Kong, spend a few hours and then rush back to the big city and bright lights. But actually Macau has lots more to offer. As a Portuguese colony, Macau has its share of colourful history and heritage.

Recently we spent a few days in Macau on a family holiday. Being a compact city, Macau is quite family-friendly. Most of the historical attractions are on the main island, and it is quite easy to walk everywhere. They also have an excellent bus service which circles the island, making this the best option to get around. Taxis are also convenient and cheap compared to Hong Kong. Just get a good map and you are all set to explore the city.

Although Macau has seen lot of new developments in hotels and casino, the main parts still feel and look the same. It always remind me of Kowloon with its endless highrise tenaments and small shops. Most of the buildings are very old and shabby, but you can feel the life and pulse of the city coursing through the streets, and that is what am most interested in.

Life goes on in the streets of Macau.

Parts of the city haven't changed much.

These tenaments are where most Macanese live.

The best way to see Macau is to walk around. There are still many unknown little corners waiting to be explored.

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Eating in Macau - Ding Tai Fung ?

The main commercial centre of Macau is on the Peninsula facing the Outer Harbour. Dr. Sun Yat Sen Avenue runs along the Harbour, and several major roads branch out from here forming a rectangular city grid. Within this area you will find mostly office buildings and several major casinos such as MGM Macau, Wynn and Galaxy Star World. If you are looking for places here to eat, you are out of luck.

There are very few eating places off the streets - it seems like most of the eateries are either in the hotels or casinos. We came across this outlet which calls itself after the famous Taiwanese restaurant chain Ding Tai Fung. It even has "Taiwan" in brackets, in case you are wondering. The place looks very shabby compared to the outlets I have been to in Malaysia and Hong Kong. I did a search on the Ding Tai Fung global site and Macau was not listed there. I am wondering whether this is the genuine article.


Ding Tai Fung is famous for its dumplings and noodles. This place also list a large selection of these DTF staples. We ordered a few things to try.

The Xio Long Baos are quite good. The skin very thin, and inside its filled with very tasty morsels of pork and porky soup.


They even had these dumplings with pork and glutinous rice which are popular at DTFs. These are tasty but a bit filling.


We liked the dumpling soup very much, and even ordered a second. The soup really packs a punch - very savoury and rich, with bits of fried minced pork to give it extra flavour.


Pot-Stickers. Not bad, the skin was a bit thick and tough.


The food at this restaurant is not bad, but service is quite rude and the place is not very clean. Even asking for extra utensils got us a scorn from the waitress. I don't think this is the real thing, but I am dying to find out. Any Bloggers out there know ?

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