Things To Do in Macau (Part 2)

In my previous post about Macau, I shared about things to shop, see and eat in Macau Peninsula and this post features a list of places to see and things to eat in Taipa and Cotai. rif and I stayed at Sheraton Macau along the Cotai Strip, and spent our remaining two days exploring the area for its food and attractions.

SHOP: Sand Shoppes

The Venetian Macau — part of the Sand Shoppes experience

Sand Shoppes offers one of the best shopping experiences in Macau, with an amazing portfolio of shops at Four Seasons and The Venetian. You’ll need to spend a full day or more just browsing through the stores carrying designer goods as well as boutique clothing. A tip: Get a map to guide you around and remember to wear comfortable shoes!

Sands Cotai Central – Cotai Strip

STAY: Sheraton Macao

Deluxe Room at Sheraton Macau

Sheraton Macao is the largest hotel in Macau located at Sands Cotai Central in the center of the Cotai Strip, with 3,896 rooms on the Sky and Earth Tower. It offers plenty of shopping, dining and entertainment, being just a stone’s throw away from The Venetian, Four Seasons and City of Dreams.

One of the things to look forward to when you’re staying at the hotel is “Shrekfast” with the DreamWorks Animation character performances. Popular with both kids and adults alike, you get a buffet breakfast spread with life entertainment.

Skipper from Madagascar

EAT: Lord Stow’s Egg Tart

Lord Stow’s at The Venetian

THE best egg tart in Macau still goes to Lord Stow’s (MOP55 for 6), if you ask me. It is a treat I look forward to in Macau as it is amazing stuff. The pastry is flaky yet firm enough to hold the egg custard, cooked just right so the top is browned and the centre, creamy. One is never enough.

Wicked stuff!

I’ve seen people walking away with half a dozen boxes of these. The egg tarts can last for 3 days in the fridge (if you plan to bring them back with you) and tastes delicious when warmed up in the oven.

EAT: Beijing Kitchen

Located in Grand Hyatt Macau

Beijing Kitchen in Grand Hyatt Macau is reputed to serve one of the best Peking duck outside of China. The Peking Duck must be ordered an hour in advance, prepared in a wood fire oven for the skin to be of glistening mahogany hue. The chef slices the duck at the table, carefully removing the skin and followed by thin slivers of meat.

Peking Duck

Eaten with a bit of sugar, the Beijing way

I do agree that this is one of the better Peking ducks I’ve eaten and service throughout was attentive. Also noteworthy is the hand-pulled noodles, tossed in a light soy sauce gravy and chili oil for extra kick.

EAT: Antonio

Award winning restaurant

In Macau, one must always try Portuguese food and one of the places that does it well is Antonio, boasting several Michelin stars under the belt of owner and founder, Chef Antonio. This traditional Portuguese tavern serves hearty Macanese staples using imported ingredients from Portugal for unparalleled taste.

Smoked sausage

African Chicken

Try the African Chicken and Wet Seafood Rice – both delicious and hearty, and cooked with heart. The Portuguese chorizo is prepared in front of you, cooked over a charcoal flame for that smoky aroma and deep flavour. Also good is the sautéed clams, seasoned with garlic and herbs to bring out the sweetness of the shellfish.

Showcasing the Crepe Suzette

Don’t forget to order the crepe suzette, where Chef Antonio himself will prepare tableside, with a colourful display of flambé action. Service is warm and attentive, and if you have to chance to speak to Antonio, ask about his collection of port wines – carefully selected for his restaurant.

Antonio Macau
7 Rua dos Clerigos, Macau
Tel: (853) 2899 9998

SHOP: Fong Kei Biscuits

Simple set-up

Fong Kei was introduced to me by my foodie friend Mei, who claimed the almond biscuits at Fong Kei were more refined and tastier. She was right – it most certainly was, and in an addictive way. They have an option of plain, egg yolk, almond chunks and meat floss, each good in their own right. My favourites? The almond chunks and egg yolk.

Yummy cookies!

EAT: Bene at Sheraton Macau

Classy ambiance

Seared tuna salad with fennel, orange, baby spinach, citrus dressing

One of the meals I enjoyed in Macau was my lunch at Bene, an upbeat Italian trattoria in Sheraton Macau. The ambiance is cosy and cheerful, backed by Italian music to ensure a quintessential Italian experience. It is the kind of food that isn’t just pretty, but hearty and full of flavour.

Tuscany “caciucco” seafood soup with garlic bread. Paired with a beautiful Leone d’almerita

Risotto with nduja and king prawns

Black olive crusted salmon , Hokkaido sea scallop, broccoli puree

I tried an amazing five course lunch, paired with lovely wines by sommelier Luigi. His service and expertise is commendable – very knowledgeable and pleasant throughout, explaining his wine choices and how they pair with each course. The beef cheek was melt-in-the-mouth delicious while the seafood soup was flavour packed, right down to the last drop!

Piedmont red wine braised beef cheek, roasted potato, green pea sauce

Bene
Sheraton Macao Hotel,
Cotai Central
Estrada do Istmo
Macau
Phone: +853 8113 1200

EAT: Xin at Sheraton Macau

Roast meat platter

Xin at Sheraton Macau runs of the philosophy of simplicity, authenticity of flavours and freshness. The name “Xin” stands for freshness, and the restaurant offers Asian hotpot, fresh-from-the-tank seafood and Asian inspired dishes.

Nyonya laksa hotpot

Wagyu beef

Fresh prawns

Known for the Hot Pot Buffet, Xin offers a range of fresh items comprising varieties of meats, vegetables, seafood, noodles and hot food items. There is also a Luxury Lobster Set and Luxury Kobe Set, for those who want to indulge. Choose from a variety of soups, like the Nyonya Laksa, Coconut Broth, Pork Bone Soup, Pepper Soup, Tom Yum and more.

Xin
Sheraton Macao Hotel,
Cotai Central
Estrada do Istmo
Macau
Tel: (853) 8113 1200

DO: Shine Spa at Sheraton Macau

Prepping for my spa session

Always good to be pampered 🙂

Enjoy a relaxing session at Shine Spa for Sheraton, located on the third floor of the hotel. With a total of 15 treatment rooms including five couples rooms, this is the largest Shine Spa in Asia Pacific.

Choose from a range of body and facial treatments, inspired by the Five Element Theory of Feng Shui – wood, fire, earth, metal & water – designed to create harmony within the body. The treatments combine Asian and Western techniques featuring all natural products to ensure a soothing and pampering massage session.

Shine Spa
Sheraton Macao Hotel,
Cotai Central
Estrada do Istmo
Macau
Tel: (853) 8113 0222

SEE: Hard Rock Café

Located on level two of The Shops at The Boulevard, right in the heart of the City of Dreams, Hard Rock Café features American-style food and award winning signature drinks. There is also a wall of fame where you can find Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley and Madonna’s memorabilia, previously showcased along the walls.

SHOP: City of Dreams

City of Dreams is designed in the style of a podium with four towers, and offers an array of entertainment, luxury accommodation, dining and fashion brands. It houses Hard Rock Hotel, Crown Towers Hotel and Grand Hyatt Macau all well connected for easy accessibility.

SOHO at City of Dreams

SEE: Taipa Village

A trip to Taipa Village is a nice way to spend the afternoon – houses and shops display the characteristics of a seaside village and in pretty pastel colours. I like how quaint the village is where the roads are pebbled and the pace is slower. More laid back, I feel.

Along the streets of Taipa

This village has plenty to offer in terms of dining options, biscuits and shopping, or even a simple cup of coffee. One of my favourite highlights in Taipa, that’s for sure.

EAT: North at The Venetian

Cucumber with pork belly roll

Kung po chicken

North at Venetian Macau serves traditional cuisines of the Dongbei (Northeast) and Sichuan regions of China. It is popular for its dessert of fried banana with pulled sugar, a treat of crispy banana fritters coated in melted sugar and dipped into iced water for the exterior to crystalise. Very addictive!

Crispy banana fritters

Also lovely is the appetiser of thinly sliced cucumber with paper thin slices of pork belly. You basically take a piece of each, add a little bit of spicy garlic sauce and spring onions before rolling it together. If you like assembling your food, this is a must-try.

North
Shop 1015, Casino Level,
The Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel

DRINK: Fong Da Coffee

Quaint little spot in Taipa

Said to be the only coffee spot that takes the brew seriously in Taipa Village, Fong Da carries single origin beans which are roasted on-site. The beans are of a darker roast – more to the Taiwanese style and brewed using a siphon.

Knick knacks

Syphon coffee

Cute bean grinder

I love how quaint the shop is with adorable decorative items, like the mini coffee grinder they have at the counter.

Fong Da Coffee
Largo Maia de Magalhães,
R/C, Taipa