Macao’s food scene will take centre stage in 2027 as the destination marks 10 years since joining UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network as a City of Gastronomy. The anniversary is expected to bring a series of food-related events, giving visitors another reason to explore a culinary culture shaped by more than four centuries of Portuguese and Chinese influences.
Located on the western bank of China’s Pearl River Delta, Macao has a food culture that reflects its history as a meeting point between East and West. Its cuisine brings together Portuguese cooking traditions and Chinese ingredients and techniques, creating a style of food widely recognised as one of the earliest examples of fusion cuisine. The local government recognised Macanese cuisine as intangible cultural heritage in 2012.
Speaking to media at the World Travel Market in London, Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director of the Macao Government Tourism Office, described 2027 as a particularly important year for the destination.
She said the 10th anniversary of Macao’s UNESCO designation would be marked by numerous food events, with the celebrations expected to showcase the range of dining experiences available across the territory.
For visitors, that range extends well beyond its internationally recognised restaurants. Macao has 21 dining establishments with between one and three Michelin stars, alongside another 13 restaurants recognised with Bib Gourmand distinctions. However, the city’s culinary identity is not limited to fine dining. Traditional eateries, neighbourhood restaurants and street food vendors remain an important part of its food culture.
De Senna Fernandes highlighted Ng Teng Kei, a traditional food business that has been making red bean cakes from scratch since 1949. The establishment also serves martabak manis between October and May. The sweet snack consists of a fluffy sponge filled with chocolate, offering visitors a taste of the region’s traditional food culture.
Food is also an important part of Macao’s visitor economy. According to de Senna Fernandes, it accounts for as much as a quarter of visitor receipts, underlining the role dining plays in the destination’s tourism industry.
Although Macanese cuisine remains central to its international food identity, Cantonese food is equally important to the local dining scene. The tourism office is working to document and protect these culinary traditions through dedicated food databases.
The Macanese food database brings together academics, cultural associations, food practitioners, younger generations and Macanese communities living overseas. Its purpose is to preserve knowledge about the cuisine, raise awareness of its history, which stretches back more than 400 years, and ensure that traditional food practices are not lost. A similar database focusing on Cantonese cuisine is also being developed.
The anniversary celebrations will also provide an opportunity to introduce visitors to parts of Macao that receive less attention than its major resorts and entertainment complexes.
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Senado Square remains one of the destination’s best-known public spaces. Its Portuguese-influenced architecture, pastel-coloured buildings and open setting make it a regular venue for public celebrations and events. Beyond the square, visitors can explore museums, gardens, fortresses and historic churches that reflect the Portuguese presence in Macao from the 16th century onwards.
However, the tourism authorities want visitors to look beyond the busiest central areas. The government is working to improve access to residential and community neighbourhoods by providing free bus services from major resorts and central tourist locations. The aim is to make it easier for visitors to explore quieter parts of Macao and spend time in businesses that may otherwise receive less tourist attention.
Small businesses are also receiving support to improve their visibility. According to de Senna Fernandes, the government is encouraging local establishments to make better use of social media to reach potential visitors. Another government department is providing subsidies to help businesses upgrade their facilities.
Local festivities are also being considered as a way to attract visitors into neighbourhood areas and encourage a wider range of tourism experiences.
For travellers planning a visit in 2027, Macao’s anniversary offers more than an opportunity to dine at Michelin-starred restaurants. Its traditional food businesses, Cantonese restaurants, historic neighbourhoods and long-established culinary practices provide a broader picture of how food remains connected to the territory’s cultural identity.
The challenge for Macao will be ensuring that the anniversary benefits not only its established restaurants and major tourism properties but also the smaller businesses and communities that have helped preserve its food traditions.
