A MODERATE and healthy climate, a coastline with huge fishing grounds, and fertile, protected valleys - it is not surprising Portugal has established a rich cultural tradition.
Yet, even more than this, the Portuguese have had an enormous influence on food in many parts of the world, owing partly to their early exploration of the spice-producing countries of Asia.
It was the Portuguese who introduced coriander, pepper, ginger, curry, saffron and paprika to Europe.
Further, they were among the first Westerners to explore, China, Japan and Ethiopia, and they brought back other exotic foodstuffs such as tea and rice.
Gastronomic sleuths today take a great delight in tracking down the various influences which have made Portuguese food so distinctive, and there are many restaurants in Macau which will offer authentic delights.
A Portuguese meal is not complete without a soup, and the most popular is caldo verde, an emerald-green concoction origination from the province of Minho.
