Food and wine writer/consultant/lecturer Annabel Jackson has written a number of books, including Macau On A Plate. Her cookbook Taste Of Macau will be published by Hong Kong University Press this summer. Unfortunately, Jackson says, it is almost impossible to find good Macanese food in restaurants outside Macau.
Carlos, Lojas AR and AS, Edificio Vista Magnifican, Rua Cidadelhe de Braga, Nape, Macau, tel: 853 751 838. 'This is a restaurant with plenty of atmosphere and is full of local residents who seem to eat here almost every day. The owner, Henrique, is also in charge of the kitchen, and although some dishes on the menu do not stand out the daily specials are often excellent.'
Restaurante Litoral, 261A Rua do Almirante Sergio, Macau, tel: 853 967 878. 'Perhaps the place to start in a discovery of Macanese cooking - try the minchi [minced meat with soy sauce] and porco balichao tamarinho [pork with shrimp paste and tamarind] to experience two typical dishes cooked to an excellent standard.'
Flamingo (pictured), Hyatt Regency, 2 Estrada Almirante Marques Esparteiro, Taipa, Macau, tel: 853 899 6874. 'This is probably the most architecturally charming restaurant in Macau and serves some excellent Macanese dishes, even if some of them are somewhat beautified - as befits a five-star hotel. Fish and seafood are particularly good.'
Riquexo, 69 Avenida Sionio Pais, Macau, tel: 853 565 655. 'More canteen than restaurant, this is Macanese food as good as it gets outside the home. Line up with a tray and choose from the day's dozen or so dishes. I have never eaten an inferior dish here.'
Sol Nascente, 29-33-37 Edificio Chung Long Garden, Avenida Dr Sun Yat Sen, Taipa, Macau, tel: 853 836 288. 'This place is quiet and unassuming, and you can experience typical home-style Macanese food such as stuffed crab and beef stew, and excellent desserts - one of the owners is a pastry chef. It also offers a good Portuguese wine list.'