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Nicknamed the “Las Vegas of the East,” Macau is often associated with lavish hotels and decadent casinos. Well, we make a case for this seemingly glamorous city being more than just that. If you venture further into the heart of Macau, you will discover a charming rural islet nuzzled between the Macau Peninsula and Coloane Island. Here, there are no spectacular lights or boisterous nightlife, but you will uncover a charming enclave that embodies Macau’s rich heritage and cultural influence. If you’re looking to explore Macau’s hidden side on your next trip, then the quaint Taipa Village might be the perfect spot for you.
For the longest time in history, Taipa was just a rural fishing village until tourism development reached the islet, transforming the oldest and best-preserved parts of the neighbourhood into Taipa Village, a leisure destination boasting an authentic mix of Portuguese and Chinese architecture, innovative dining, and a vibrant arts and entertainment scene. From heritage sites and dazzling monuments to award-winning restaurants, here is our list of the best things to do, see, eat, and drink in Taipa Village in Macau.
While exploring Taipa village, you may find its historical architecture richly endowed with splashes of colour. From three-dimensional, pastel-coloured colonial houses and schools of fish swimming in colourful waves of azure, to adorable kittens perched atop cobblestone staircases, there is a myriad of artistic murals to discover in every nook and cranny.
These beautification projects are led by the Taipa Village Cultural Association. In collaboration with the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macau SAR, they invite rising local artists and illustrators to inject aesthetic liveliness onto hidden alley walls, backstreet stairs, and corrugated iron gates. Thanks to the initiative, these works of art have come to complement the tranquil and relaxing lifestyle of the village. Try hunting them down on your next trip to Taipa Village and see how many you come across!
One of Taipa’s many cultural relics, the Taipa Houses Museum is a remarkable record of the village’s long-lasting history and culture. Built in 1921, the museum complex formerly housed upper-class government officials and is now repurposed to host official happenings and display historical artefacts. Its exteriors are dressed in shades of teal green, an ode to the colonial architectural style of the Portuguese empire. Today, tourism and entertainment facilities surround the structure, so take some time to admire its beauty when you pass by.
Macau’s colonial past did not wipe away the prominence of Chinese religious culture. In fact, during your exploration, you might be surprised by the sheer number of temples scattered across the islet. Each brick-walled structure worships a separate god holding divine powers. Historically, followers pay tribute at the Pak Tai temple to withstand floods, pray at the I Leng temple for good health, and give offerings at the Tin Hau temple for the goddess to protect their journey at sea. Embark on a cultural excursion to gain deeper insight into these religious monuments. Don’t forget to be respectful when visiting these places of worship.
Did you know that apart from its agricultural history, Taipa Village also had a manufacturing past? The fishing village once had five firework factories, but none survived the effects of deindustrialisation. In the present day, the Iec Long Fireworks Factory has been revitalised into a visitor’s information centre and souvenir shop. You will also find an exhibition hall showcasing poster boards and manufacturing machinery, a remnant of Macau’s firecracker industry. The 25,000-square-metre site covers storehouses, ponds, and a waterway, too.
If you are yearning for a breath of fresh air, visiting Carmo Garden should be at the top of your to-do list. Nestled in the small square of Largo do Carmo, lush greenery and blooming florals surround the picturesque garden. A bronze statue of the Portuguese poet, Luis de Camoes, stands in the centre. Nearby, the community swimming pool and municipal library will come into view. It is a good spot for a stroll or laid-back people watching.
You can’t visit Taipa Village without making it to the Vila da Taipa. Until the 1930s, this yellow pavilion with an orange-tiled roof marked the shoreline and epicentre of the once scenic and secluded island. Additional fun fact: It served a functional role in flood controlling the area, too. This dazzling fragment of colonial architecture has since retired and been transformed into a picture-perfect location for tourists to photograph their visit.
Make sure you don’t leave Taipa Village empty-handed and check out the neighbourhood’s array of family-run bakeries! Situated in pedestrian-only lanes, you will find plenty of these establishments on Cunha Street, the island’s bustling commercial district lined with local shops and restaurants. Many are passed down through generations and specialise in handmade Macanese pastries. Walk down the street before departing and you won’t regret sampling a selection of these century-old sweet delicacies.
Portuguese egg tarts are undoubtedly the culinary symbol of Macau, and it’s all thanks to Lord Stow’s Bakery. Founded in 1989, Englishman Andrew Stow introduced the pastry, itself a riff on the Portuguese pastel de nata tart, to the island, but not without his very own twist. Adding English custard into the recipe, the pâtisserie conquered the taste buds of foodies worldwide, even leading to outlet openings in Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines. It’s evident that Stow created a delectable and timeless speciality that’s worth travelling for.
You’ll find other baked goods there—although let’s be real, nothing beats the handmade egg tarts. Experience the flawless combo of buttery pastry, creamy custard, and crunchy caramel—you’re guaranteed to understand the hype with just one taste!
Lord Stow’s Bakery, G/F, Pak Hung, 9E Rua do Cunha, Taipa, Macau
Hang Heong Un is a neighbourhood dessert store that’s beloved by tourists and locals alike. Small and unassuming in its exteriors, the family-run establishment serves comforting bowls of Chinese sweet soups that have warmed the hearts of patrons since 1965. Expect nourishing classics such as snow fungus sweet soup with longan, or almond soup with egg white and ginkgo seeds. Insider tip: Visit Hang Heong Un in the afternoon to avoid long queues, as locals tend to enjoy the desserts in the evening instead.
Loja de Doces Hang Heung Un, 13 Travessa do Auto Novo, Macau
As a former Portuguese colony, Macau’s gastronomic history blends Western cooking techniques with Chinese culinary influences. If you want to sample authentic Portuguese dishes, António would be among the top picks. Helmed by Antonio Coelho, the soldier-turned-chef combined his cultural roots with kitchen experiences in Macau to create simple yet heartwarming dishes. Adorned with azulejo tiles and rustic paintings, this three-storey restaurant offers a cosy atmosphere paired with exceptional food. Dig in the leitão assado—scrumptious suckling pig roasted to perfection. The signature arroz de marisco à “António”—wet seafood rice with a bountiful assortment of seafood—is a must-try, too.
António, 18A–18B Rua dos Clerigos, Taipa, Macau
Burger and suckling pig—what an unexpected combo! TigerBite, a snack stall fuelled by pure innovation and nostalgia, introduced this unique creation. Any and all ingredients are part of the restaurant’s culinary experiment, as Chinese delicacies are stuffed in-between French brioche buns, thus giving birth to iconic fusion burgers. For the Tiger Bite Pig, imagine a tantalising bun stuffed with a juicy, tender suckling pig—it’s bound to wow your taste buds. Other than meaty burgers, try the ginger candy coconut milkshake as well. Infused with Ding Ding candy, it will surely transport you back to the 1960s.
TigerBite, 9 Largo Dos Bombeiros, Macau
Step into Macalhau and you will be surprised by the gastronomic possibilities of just one ingredient—bacalhau, the Portuguese word for codfish. Here, the dried and salted cod comes in a plethora of forms: codfish fritter, codfish tart, codfish croquettes, codfish and squid rice—you get the gist. The good news is that all taste exceptional, potentially converting you into a bacalhau worshipper. However, if you grow tired of fishy goodness, the daily sets featuring mouth-filling Portuguese meals are another enjoyable choice.
Macalhau, 34 Rua dos Mercadores, Macau
Situated in the heart of Taipa, this eatery serves up classic Macanese staples and is deemed one of the best cheap eats in the neighbourhood. Whether you are looking for an early breakfast or a late lunch, San Hou Lei will greet you with its succulent pork chop buns and pork chop noodles. There is also a diverse selection of tarts for takeaway, such as the birds’ nest tart, milk tart, coconut tart, and cheese tart, which we highly recommend.
San Hou Lei, G/F, 15A–15B Rua de São Joao, Vila de Taipa, Macau
Cuppa Coffee is a modern and quaint café selling not only wonderfully roasted coffee but also delightful pastries, like cinnamon rolls and apple tarts. Nonetheless, its pão de ló, a traditional Portuguese sponge cake recipe, steals the spotlight. Cut into the dessert and you will be stunned by its fluffy texture and bursting custard filling. Fans of Portuguese egg tarts will also rejoice to learn about the café’s nata bomb, a photogenic, sweetness-overloaded cup of creamy vanilla milkshake topped with a pastel de nata. It’s no wonder that Cuppa Coffee has gained a crowd of loyal customers with treats this sweet.
Cuppa Coffee, 104–106 Rua de Fernao Mendes Pinto, Macau
Craving a satisfying pint of beer? Look no further, as Old Taipa Tavern ensures guests wrap up their day with a lively night out. Expect a generous selection of regional and international beers at affordable prices, along with friendly and welcoming service. To fill your stomach, the gastropub provides a menu of delectable plates, including peppers and mozzarella quesadilla, double-decker spiced beef tacos, and the beef and cheese pie with chips. Snag a table, chat with new people, and enjoy the night!
Old Taipa Tavern, 21 Rua dos Negociantes Camoes Square, Old Taipa Village, Taipa, Macau
Fuelled by tea and oat milk, Stella is on a mission to discover the best cafés and teahouses for weekend lounging. This also entails the side quest for camera angle exploration on foodie pics. Other times, you will find her binge-watching video essays on YouTube, having private concerts in the shower, or experimenting with vocals on her microphone.
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