My sweet Macau

Recently we went to Macau. And it was awesome. Macau is small. No, correction, is tiny but a lovely picturesque like country, the perfect mix of Chinese and European character a place can have.

We stayed at a friend's place, he as us, happens to be a Chef. So, we take very seriously his food's recommendations. And the first thing he told us to do, was to head our hungry self's towards a Portuguese restaurant. Which is not as crazy as you may think, considering Macao was a Portuguese Colony, and even thought nowadays is an independent country, Portuguese influence remains.

We got a taxi, and just said: Fernando's. No need to say more, if you are a Macanese, you must know this place. It has being run by the same Portuguese family since the beginning.

We tried the bacallao, dried salted cod cooked (or soaked) in plenty olive oil and lots of garlic, served with boiled potatoes. So simple but quite effective. Taste was good, strong and vivid. We complimented this dinner with a super minimalistic salad of iceberg lettuce, perfectly ripped tomatoes slices and onion rings, all this paired with some moreish cold vinho verde. I repeat, simple but sooo good.

Macau is small, so small you can accomplish it in just a weekend, and it can be complemented by a visit to more cosmopolitan and hectic Hong Kong (just 45 minutes by boat). The best of two worlds in a trip!.

If you stay in Macau make sure to try all their sweet treats, very sweet tooth Macanese's have considering the Asian factor (Asian's generally speaking are not as fond to sugar as we westerners are.). Do not forget to eat the amazing flaky Tarta de natas, or try the multiple presentations of candied ginger. You will find this "candy stores" in every corner. Literally speaking

Update (2010): I have been visiting Fernando's quite often since we moved to Macau (a year already) and I still believe is one of the best choices to eat home style Portuguese cuisine in a very laid back ambiance. I highly recommend the Suckling Pig, the grilled sardines and the stewed clams in wine sauce.


Fernando's
Praia de Hac Sa #9, (Hac Sa Beach)
Coloane, Macau
Tel: +853- 328 264
No Reservations and No Credit cards accepted; just cash (MOP or HK Dollars)

How to get there:
Take bus 15, 21A, 25, or 26A from Central Macau.