In this third part of our exclusive week-long THE 5 FACES OF MACAO series, we explore the unique Macanese culture of the 21st Century, evolved through hundreds of years of Portuguese and Chinese cultural exchange, that began in the 16th Century. Macanese life is imbued with this east-meets-west influence – experienced in everything from architecture and cuisine to religious and spiritual festivities and celebrations.
Notably, Macao is not merely a destination that has integrated another culture – that ‘other’ has been absorbed into the fabric of Macanese life. This is the ‘fusion’ of two cultures that is so remarkable in Macao, and recognised as such by world historians and UNESCO. Although an Asian city, Macao exhibits a European/Mediterranean appearance.
Senado Square/MGTO
In Macao there is nothing incongruous about Chinese streets, houses and Buddhist temples sitting alongside European streets, houses and Catholic churches. Street signs are rendered in both Chinese and Portuguese. Wander through iconic Senado Square, paved with beautiful Portuguese cobblestones and surrounded by pastel coloured neo-classical buildings, to get a feel for the consistent and harmonious Mediterranean atmosphere that perfectly blends Chinese and Portuguese cultural traits.
Macao Museum
Step back in time to discover the origins of Macao culture. The Macao Museum is located in the Mount Fortress, which was built by the Jesuits in the early 17th century.
A Ma Temple
A Ma Temple/MGTO
A-Ma Temple was built in 1488 and already existed before the city of Macao came into being. Of significant historic and cultural significance, the temple houses a number of pavilions dedicated to the worship of different deities, making it an exemplary representation of Chinese culture inspired by Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism and multiple folk beliefs.
St Joseph’s Seminary & Church
The Portuguese brought Catholicism to Macao – and built many beautiful churches. St Joseph’s Church, built in 1758, is a superb example of baroque architecture in China.
Na Cha Temple – Exhibition Room
The exhibition room in Na Tcha Temple, presents the legend of Na Tcha and its festivities, and exhibits several objects used in the celebration of the deity’s birthday, such as religious incense burners, couplets, objects used in religious processions, lion heads and firecrackers for religious festivities.
Na Tcha Temple/MGTO
Taipa Village
Visitors can immerse themselves in Macao’s rich heritage and cultural charm in Old Taipa Village, situated on Taipa Island. This culturally authentic village is a must-see for lovers of architecture and culture.
Taipa/MGTO
Taipa is also famous for its range of delicious eateries, restaurants, bakeries and traditional street food stalls offering tempting and authentic Chinese fare alongside continental dishes inspired by Portuguese and Chinese culinary traditions.
Kun Iam Ecumenical Centre
Kun Iam, or Guan Yin in Mandarin, is a deity embodying love, mercy and compassion, and a figure that represents this message of solidarity and rapprochement between people, worshiped even beyond the scope of the Buddhist religion.
The Kun Iam Centre, which opened in 1999, was designed and made by the Portuguese architect and sculptor, Cristina Rocha Leiria, with UNESCO support, in order to promote mutual respect and friendship among all peoples and civilisations. The striking symbol of the centre, the bronze Kun Iam statue, was sculpted specifically with a face that illustrated the universality expressed in the concept of “Ecumenic” – without any distinctive ethnicity.
Kun Iam Centre/MGTO
Discover Macao’s incredible gastronomy
The story of Macanese cuisine is just as enticing as the taste of the food itself. The arrival of the Portuguese in the 16th Century also meant the arrival of foods and spices that were previously unknown in Macao. Traders brought with them capsicum, curry, shrimp paste and pickled cod fish which, when put together with south-east Asian flavours like cinnamon, coconut milk, tamarind, garlic and red chillies, created a wonderful food fusion. Macanese cuisine evolved over the centuries to incorporate elements of Portugal and China, along with African, Indian and Malaysian influences.
African Chicken/MGTO
A perfect illustration of this fusion of cuisines is one of Macao’s national dishes – African Chicken – baked in a delicious sauce of garlic, peanuts, red pepper, paprika and coconut.
Minchi/MGTO
Minchi, another Macanese favourite, is a pork or beef stew-style comfort food with onion, garlic, Worcestershire Sauce and dark soy sauce that is traditionally served on a bed of fried diced potato, with rice and a fried egg on top.
Pork Chop Bun/MGTO
Delicious and diverse variations of the classic Dim Sum can be found everywhere in Macao, from street food stalls to cafes and even fine dining restaurants, and Macao’s popular Pork Chop Bun is a must-try.
Macao’s famous Egg Tarts/MGTO
Macao’s Egg Tarts are world renowned, and Macanese Almond Cakes are a popular snack found in shops and eateries throughout the city.
Red Market
Red Market/MGTO
Macao’s largest wet market is a must-visit. Spanning three storeys of a red brick, heritage-listed art-deco building, Red Market sells fresh meats, seafood, vegetables and fruit and dry goods. Located on the corner of Avenida Almirante Lacerda and Avenida Horta e Costa Macau.
For more background information on Macao, including Destination Guide Fact Sheet and video CLICK HERE.
Learn more about Macao HERE.
Have you missed any of our exclusive 5 FACES OF MACAO series so far …?
#1 GLAMOROUS MACAO
#2 HISTORIC MACAO
TOP IMAGE: Macao Lotus Flower Festival/MGTO
