Top Macau restaurants for soup noodles, Portuguese ribs, pork: resort F&B boss’ picks

For a simple lunch, I often go to Coloane Pier Ribbon Soup Shop (Shop A & B, 116-220 Rua dos Navegantes, Coloane Downtown, Macau. Tel: +853 2888 2153).

It’s an unassuming place, yet quietly confident in what it does. I usually order the abalone and fish maw noodles, whose premium ingredients are handled with restraint. The depth of flavour reflects the owner’s long background in the dried seafood trade. It’s honest, comforting food that speaks softly but convincingly.

I usually take new visitors to Macau to Dragon Portuguese Cuisine (Shop A-G005-G009, Broadway Food Street, Broadway Macau, Coloane-Taipa, Macau. Tel: +853 8883 3338).

Portuguese cuisine is integral to Macau’s identity, yet increasingly difficult to find in its traditional form. What distinguishes this restaurant is its use of a real charcoal grill, particularly for Portuguese pork, spare ribs and sardines. The smokiness and simplicity capture the cuisine’s essence, while the outdoor seating lends a relaxed, convivial atmosphere that feels true to Portuguese dining culture.