Serious foodies, start planning a trip to Macao… like, now. The former Portuguese enclave is celebrating its status as one of 26 global cities recognised by UNESCO for its cuisine with a fantastic year-long promotion.
This year, the 2018 Macao Year of Gastronomy will feature a list of enticing events that will impress travellers. As an entrée teaser, Macao will host the prestigious Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants promotion between March 25 and 27, complete with dining experiences, lectures, a chefs’ feast and a gala awards ceremony.
Fusing cultures, giant steins will be raised throughout September when MGM Macau celebrates its annual Oktoberfest festival. But for those seeking a true Macanese dining experience, there’s plenty of opportunity for doing just that in November. Providing more food for thought, the 18th Macau Food Festival will showcase the nation’s flavours with a giant amusement park-like street food market – definitely add this event to your calendar.
“Over four centuries, Macao has seen the evolution of what is known as Macanese cuisine, where families have prepared home-cooked dishes, recipes with elements of Portugal, Africa, India, Malaysia and China creating a real melting pot of tastes,” says Helen Wong, General Manager of the Macao Government Tourism Office (Australia and New Zealand).
“During that time, Portuguese traders brought to China capsicum, curry, shrimp paste, pickled cod fish and other spices. The story of Macanese cuisine is just as enticing as the taste of the food itself.”
There’s more on the menu for Macao that just foodie events, with dazzling fireworks competitions, shopping festivals, sporting events and a spellbinding light festival to be held in 2018.
For more information about Macao’s list of incredible events, check out the Visit Macao website here.