Top 5 must-visit eateries in Macau

MACAU - With a wealth of cuisines that range from Portuguese delights and local snacks to Michelin-starred fare, you don't have to worry about going hungry in Macau. But you might be spoilt for choice with the plethora of options available - find your way with Macau Government Tourist Office's guide of the top five must-visit eateries.

Lord Stow's Bakery

The birth place of Macau's iconic Portuguese egg tarts is not to be missed.

Each of the crispy pastries consists of a rich egg custard filling topped off with caramelised sugar, and it is baked fresh and served piping hot.

Be sure to check out the original bakery on Coloane Island; it has been there since 1989 when Englishman Andrew Stow decided to start a modest business in an area he loved.

Lord Stow's now has franchises all over Asia, including one at The Venetian Macau Resort Hotel on Taipa Island and in countries like Japan and the Philippines.

Wong Chi Kei

An inexpensive cha chaan teng famous for its unique noodles made using the traditional bamboo stick method.

Founder Wong Wun Chi acquired the skill from a famous noodle master and opened his first shop in Guangzhou in 1946. He moved Wong Chi Kei to Macau in 1959.

Now helmed by the third generation, Wong Chi Kei has expanded with another branch in Hong Kong.

It was selected twice to perform their noodle-making skills for the Portuguese president during his offiical visits to Macau.

O'Manuel Cozinha Portuguesa

Owned by a Portuguese chef, Manuel, this cosy restaurant serves authentic Portuguese cuisine at reasonable prices.

Its signature dishes include clams in lemon sauce, grilled bacalhau (cod) and duck rice - Portuguese style. Customers also rave about O'Manuel's grilled seafood and steaks.

Try to save some stomach for dessert, as its homemade baked apple dessert is often touted as a must-try.

Koi Kei

Competition is fierce among pastry shops along Rua da Cunha, a narrow street at Taipa Island, one of Macau's two outlying islands. Devotees swear by the authentic taste that Koi Kei offers in each of its over 300 items. This is where tourists visiting Macau can load up their sacks with Macanese pastries and snacks for their loved ones (or themselves!) at home.

The bakery lets you taste almost all of its products, which vary greatly even within each of the wide-ranging categories like almond cakes, sesame biscuits and meat jerky.

Koi Kei has more than 20 branches within and outside of Taipa Island. Visit http://www.koikei.com/koikei.php for more information.

Robuchon Au Dome

Renowned French chef Joel Robuchon's establishment is perched on the 43rd floor of the Grand Lisboa casino hotel, commanding a splendid view of Macau.

Macau's only three-Michelin-starred restaurant is helmed by executive chef Francky Semblat, whose choice of top-quality ingredients and flavour combinations will not disappoint you.

Robuchon's signature dishes include caviar jelly with cauliflower cream and foie gras with potato confit, but others are just as perfect. And so is the elegant ambience and impeccable service by a fine team of staff.

The first-rate reviews that the restaurant consistently garners are why you should make a reservation at least one week in advance - and join the line of many others who are also eager for a moment of gastronomic indulgence.