Authentic Macanese food at APOMAC
The best canteen you've never been
Friends from out of town would always ask me for recommendations for good Macanese restaurants when they visit Macau. They have always been happy with my suggestions. But this one I have never mentioned for a purely selfish reason: I do not want this restaurant to be overrun by tourists, just like the places I have recommended to them long before they became popular (I'm looking at you with very sad eyes, A Lorcha). Oh well, it's Christmas, it's my gift to you all 🎅🏻
APOMAC stands for Associação dos Aposentados, Reformados e Pensionistas de Macau. It is an association representing retirees and pensioners in Macau, which offers recreational and medical services to its members, and operates a canteen that is also open to the public. It is located near the Jardim da Flora (Flora Garden / 二龍喉公園), away from the busy tourist spots.
As a tourist, you may shy away from eating at a place that calls itself a canteen. It's really a restaurant. What this place may lack in ambience is more than compensated by the quality of its food. If authentic Macanese food is what you are after, then dining here with the locals is a great place to start!
The canteen is open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. (last order is at 8:30 p.m.). The menu is pretty extensive and I have yet to have a bad dish there. I would suggest the seafood rice, cod fish croquettes, pork tamarind and anything from the grill. If you are in the mood, ask for wine recommendations. Generally in Macau, Portuguese wine is wonderfully affordable and of great value.
So there you have it, my not-so-secret-anymore local joint for an authentic Macanese meal that doesn't break the bank. This is a popular restaurant so try to make a reservation before you go. Happy holidays, everyone!
