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Macanese Seafood Rice

“This is where we take our special guests” Joao tells us. Of course we felt honored hearing that statement. If one wants to treat guests to try great-tasting Macanese food, Ristorante Litoral would be the best place to go. Chinese influences may have a big part in Macau cuisine being close to the country, but being under Portuguese rule for years, it’s inevitable not to fuse the better of two influences into one distinct cuisine – Macanese. It’s Portuguese Cuisine using the best of the local ingredients found in Macau.

Chamussa (MOP 80)

We were led to a private dining area inside the restaurant. The interiors may probably be what one may see inside a Portuguese establishment in Portugal, warm and inviting. On our table, we were served a bread basket. The bread was warm with a thin, crisp outer layer that crumbled effortlessly as I broke it in two. The smell of freshly-baked bread wafted through the air. I took a bite and found the inside soft and really good. And this was just the start.

Vinagrete Squid (MOP 80)

The Chamussa (Curry Beef Cakes) were among the starters served. I enjoyed its beefy flavor with a hint of spiciness from the curry sauce. Then there’s Croquette de Carne (Meat Rolls) which was good but not a standout.

African Chicken (MOP 180)

The Vinagrete de Lulas (Squid in Vinegar) has an interesting light flavor and texture. The Pipis A Litoral (Chicken Giblets) reminds me a lot of our local menudo but this one is a stew of chicken giblets. The stew was good but I don’t eat that much internal organs so I passed on this one after the first tasting.

Baked Fish (MOP 148)

Then, the main entrees came in. The Galinha Africana (African Chicken) was a favorite on the table with its spicy skin and flavorful roasted meat. The Baked Fish wrapped in foil was okay.

Curry Shrimp with Crab Meat (MOP 158)

Another favorite was the Curry Shrimp with Crab Meat, it’s too bad it was served in a small bowl as I liked the light but flavorful dish. The said dish is especially good when paired with the Macanese Seafood Rice, but it’s so good that it can stand on its own as a meal. But don’t go calling this seafood rice “Paella” lest you want to see some Portuguese knot their eyebrows.

Chocolate Mousse

The restaurant owners was ever so gracious to let us try almost half of the desserts on their list and that’s a long list. The ones that lent sweet lasting impressions were the Coconut Milk Custard, Egg Pudding, Mango Pudding and of course the Chocolate Mousse.

Ristorante Litoral
Rua do Almirante Sergio, 261-A, Macau
Tel +853.289.67878