Macau Kitchen wins ‘best in Scotland’ award

The owners of Macau Kitchen describe their eatery as a unique dining experience in the heart of Edinburgh and as a representation of Macanese and Malacca Portuguese cuisine.

The restaurant has previously found itself named as the 15th best restaurant in Edinburgh on TripAdvisor. Of the 143 people to leave feedback, the Newington food spot has received 127 ‘excellent’ five star reviews.

Taking inspiration from the former Portuguese colony of Macau, which borders Hong Kong in south east Asia, the BYOB eatery’s menu includes the likes Bacalhau Dourado, Portugal’s national dish – dry-salted cod, Costela Tamarindo – sweet and sour pork ribs, with its own Asian twists – and even the iconic Portuguese pastel de nata custard tarts for dessert.

Macau Kitchen serves up a beautiful fusion of Asian and Portuguese food, still found on the streets of Macau today, while also taking in the exotic influences of Goa and Melaka.

Luso-Asian refers to Macau Kitchen’s culinary heritage, which originates from the Portuguese settlements and inter-marriage in Goa, Malacca and Macau. All of these regions are blessed with a tropical climate and with an incredible diversity of spices, cooking techniques and produce. This diversity forms the basis of the flavours Chef Kei grew up with.

Using the spices of the Luso-Asian cooking traditions, Chef Kei’s innovative approach is to adapt and transform Luso-Asian cooking, whilst also respecting tradition and maintaining authenticity.

In Edinburgh, Macau Kitchen is now emulating the experience of its Portuguese ancestors in the Asian settlements, evolving the cuisine using the skills and techniques from history and the ingredients that can be sourced locally for a true taste of a continuous journey of the world’s oldest fusion cuisine.

With Chef Kei being the Ambassador of Korsang do Melaka, he comes to every table to meet the diners and share with them the history and story of the Portuguese Asian Spice trade.

It’s little surprise then to see them scoop this year’s award for ‘best Asian fusion restaurant’ at the Scottish Asian Food Awards. Congratulations to Macau Kitchen and the team for such a great win!