The Macau Grand Prix, established in 1954, is a world-renowned motorsport event held annually on Macau's challenging Guia Circuit. This premier event features Formula 3, motorcycle, and touring car races, attracting top drivers and riders worldwide to one of the most demanding street circuits. With its tight corners and steep elevation changes, the race is both a high-stakes test of skill and a proving ground for future racing stars.
If you’re visiting the Macau Grand Prix this year, don’t forget to gear up for an array of dining options in this gastronomic destination. Plan your itinerary wisely to balance your time between the thrilling races and the culinary experiences that await you.
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Where to Stay: Feel the Excitement or Tranquility Away from the Bustle
Close to Action: Accommodations Near the Race
Macau offers numerous accommodation options to suit various preferences. If you’re keen on staying close to the race, Mandarin Oriental Macau would be an excellent choice. This luxurious hotel is a sanctuary for lovers of quiet elegance, featuring contemporary décor infused with oriental touches. The rooms provide spectacular views of the city’s Nam Van Lake and some even the iconic Macau Tower .
For those looking to unwind after a day of racing, head to the hotel’s Vida Rica for cocktails while soaking in stunning city night views. But if your sweet tooth is calling, don’t miss out on the spectacular cakes the hotel offers, rounding off your day on a high note.
Cotai Sanctuary: Far From the Bustling Crowds
If you prefer a tranquil escape from the excitement, Cotai is your destination for a more serene atmosphere away from the bustling crowds. This area is home to an array of themed resorts that provide luxurious MICHELIN-recommended accommodations, fantastic restaurants, and shopping options all in one place. Each resort creates an immersive experience for connoisseurs of good taste, with unique themes reflecting different cultural and historical aspects.
For example, The Londoner Macao Integrated Resort, located in the heart of Cotai, has much to offer regarding food and drink options, rooms, and shopping. The resort exudes British elegance from the Elizabeth Tower and Crystal Palace to the Londoner Carriage. You can visit the Harry Potter exhibition or try the London Black Taxi escape.
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Located within The Londoner Macao is the exquisite hotel The St. Regis Macao, an ideal destination for a quiet luxury admirer. All the excitement and leisure options for the Londoner and the Parisian are within reach; the hotel also features its renowned St. Regis bar, where you can enjoy live music and house-mixed cocktails in a swanky décor that nods to early 20th-century New York.
Located within the Grand Lisboa Palace Macau, The Karl Lagerfeld is a treat for fashion lovers. The late fashion legend Karl Lagerfeld designed the interiors of the hotel. After watching the car race, you can unwind in the Book Lounge, inspired by the fashion legend’s home library. Surrounded by a library of art books, you can soak in the artistic environment while enjoying delicious cakes.
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What to Eat: A Full-Day Gourmet Itinerary
From the peninsula to Cotai, it will be a great opportunity to take a leisure stroll and enjoy what the city can offer, one bite at a time as Macau possesses diverse dining options, ranging from MICHELIN-Starred establishments to heart-warming street eats that capture the essence of local flavours.Indulge in a Fine-Dine Feast at Robuchon au Dôme
Often equated with the city's pinnacle of French fine dining, Robuchon au Dôme has been awarded three MICHELIN stars since 2009, making it a must-visit for anyone with a penchant for exquisite cuisine. Perched atop the Grand Lisboa Hotel, it offers a dazzling view over the city. Executive Chef Julien Tongourian helms the restaurant, upholding the culinary philosophy of the late French legend Joël Robuchon. His mantra, “Keep it simple,” resonates throughout the menu, which expresses authentic flavours while incorporating his distinctive style. The Le Caviar Imperial de Sologne is a standout example.
The restaurant's dessert trolley offers an array of stunning creations. It also boasts one of the best wine lists in Asia, with over 17,600 labels from around the globe, ensuring that every meal can be perfectly paired.
Take a moment to gaze up at the grandeur of the crystal light chandelier made up of over 131,500 pieces of Swarovski. The ambience is as unforgettable as the food, making it a perfect choice for a celebratory meal after a day at the races.
Enjoy Hunanese and Sichuan Flavours at Feng Wei Ju
If you're in the mood for something with a bit more spice, head to Feng Wei Ju, a two-MICHELIN-Starred restaurant that expertly channels the rich flavours of Sichuan cuisine, while showcasing the exquisite knife skills of Hunanese cooking. Located in the Star World Hotel, this culinary haven is within reach of the race, making it an ideal dining destination for Grand Prix attendees. Dressed in red and gold hues, the restaurant offers an immersive experience for Chinese food lovers.
The restaurant is led by Executive Chef Chan Chek Keong, who brings over 25 years of experience to the kitchen. His signature dish, boiled mandarin fish fillets in chilli oil, features tender fillets accompanied by an aroma of over 20 Sichuan sauces and spices. Another calling card is the boneless beef ribs, cooked to perfection and served with a homemade chilli sauce that elevates the dish.
For those who enjoy hand-pulled noodles, the mecca offers a delectable option with various ingredients, including minced pork and soybean paste. If you’re looking for something lighter, the sliced pork with garlic purée is an excellent choice, featuring hand-cut pork belly rolled with crisp cucumber slices that beautifully complement the spicy sauce.
Chewy Noodles and Wontons That Win Your Heart at Cheong Kei
A leisurely walk from the race will take you through the city’s heritage sites, such as the impressive Senado Square and the newly restored Central Hotel. Now, stop at Rua da Felicidade. Flanked by old structures with red and green windows and doors, which were shooting locations for some films such as Hong Kong maestro Wong Kar-wai's 2046, the street is where visitors explore authentic and exotic delicacies.At no. 68, you'll find the unassuming yet beloved Bib Gourmand establishment Cheong Kei, a family-run eatery serving simple and hearty noodles and wontons since the 1970s. The decor is a charming throwback, featuring cosy booths and round tables. During peak hours, the tiny eatery is packed with diners, creating a communal dining experience.
Curb your hunger with their classic noodles with prawn roe. The eatery presses the dough with a bamboo pole and cooks the soup with dried prawns and plaice for eight hours, resulting in the hearty flavours and chewiness of the noodles. Other staples are wontons made of prawns and pork with a thin wrapper, and dace balls served deep-fried or blanched.
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Slurp Delicious Tofu and Noodles at Ving Kei (Macau)
As you explore the UNESCO-listed Historic Centre of Macau, take a moment to discover the Inner Harbour area. A blend of long-standing eateries and emerging cafes awaits. One gem to discover is the MICHELIN selected restaurant, Ving Kei (Macau), which is nestled on 47 Rua da Tercena, a street bustling with fruit vendors and antique shops. Established in 1958, this family-run business was originally a trolley selling tofu and noodles and tofu puddles by a couple in the neighbourhood. In the 1980s, the couple’s two sons took over the business, and this eatery has been serving locals with comforting noodles for decades.
The eatery is known for its melt-in-your-mouth tofu puddings and hearty noodle dishes. You can customise your bowl with various ingredients, including chicken wings, squid, and fish balls, or opt for the signature noodles served with all the ingredients for a satisfying meal.
Treat yourself to a milk custard at Yi Shun (Macau)
No trip to Macau would be complete without a visit to Yi Shun, a beloved dessert eatery known for its milk custard and ginger milk curd. With a history spanning over 200 years, this family-run, MICHELIN-selected establishment has witnessed the evolution of Macau and continues to delight visitors with its delectable offerings.
The eatery has moved locations over the past few years but has never left the Historic Centre of Macau. The family runs a cattle farm in mainland China and uses the milk for pudding. The crowd-pleasers here are undoubtedly the double-skinned milk custard, available in three flavours: original, lotus seeds, and red beans, as well as the ginger milk curd. Each dish can be enjoyed hot or cold, making it a perfect treat regardless of the weather. Besides desserts, Yi Shun also offers a selection of traditional cha chaan teng favourites, including noodles, sandwiches, and toast, ensuring you can refuel before returning to the races' excitement.
As the excitement of the Macau Grand Prix unfolds, take a moment to embrace the event's spirit. The atmosphere is electric, filled with the roar of engines and the cheers of passionate fans. The race weekend is not just about the competition but celebrates Macau's vibrant culture.
