Even triad movies love it—daily meals of locals. Must-try classic cha chaan tengs in Macau

▲ Experience cha chaan teng culture when you’re in Macau.

Reported and photographed by Jiayun Yu / Macau

It’s not just Hong Kong that has cha chaan tengs; they’re also extremely popular in Macau. You’ll find one on almost every fifth street corner, and they represent the daily life of Macau locals. Cha chaan tengs aren’t just places for locals to grab a quick meal—they were even used in the past as spots for “business talks” and “contract signings.” They’re a must-visit for tourists looking to experience Macau’s food culture. The Macao Government Tourism Office recommends two classic cha chaan tengs frequented by locals, known for their authentic flavors and guaranteed satisfaction.

▲ Classic old-school cha chaan tengs in Macau.

Located on Rua de Cinco de Outubro, Nam Ping Nga Sau exudes history just from its storefront. Open for nearly 50 years, it’s truly a “veteran establishment,” well-known and highly representative locally. A tourism officer from the Macao Government Tourism Office mentioned that in the past, Nam Ping Nga Sau was a gathering spot for triads, and you can still see some “retired” triad members dining here, blending in with the crowd.

▲ The spherical "sham wan" pastry.

At Nam Ping Nga Sau, the officer’s top recommendation is the “sham wan,” a very traditional Macau dim sum also called an egg ball. It has a slightly crispy exterior and a soft, moist dough inside, topped with sweet icing that’s addictive. Additionally, the sandwiches here are a must-try too—tender fried eggs paired with hot char siu and ham, with just the right amount of grease and saltiness, offering an explosion of flavor with each bite.

▲ %The structure resembles a burst puffed pastry... their recent name is quite the talk among locals.