Travel in Macau / Oldest Tea Restaurant: Nambing Yaxu’s Charming Retro Atmosphere

Lifestyle Center / Macau Report

If you want to experience the old-school vibe of a traditional tea restaurant in Macau, “Nambing Yaxu” is your best bet. This small shop on “Rua de Cinco de Outubro” may have an unassuming façade, but it’s actually the first ice cream parlor in all of Macau to have air conditioning. It serves breakfast early in the morning until evening, and it’s always packed with people.

▲ The façade of “Nambing Yaxu” is very unassuming. (Photo / News Cloud)

“Nambing Yaxu” opened in 1968 and has a history of 45 years. Back in the day, Rua de Cinco de Outubro was one of the busiest streets in Macau, and Nambing Yaxu was practically a symbol of 1950s and 60s fashion. Taiwanese tourists visiting Macau often overlook it, but in fact, “Nambing Yaxu” is a beloved local institution.

As soon as you step into the shop, you’ll be greeted by a chorus of Cantonese voices. Don’t worry—speaking Mandarin will work just fine. However, the staff are extremely busy, so it’s best to speak loudly when ordering, or your voice might get drowned out by other tables. The interior decor retains the classic old-style tea restaurant look. The four-person booths are small and cramped, but that doesn’t stop them from filling up with hungry customers.

▲ Nambing Yaxu’s Char Siu Egg Sandwich—its fried egg is so soft it melts in your mouth. (Photo / News Cloud)

The must-try number one dish is the “Egg Sandwich,” which is simply a sandwich with an egg inside. It’s completely different from the ubiquitous “XX Beauty” series you see all over Taiwan. The egg in the sandwich is thick, soft, and has a texture similar to that of a Scandinavian-style omlette. For a more luxurious version, you can add char siu (barbecued pork). One bite and you’re hit with a rich egg flavor and that smooth texture that makes you want to keep eating. Be aware that locals in Macau consider toasted bread unhealthy, so the toast served here isn’t toasted. If you want that extra bit of crunch, make sure to ask for “toasted bottom”!

▲ The Sinfully Delicious Shawong—looks ordinary, but tastes like heaven. (Photo / News Cloud)

Shawong is another classic Cantonese dim sum you won’t find in Taiwan. What is it? It’s essentially a deep-fried egg ball made from a mixture of eggs and flour, then coated in a thick layer of powdered sugar after frying. It’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Although it looks super sweet, the dough contains a hint of salty butter, so it’s not cloying at all. But you can imagine how high the calorie count is—those watching their weight should indulge with caution.

“Nambing Yaxu” is about a ten-minute walk from the Ruins of St. Paul’s. Stop by while you’re in the area—the old folks in Macau may speak loudly, but their warmth is just as big.