A Comparison of Delicious Portuguese Egg Tarts in Macau

By MOOK Editorial Department
 
Everyone knows about the famous Lord Stow’s egg tarts, invented by British Mr. Andrew Stow by modifying the traditional Portuguese egg tart. But what exactly is the difference between the traditional and modified versions? If we’re talking about fame and deliciousness, then Lord Stow’s “Lord Stow’s Bakery,” with its modified version, has the edge. However, if you’re looking for an authentic traditional Portuguese taste, then “Golden Boat Cake Shop” is more genuine. Located in Nam Van, Golden Boat Cake Shop makes egg tarts that preserve the traditional Portuguese style — the custard is not as rich as Lord Stow’s, and the crust is crisp and slightly hard. Lord Stow altered the original Portuguese method, which mixed flour and water, replacing it with fresh cream, and adjusted the filling to a buttery egg mixture while reducing the sugar content, blending British and Portuguese flavors. The crust is crispy and fragrant, the creamy filling melts in your mouth, and after its launch, it became immensely popular across Asia, also becoming a signature dessert of Macau.

Margaret’s Café e Nata in Macau

Margaret’s Café e Nata is the most famous Portuguese egg tart shop on Macau Island. Located in the city center and easily accessible, many tourists make a special trip here to buy a few boxes before leaving Macau. Portuguese egg tarts originated from monasteries in Lisbon, Portugal, and were brought to Macau, where they were later modified by Mr. Andrew Stow, a pastry chef at Grand Hyatt Macau, becoming the top-rated dessert in Macau. Ms. Margaret is actually Mr. Stow’s ex-wife, and after their divorce, she opened this egg tart shop in Nam Van, rivaling Lord Stow’s Bakery located in Coloane. Margaret’s egg tarts once entered the Taiwanese market a decade ago, causing a craze with huge queues of eager buyers.

Lord Stow’s Bakery

In 1989, British-born Mr. Andrew Stow (Andrew Stow) founded Lord Stow’s Bakery. The Portuguese egg tarts he modified use a British-style custard filling, which is particularly rich. He also reduced the amount of caramel used, along with a crispy crust — truly delicious. Many people ignore the risk of high calories and often take away half a dozen or even a full dozen. Since Mr. Stow passed away some years ago, his sister now runs the shop. She had previously opened a small café around the corner, and in 2008, she opened Lord Stow’s Garden Café on Rua da Tercena. Sitting in the café leisurely sipping coffee and enjoying egg tarts gives off a very European, almost Coloane-like vibe.

Golden Boat Cake Shop

Want to taste “authentic” Portuguese egg tarts? If you’re aiming for the traditional Portuguese flavor, then Golden Boat Cake Shop is the best choice. Their method preserves the traditional Portuguese style — using lots of milk and fresh cream to make the filling, which tastes more like cheese and is also sweeter. Perhaps because the taste is so authentic, Golden Boat is full of Portuguese customers, and the shop also sells many other Portuguese snacks and desserts, such as egg rolls, shrimp puffs, and mousse de padaria. The custard in Golden Boat’s egg tarts is not as rich as the well-known Lord Stow’s, and the crust is crisp and slightly hard, but you can enjoy the most traditional Portuguese flavor.

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