Of tarts, buns and prawn roe

Macao. Most people know it by the casinos. Lisboa, Venetian, Sands. I,however, know it by food.

Yes, there is more to Macao than gambling, smoking and sin. There's pretty Portuguese houses, wonderful panorama and heavenly food.

First up, the ubiquitous Portuguese egg tart. They say you haven't been to Macao until you've tried these tarts. I say aye!

Egg tarts fresh out of the oven. So hot that they burn and so delicious that you don't mind to be scorched.

Next up, the Pork Chop Bun. Just a direct translation but you get the gist. Interesting bun this one. When they say 'Pork Chop' they really do mean pork chop. Although it's not visible in the photo, there's a huge chunk of bone embedded in the succulent flesh - just like any pork chop.

Durian (left) and mango (right) ice-cream. Fresh. There are even natural fruit fibres in the dessert. Not a wonder that the Macanese are addicted to these.

Another rarity is this fella here. This is Bak Poh. You know, grilled succulent beef fillets that we eat too much during Chinese New Year and get a sore throat after. THIS here is a tiny variation. It's Wild Boar Bak Poh. HAHA!

Prawn Roe Noodles. Strange concoction of ingredients. A seafood lover I am, this dish was pretty mediocre. The only thing special about it was the roe. But then again, anybody could have made this out of their own kitchen given the right ingredients. Still, it was an unusual dish all the same.

Salted Fish and Chicken Fried Rice and Cuttlefish Fried Noodles. Funny how they both taste very similar to the ones we get in Kuching.

'Pepper Bun' - direct translation again. Strictly non-halal. Reason it's called Pepper Bun is that the pork ball enveloped inside the flaky pastry was seasoned with pepper kernels. Add a dash of spring onions and you've got the perfect afternoon snack. Seriously delicious.

A cousin of the Pork Chop Bun is the Chicken Chop Bun. Yes it was good. And yes it was better than the pork chop bun. YES it was one of the best things I've tried in Macao. :P

Cheese-baked Fried Chicken Rice. They say it's Portuguese. I say it's not too bad. Sticky cheese, nice crispy chicken and fragrant rice. Not a bad combination.

One last look at the tarts before we leave Macao.YUM! The next time you wish to travel to Macao, be sure to bring an empty stomach! :P