Look no further than Macau! Seriously, this vibrant former Portuguese colony is globally renowned as the absolute kingdom of Portuguese egg tarts (or pastéis de nata as they’re known there). Forget generic imitations; Macau perfected the art. The undisputed champion is Lord Stow’s Bakery in Coloane Village. Founded by an Englishman inspired by Lisbon’s pastries, Lord Stow’s created the iconic Macau-style tart: a super flaky, almost puff-pastry crust holding an incredibly rich, creamy, and slightly caramelized custard filling. The first bite – that satisfying crunch giving way to sweet, eggy bliss – is legendary. You’ll find Lord Stow’s shops all over Macau now, and even branches in Hong Kong and other Asian cities, but Coloane feels special. Other fantastic spots in Macau include Margaret’s Café e Nata and the famous bakery inside the Lisboa Hotel. For many, the hunt ends right here.
The obsession is real, and Macau delivers. Beyond Lord Stow’s, stepping into any pastelaria (Portuguese bakery) is an adventure. The aroma alone is intoxicating. They are best consumed fresh out of the oven, still warm, ideally dusted with cinnamon and/or powdered sugar. The texture contrast – shatteringly crisp pastry against that velvety, sweet custard – is pure magic. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself joining the locals in line for a morning coffee and a tart (or three!). It’s more than a snack; it’s a delicious piece of Macau’s unique cultural fusion
