Sweet treats

Outside of the city's hotels, small eateries are flourishing. Taipa village, one of Macao's best-preserved historical districts, has been remodeled as a modern art and food market, retaining both Portuguese and Chinese influences from down the years.

Many distinctive beverages and desserts can be found in the village. For an iconic and traditional taste, the dessert serradura is perfect. Local chef Filipe De Pina produces a classical creamy serradura, which comes with layers of cream and crushed crackers, stacked and served in a dessert glass.

De Pina said: "People kept asking for serradura. As my family had a recipe, I started to make it. From there, I began making it less sweet and less oily to appeal to Asian palates. Macao has a warm climate, so people don't want anything too oily or too creamy."

At De Pina's dimly lit cafe, Bitter Sweet, tourists take a break from sightseeing to enjoy foamy, iced coffee and serradura cake.

A few alleys away stands Tiger Bite, another spot for a sugar recharge. Its founder, Jet Fong, infuses milkshakes with Cantonese dessert flavors, including fresh ginger, maltose candy, black sesame, and coconut. As tourists passing by curiously examine the drinks menu, Fong approaches and encourages them to try his milkshakes.