Recipes not shared

When it comes to Macanese cuisine, one classic dish that stands out is "minchi".

Miguel de Senna Fernandes, president of the Macanese Association, smiles as he notes that every Macanese family has its unique way of preparing it. "As a result, they often argue about it, with everyone convinced that their family's version is the best in the world."

In Macanese households, recipes are cherished and closely guarded. For generations, these recipes have been passed down within families, rarely shared with outsiders.

"Macanese recipes were traditionally kept within families and seldom shared publicly, making preservation challenging and putting some recipes at risk of being lost," Otilia said.

Since Macao's return to the motherland in 1999, the protection of cultural heritage has become increasingly important.

In 2012, Macanese gastronomy was recognized as part of Macao's Intangible Cultural Heritage, becoming a national project in 2021. In 2020, the Macanese Cuisine Database was launched to promote this unique food culture.

"Since Macao's return, the SAR government has been promoting and preserving Macanese cuisine," Otilia noted. "The government has published many books on Macanese cuisine and created a dedicated database for its dishes. This initiative helps more people discover the richness of Macanese culinary traditions and ensures that this 400-year-old heritage will continue to be preserved and developed."