Integrated resort operator MGM said in a statement on Monday that it has partnered with Macanese chef Antonieta Fernandes Manhão, aka Chef Neta, to launch a month-long culinary programme celebrating Macau’s Macanese food heritage, featuring traditional dishes, cultural activities and an award-winning cookbook.
Titled “Casa to MGM: A Celebration of Macanese Cuisine”, the programme was launched last Saturday at MGM MACAU’s Rossio restaurant in Nape, the statement said.
Customarily, the term “Macanese” denotes Macau’s community of Portuguese and Asian extraction, as well as their customs, cuisine and diaspora.
Running through July 5, the initiative is organised in collaboration with Chef Neta and the Association of Macao Fine Cuisine and Culture, the statement noted, adding that the programme centres on a limited-time menu titled A Living Table of Macau, inspired by recipes featured in Chef Neta’s award-winning cookbook Receita di Casa – Homemade Macanese Cuisine.
The menu showcases traditional Macanese dishes including Macanese prawn lacassá, mixed minchi, shrimp with white radish curry, and pork ribs with balichão and tamarind, the statement highlighted.
Hosted at Rossio within MGM Macau’s Grande Praça, the dining experience aims to highlight the cultural influences that shaped Macanese cuisine, often described as a fusion of Chinese and Portuguese culinary traditions, the statement noted, adding that in order to mark the launch, MGM organised the “Heritage Encounter with Chef Neta” event last weekend.
The statement pointed out that Chef Neta’s cookbook gained international recognition at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards 2025 in Saudi Arabia, receiving awards for Best Trilingual Cookbook and Best Portuguese Cookbook.
In addition, the statement noted that Macanese cuisine is recognised by UNESCO as one the world’s oldest fusion cuisines. It is also listed as part of Macau’s intangible cultural heritage.
The programme forms part of MGM’s efforts to promote Macau’s culinary identity and reinforce the city’s status as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, the statement added.
This undated photo provided by integrated resort operator MGM on Monday shows its Rossio restaurant at MGM MACAU in Nape.
