Macao’s food and drink scene never stops, and this month it introduces us to a bold new bar concept – Capella’s long-awaited equestrian-themed bar, which has quickly attracted attention as the city’s hottest new spot.
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There’s also a cosy coffee shop on the peninsula, near the Ruins of St Paul’s, and international culinary creations from Singapore and Japan.
Read on to find out more.
Guli Coffee
Opened by friends passionate about coffee, this small green café is located in the revitalised area of Rua dos Ervanarios, near the Ruins of St Paul’s.
The people behind Guli want to change common perceptions that coffee is just bitter, which you can see reflected in the signature drink – a long black made with fruity beans. The café also offers unique speciality coffees such as the “Tomato salsa” a bold nutty blend with tomato juice, lemon and basil; “Amber cinnamon”, made with honey, cinnamon and milk; and the “Creamy apple”, made with apple juice, plum and whipped cream.
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Guli is a new venture for the owners of stop.pngcoffee, which was originally located in the St Lazarus district. Currently in its soft opening stage, the café also offers gelato, with flavours like pomelo and matcha, and waffles for those who want a more substantial bite to eat.
Konbanwa
If you love an izakaya, there’s a new spot in Macao for you. Konbanwa just opened in mid-August by Taipa Central Park, with a stylish exterior that takes inspiration from old-time Japan.
Inside, you’ll see an open kitchen where you can sit at the counter, eat, and watch the chefs prepare your food. There are also some table seats, but if you prefer more privacy, there are private rooms upstairs with traditional tatami seating.
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Staff will recommend the freshest fish and seafood of the day, which is imported from Japan. There are skewers galore, with choices like grated yam with tuna, soy-glazed squid, and grilled pineapple with brown sugar.
Konbanwa also offers a wide selection of drinks, including Japanese shochu and whisky. The restaurant is open daily from 6 pm to 2 am, perfect for unwinding and catching up with friends into the late hours of the night.
Chatterbox Café at MGM Macau
For Singapore hawker classics in a charming setting, Chatterbox Café at MGM Macau (see featured image above) is the newest spot to check out. This is Macao’s first outpost of the popular Singaporean restaurant, which also has a couple of branches in neighbouring SAR Hong Kong.
Located just across from MGM Macau’s noodle hotspot Square Eight, the new restaurant features colonial architectural accents that shine through colourful tropical flora and pastel green arcades. A custom-made mural by Singaporean artist Messymsxi takes pride of place.
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Here, you can dig into the legendary Singapore Mandarin chicken rice – Chatterbox’s version of Hainan chicken rice – crafted from a recipe that chefs have followed since 1971. Other signatures not to miss include the chicken wings coated in a salted egg yolk sauce with curry leaves and chilli padi, which have been earning raves, or a generous bowl of Singaporean laksa, available with chicken, lobster, or prawn.
Save room for their freshly made coconut ice cream topped with caramelised nuts, a Chatterbox classic, along with their signature drinks. As the restaurant is currently in its soft opening, you won’t find it on MGM Macau’s website yet, your best bet is to call them at (853) 8802 2353 for enquires.
Pony & Plume at Capella at Galaxy Macau
Though a recent addition to the city’s nightlife, Capella’s equestrian-themed bar Pony & Plume has quickly attracted attention as the city’s hottest new spot. The concept is dedicated to whisky culture, welcoming both connoisseurs and the curious.
The bar’s stunning centrepiece features lofty shelves housing over 650 labels, meticulously organised by flavour profile. Under the guidance of head bartender Billy Choi, formerly of Hong Kong’s acclaimed Quinary, guests set off on a journey through these selections, moving from “elegant freshness” recommended for beginners, to “sea breeze” and “smoky” expressions for more seasoned drinkers, among others. A comprehensive whisky bible details the entire collection.
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At Pony & Plume, you can also find gems previously kept at the resort’s now defunct Macallan bar – like a 1945 Macallan and a 70-year-old Last Drop Glenlivet valued at over 700,000 patacas. Guests can sample these in 10, 30 and 60ml servings. Classic cocktails are also up for sips, and a new menu of signature, whisky-focused cocktails is set to be unveiled this month.
The experience is enhanced by live Latin music from a South American band and a smart, pared-back menu of bar snacks. For the full indulgence, a private cigar room offers a selection of rare and vintage cigars – though for now access is reserved for VIPs only.
