Macao, Senado Square Gem ‘Wong Chi Kei’

July 21, 2023 185 Views

At the heart of Senado Square, which can be considered the center of both Macao Peninsula and the old town of Macao, you can find a local restaurant known for receiving high praise from culinary researcher Baek Jong-won.

The restaurant, named ‘Wong Chi Kei,’ is situated in the center of Senado Square. Thanks to Baek Jong-won, it has gained considerable recognition in Korea. During lunch or dinner hours, it tends to be bustling with many visitors. One must take a number and wait in line before being able to dine.

“Macao Peninsula, Senado Square Gem – Wong Chi Kei”

Wong Chi Kei was even featured in a travel-focused KBS program called ‘Battle Trip.’ It was depicted as a place where Jung Joon-young, recommended by Baek Jong-won, visited with friends.

The restaurant occupies an old-style building in Senado Square. As a result, stepping inside gives you a feeling akin to entering a historical site, offering a unique atmosphere. However, once inside, it exudes the typical ambiance of a Chinese restaurant, without any stark differences.

“The Famous Dish: Shrimp Wanton Noodles”

One particular menu item that stands out at Wong Chi Kei is the Shrimp Wanton Noodles. Therefore, I decided to order this dish during my visit.

I regretted ordering only the Shrimp Wanton Noodles. As I transitioned from Hong Kong to Macao, I noticed long lines at various restaurants, ultimately missing out on a proper lunch. Even for dinner, I ended up eating quite late. Hence, I decided to add one more dish to my order. After much contemplation, I settled on fried rice.

“Exceeded Expectations: Fried Rice”

The Shrimp Wanton Noodles came with four shrimp. Overall, the taste was decent, but it didn’t quite live up to my expectations.

Surprisingly, the fried rice I ordered to fill my stomach left a more lasting impression. It was made with elongated grains of rice commonly found in Southeast Asia, generously mixed with small dried shrimp and seafood. The flavor was outstanding.

Since I dined alone and ordered two dishes, the cost was a bit on the higher side. The Wanton Noodles were MOP 42, and the fried rice was MOP 110. This totaled approximately KRW 22,000 for one meal. Nonetheless, it was a satisfying first meal in Macao.

I can now understand why Baek Jong-won highly recommends this restaurant for anyone visiting Macao.

“Macao, Macao Peninsula, Wong Chi Kei”