Macau - Restaurante Vinha 葡萄園餐廳

It was a little deserted when we got there although all 4 window tables were taken but the restaurant quickly got its buzz (read noisy) when 2 large groups arrived.  Cosy joint set in decor that was easily from the early 80s.  Even the captain and his friendly wait staff in their tablecloth pink outfits could have been from the 80s.

Sangria by the glass

Settling down to a Sangria and shaking off the rain that was beating hard outside, we quickly got down to ordering and chewing on the warm buns that Macau is famous for.  Baked to a raw crisp on the outside and chewy on the inside.  Good with a dollop of butter.

Potato and Vegetable Soup

This soup is quintessentially Portuguese.  It's not fancy by any means, but there is something about a potato based soup that's sturdy, protective and just downright homey.  The greens provide the much needed fibre.

Stir fried cabbage with Bacalhau

This is probably more Macanese than Portuguese with the use of Chinese cabbage.  The use of the dried salted cod pieces give this all the flavor since there is little else.

Crispy Suckling Pig on Fried Rice

This was the only reason we came.  I saw a picture of this and said I definitely want to try this.  Nothing complicated about this dish.  Simply well grilled suckling pig, sealed by a crispy crackling (although some bits were slightly chewy) but the meat was tender, and fell off the bone easily.  The bed of fried rice was tasty although it wasn't as good as some of the ones that you get around Macau, my most memorable having been from Litoral during my last visit in 2008.

This isn't the best restaurant in Macau.  But it was a good fix for a quick dinner the first night we got there.  Especially since this was about 5th on my list - the first 4 including Litoral was fully booked.  Shouldn't have been a surprise since it was the start of the Easter weekend.

Decent, competent and wholesome food that was reasonably priced.  Not a combination you find too often these days.

G/F, 1/F, 393 Edf. Dynasty Plaza R/C
Alameda Dutor Carlos d'Assumpção
宋玉生廣場(皇朝)393號地下和一樓
Tel: +853-2875 2599