Amidst the COVID-19 crisis, Macao SAR (China), a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy since 2017, continues to strive for the promotion of its rich culinary heritage and techniques through education and innovation. Inscribed as Macao’s intangible cultural heritage since 2012, the Macanese gastronomy represents more than 400 years of food culture. The cuisine is inspired by and based on cooking methods from various parts of the world including Portuguese cuisine while incorporating ingredients and cooking methods from India, Malaysia, various part of Africa, as well as from local Chinese population.

As a part of the Macao Gastronomy Website, the city recently launched the Macanese Cuisine Database. The city also set up a gastronomy-themed corner at the Macao Institute for Tourism Studies. These two initiatives have been conducted in the framework of the collaborative action plan led by the Macao Government Tourism Office with the Macao Institute for Tourism Studies, the Cultural Affairs Bureau, and the International Institute of Macao, among other entities from the private sector, associations and the civil society.

In addition to offering in-depth documentation on Macao’s intangible cultural heritage, the webpage also aims to bridge gastronomy, literature and technology, through a transversal approach across creative fields and in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

As of today, the Database showcases 26 signature books and publications, 19 precious manuscripts, 297 unique recipes and 8 featured culinary art videos. Additional related content is foreseen to be regularly added to enrich the platform.