Portuguese Egg Tarts: Margaret's Cafe e Nata De Macau

When in Macau, people use to say that you should try their Portuguese Egg Tarts or Pasteis de Balem which has a 175 year history. But if you look back, it was Englishman Andrew Stowe who was credited for creating the Macau version of the egg tart from Balem.

Now Andrew married Margaret, and with that they both shared the secret recipe for the egg tart and it is this that you find in tucked behind a back alley in downtown Macau. Simply known as Margaret's Cafe to many, it is a great place for breakfast if you're not into morning Dim Sum.

In the mornings, people line up to buy their breakfast to take to office, others still grab a coffee with cake or pastries or maybe a ham sandwich. But up for review here is the humble Portuguese egg tart.

When I first came to this place, I was shocked at the weekend crowd lining up for their chance to get some tarts, it was almost like a religious homage or sorts and you still see it today. My advice is not to turn up during any weekend or public holiday observed in either China or Hong Kong. It's no joke seeing them snake around the street corner....all for just some tarts.

It was one of my haunts in Macau in the mornings, coffee or milk tea with a two tarts. Avoid at all cost during weekends but when there is no queue, it is quite pleasant. It is an alfresco cafe of sorts, you buy your food inside and eat it outside. Drinks are served to you after paying at the counter.

Unlike the Hong Kong egg tart, the Macau ones follow closely to the Balem version, with a fluffy crispy puff pastry crust. The egg custard is somewhat different as it has been customized to suit local taste. There is no cinnamon powder to sprinkle over the tarts and Margaret's version has a distinct taste. Using less sugar than her former husband, she has found her own following with the more health conscious. Lord Stowe's version is a tad sweeter and more creamy.

Margaret has since franchised her tart recipe to Singapore, namely to KFC. You may not believe it but they do taste the same. The consistency and sweetness mirrors that of Margaret's version. It cost roughly US$1 per piece and you can only have two before you start to feel full—a testament to the richness of the ingredients. If you are from Singapore, then it's best to skip this and try Andrew Stowe's creation for a change. I am sure you can taste the difference.

Margaret's Cafe Portuguese Egg Tartrating