Macau Lifestyle
  • What's On

    Categories

    • Giveaways
    • Entertainment

    Recent Stories

    Macau Lifestyle Wynn Macau Croiffle and Cruffin afternoon tea outdoors2
    Win an Exquisite Afternoon Tea Set at Café Esplanada
    Giveaways
    Macau Lifestyle Media - The St. Regis Macao - The St. Regis Bar - Jack's Club poster
    The Macallan Jack’s Club Jazz Experience at The St. Regis Bar
    Events & Promotions
    MGM Food Chinese New Year 2022
    Weekender: Welcome the Year of the Tiger, Visit Exhibitions & Much More
    Macau Weekend
  • Dining

    Categories

    • Restaurants
    • Local Eats
    • Cafes
    • Bars
    • Chef Spotlight

    Recent Stories

    Baked Pork Chop Rice rossio mgm macau copy
    Eight Must-Try Dishes at MGM MACAU You Don’t Want to Miss
    Dining
    cafe esplanada wynn macau croiffle
    The Variations Of French Croissant At Wynn Macau
    Dining
    st regis bar macao Tastemaker
    Where to Find Delicious Whiskey-Based Cocktails in Macau
    Bars
  • Lifestyle

    Categories

    • Wellness
    • Weddings
    • Family
    • People

    Recent Stories

    hac-sa-reservoir-park
    Top 10 Things to Do With Kids in Macau
    Family
    Macau Lifestyle Macallan 12 MAC_2018_DC12_NEAT_Lifestyle_Photo_RGB
    Whisky Review: The Macallan Single Malt Whisky Double Cask Range
    Lifestyle
    steve-mccurry
    The Best of Two Worlds: The Macallan Single Malt Whisky Double Cask Range
    Lifestyle
  • Culture

    Categories

    • Arts
    • Heritage & History
    • Architecture
    • Artist Spotlight
    • Local Knowledge

    Recent Stories

    hac-sa-reservoir-park
    Top 10 Things to Do With Kids in Macau
    Family
    st regis bar macao Tastemaker
    Where to Find Delicious Whiskey-Based Cocktails in Macau
    Bars
    Old Postcard circa 1900 from Macau Antique Postcards by Joao Loureiro
    Bela Vista Hotel: From Lavish Hotel to Wartime Refuge
    Culture
  • Style

    Categories

    • Fashion
    • Jewelry & Watches
    • Beauty
    • Home

    Recent Stories

    Wayuu Bag Macau
    Businesses in Macau: Taking Ideas to the Next Level
    Culture
    Longines Master Collection Now Shines in Macau
    Longines Master Moonphase Now Shines in Macau
    Jewelry & Watches
    Clara Brito on a Fashion Shoot
    Clara Brito: Taking Action Through Fashion
    Fashion
  • Travel

    Categories

    • Macau
    • China
    • Asia
    • Oceania
    • Europe

    Recent Stories

    hac-sa-reservoir-park
    Top 10 Things to Do With Kids in Macau
    Family
    Macau city
    A Stopover Guide: 24 Hours in Macau
    Travel
    Kenji Rukkit Gus graffiti street art outloud festival praca ponte e horta art one day macau
    One Day in Macau: Art Itinerary
    Arts
  • Hong Kong

    Categories

    • What's On
    • Dining
    • Things to Do
    • Hotels

    Recent Stories

    Grand Hyatt HK_French GourMay Staycation (3)
    French GourMay at Grand Hyatt Hong Kong Offers a Bespoke Culinary Trip to France
    Dining
    The Upper House Salisterra Main Dining Room
    Salisterra Showcases Exquisite Mediterranean Cuisine at The Upper House Hong Kong
    Dining
    Artist Wu Yi – Tang Contemporary gallery- Macau Lifestyle WY1
    Wu Yi: A Painter’s Painter
    Artist Spotlight
  • City Guide
  • 繁中
Culture
by Leonor Sá Machado

São Domingos Market: Serving Macau Since the 19th Century

Sao Domingos Market circa 1950 Source: Scientific Tropical Archive

Source of feature image: Scientific Tropical Archive. São Domingos Market circa 1950

São Domingos Market Macau was first known as São Domingos Bazaar and it’s believed to have been built during the 19th century. We’re talking about the market selling wet and cooked food located in the city center, a few steps away from Leal Senado‘s fountain. One of the most popular and crowded markets in town, it mostly serves locals and people who love to cook at home since it’s always stocked with daily fresh vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, even beautiful flowers, and more! There’s also a multifunctional room upstairs, as well as a food hall serving some of the most delicious, juiciest dishes! Find out more about this busy yet historic spot in the city center.

Since the 1800s and beyond

Official records show the first version of the market–then called São Domingos Bazaar–went up in flames on November 13, 1893, and had to be rebuilt. The same files indicate that four years later, two Macau merchants, Lu-Cau and Vong-Atai, joined forces, wrote a letter to Leal Senado (the city’s council at the time) for the reconstruction of the market in the same place. They even had a design and a construction plan, which were approved by the government. At the start of the 20th century, the spot was known as New Market, where there were two trading pavilions. In 1927, the building underwent refurbishment yet again, with a project by a Hong Kong architect.

However, some 20 years later, its unappealing design and lack of sanitary conditions fostered a new reconstruction after the previous building was completely demolished. Finally, on October 12, 1949, the new version of São Domingos Market was finalized and inaugurated on January 31, 1950, with a total construction spending of MOP $550,000. It became the biggest of the six existing local markets in Macau and considered the most impressive one in the Portuguese colonies then.

Also read: Best Markets in Macau

s domingos market restoration plans from 1908 and 1927 Source Macao Archives Last

S. Domingos Market restoration projects from 1908 and 1927, respectively. Source: Macao Archives

The market’s last and final project was erected in 1996 after the previous was demolished. Made by Leal Senado, it opened its doors in 1998 and the design still remains. The seven-stories structure is 24 meters high and features several different purposes.

Religious celebrations and festivities are abundant in Macau. Made of a combination of cultures, traditions, and beliefs, it’s common to witness both local and Catholic activities and celebrations and the latter take place for a long time now, since the first Jesuits first arrived. S. Domingos Market was also used for these, including in 1956: Leal Senado promoted S. João party, with a Portuguese Arraial taking place at the market’s rooftop, with live performances and other activities.

São Domingos Market, 20th century. Source: Scientific Tropical Archive

What to find there

One might get confused with the several entrances into the market, but they all lead to the same place: both ground and first floors are dedicated to meats and vegetables while poultry, eggs, flowers, and other fresh items are located on the next ones. Opened till late, this is the to-go place when looking for freshly delivered food items to savor amongst friends and family. Sure, supermarkets do the trick and might be more convenient if you’re buying other groceries, but nothing beats fresh and tasteful goodies from your next-door market!

Sao Domingos Market Meat Produce Left View Macau Lifestyle

Our favorite area of S. Domingos Market is the food hall, where you’re able to have a truly local delicious dining experience for a very great price! While most dishes don’t exceed MOP $60, drinks are also available for affordable pricing as well. We love the clay pot rice stall that specializes in a delicious mix of rice with eel, chicken, beef, or whatever you want, really. Cooked in a very traditional way–which you can see with your own eyes–with high heat, it’s done in less than 10 minutes, ready to eat on a table close by or take it to have at home. If you’re following the milk tea craze, you won’t miss the chance to have the one from Carnes Assadas de Keong Kei, yet another stall sitting at the market’s food hall.

Also read: Best Places to Find Authentic Milk Tea in Macau

It’s also worth visiting all the interesting landmarks and hidden corners nearby such as Rua dos Mercadores and Rua de Tercena, or even S. Domingos Church and the Ruins of St. Paul’s. Spend the afternoon sightseeing before heading into this goodies haven, or you’ll be strolling with a bunch of bags full of veggies and fresh fish!


Opening hours: Daily, 7:00am–8:00pm

S. Domingos Market Municipal Complex Intersection of Travessa do Soriano with Rua Leste do Mercado de S. Domingos, Rua Oeste do Mercado de S. Domingos and Rua Sul do Mercado de S. Domingos, +853 2893 3419, www.iam.gov.mo/market

Tags

  • business
  • macau
  • São Domingos Market
  • Wet Market

Related Posts

Macau Canidrome Entrance Old Photo
Culture

Macau Yat Yuen Canidrome: Entertainment of Yesteryear

Nam Van Square Gabinete de Comunicacao Social Macau
Architecture

Creating a Landscape: Manuel Vicente’s Praia Grande

image circa 1606-1607 boats in macau
Culture

Macau & The Sea: How It All Started

Leal Senado Building IAM Exterior with flowers Macau Lifestyle
Local Knowledge

One Day in Macau: Itinerary for History Lovers

Trending Posts

Baked Pork Chop Rice rossio mgm macau copy
Dining, Restaurants

Eight Must-Try Dishes at MGM MACAU You Don’t Want to Miss

Culture, Heritage, Local Knowledge

Herbal Tea Shops: One of the Oldest Professions in Macau

cafe esplanada wynn macau croiffle
Dining

The Variations Of French Croissant At Wynn Macau

Giveaways

Win an Exquisite Afternoon Tea Set at Café Esplanada

  • Editor's Picks

    ladies night macau Bars

    Where My Ladies At: The Best Ladies’ Night Offers in Macau

    From free-flow champagne to free Prosecco bottles, check our list of the best ladies’ night offers in Macau.

    Salvador Dali Alice in Wonderland Macau Lifestyle hidden artwork Macau Arts

    Art Masterpieces in Macau You Did Not Know Existed

    Some pieces of art are in the most prominent spots, but there are some artwork that remain hidden in Macau. Here’s where you can find them!

    Cuppa Coffee Macau Dining

    Good Morning Macau: Best Cafes for Breakfast

    As breakfast is the most important meal of the day, here’re our favorite cafes in Macau to head to for a hearty breakfast!

    Coloane hiking trail Culture

    Guide to Coloane’s Hiking Trails

    Coloane is home to most of the hiking trails in town. We walked them all and came up with the most comprehensive Coloane hiking trails guide.

    Wayuu Bag Macau Culture

    Businesses in Macau: Taking Ideas to the Next Level

    Macau is a small city, but it sure has a lot of new businesses popping up. We rounded up a list of cool businesses to check out and support!

    start line photo Lifestyle

    Top Running Routes in Macau

    Make the effort to get up 30 minutes earlier from tomorrow onwards and check out any of these stunning running routes in Macau.

    The Ritz-Carlton Bar & Lounge Gin Collection Bars

    Best Places for Happy Hour in Macau

    After a long day at work, you need a relaxing place to unwind. We have the best places in Macau for happy hour deals on drinks and snacks!

    Flora Garden playground Family

    The Best Playgrounds for Kids in Macau

    Macau is full of parks and leisure areas that feature some amazing play areas. Here’s a list of the best playgrounds in Macau for the tykes!

    Zics Macau Brand Source Facebook page Fashion

    Macau Fashion Brands: Celebrate Local Design

    Discover some Macau fashion brands that are making waves due to the fabulous designers behind each of their fresh and genius creations.

    Maria do Leste Bloody Mary from St Regis Macao Updated Photo 2020 Bars

    Shaken or Stirred: Macau’s Best Cocktails

    The world of mixology often proves to be as diverse and surprising as the one of gastronomy. Exercising talent and immense creativity, Macau’s bartenders keep creating signature cocktails that impress us with both flavors and presentation. If you are tired and bored with mojitos and negronis and need tips on what else to try, check out our guide to Macau’s best cocktails. 

    sound-of-century-vintage-sound-machines-museum Arts

    Macau’s Quirkiest Museums

    When art and history collections are inspected, it’s time to learn things that even locals might not know. Read on to plan a visit to Macau’s quirkiest museums.

    sw-steakhouse-barcounter-cocktails-macau-wynn-palace Bars

    SW Steakhouse Bar at Wynn Palace: Home of Barrel-Aged Cocktails

    Known as one of the best restaurants for juicy prime cuts, SW Steakhouse at Wynn Palace also features a bar with must-try cocktails.

    Negroni bar patua mgm cotai macau lifestyle Bars

    Where to Have an Unforgettable Negroni in Macau

    Check our list of the best bars in Macau that serve the Italian bitter-sweet cocktail, Negroni, from classic recipes to original twists!

    elysee bakery croissants macau Cafes

    Where to Find the Best Croissants in Macau

    Is there a more popular and beloved French pastry than the almighty croissant? We doubled our fitness hours and tried dozens of pastries to come up with the list of the best croissants in Macau!

    sponge-cake-macau-lifestyle-chinese-pastries Dining

    A Tour of Traditional Chinese Pastries in Macau

    Every tourist coming to Macau can make a fast conclusion that cookies and pastries here are held in high regard. Where do you start, and what do you eat? To get acquainted with a curious word of local sweets, check our guide to the Chinese pastries in Macau.

    The Manor Stories of the Sea Seventh Chapter Sea Urchin, fusilli Gentile red mullet bottarga, arugula ginger emulsion Dining

    Where to Have the Best Pasta in Macau

    If you’re craving for Italian-style pasta, here’re the ones that have tickled our taste buds and discover the varieties in Macau!

    Santa Rosa de Lima Culture

    Santa Rosa de Lima: Convent Turned School

    Santa Rosa de Lima is a well-known school in Macau, but did you know what it was in the 19th century? Discover more about this place here!

    Signature cocktail - Patuá mgm cotai macau Bars

    Bar Patuá at MGM Macau: Language of Mixology

    Whether it is cool cocktails, stunning design, or engaging conversations with a bartender, Bar Patuá has a lot to offer. Learn more in our review!

    girl with dog and cocktail cafe Cafes

    Best Pet Friendly Cafes in Macau

    Unwilling to leave your fur child behind while you stroll the streets of Macau? Here are pet-friendly cafes in Macau for you to bring your furry friend to!

    hac sa beach coloane Picnic spot Macau Family

    Great Picnic Spots in Macau

    Picnics are the best way to enjoy nature, good company and food. Here’re the best picnic spots in Macau for your friends and family to enjoy!

    Jetfoil TurboJET Urzela Culture

    Macau Ferries: Travelling To & From Hong Kong Since the 1950s

    Did you know that Jetfoils were originally for the military? Find out more about these Macau ferries that travel between Hong Kong and Macau!

    Korlouyeah Interview Feature Photo Artist Spotlight

    Korlouyeah: Photographing Macau’s Motions & Emotions

    Korlouyeah is a local web editor who photographs Macau and its people. We sat down with the artist to know more about his creative eye.

    Tsung I Macau Culture

    Jao Tsung-I: Prominent Sinologist & Literature Researcher in Macau

    Jao Tsung-I was a key figure in the study of ancient literature and history, as well as a prolific Chinese calligraphy artist.

    LP World Sketches Luisa People

    Sketching the World Around Her: Luísa Petiz of LP World Sketches

    Find out how Macau charmed Luísa Petiz and inspired her to sketch its beauty along with updates on exhibitions of her works!

    63c4f00b-ca84-4eda-8f54-1fc5b633bee6_l Architecture

    Macau’s Tap Seac Square by Carlos Marreiros

    Have you ever wondered about Tap Seac Square, its history, and what used to be there? Find out more about its history and right here!

    Minchi Marmitas Come Macau Culture

    Marmitas.Come: Home to Authentic Portuguese Takeaway in Macau

    Marmitas.Come is a local shop specializing in authentic Portuguese food for takeaway. Read on and find out their story and future plans!

    Camões Bust in Grotto Culture

    The Camões Phenomena: All the Way From Portugal to Macau

    Portuguese poet Camões is well-known in Macau. But do you know why? We tell you some interesting facts about the author’s life!

    macau tourist guide Local Knowledge

    A Quick Guide for First Timers to Macau

    Is it your first time in Macau? Check out our guide for the essential things to know, planning tips, directions, and places to visit!

    beijing memory li xiao feng mandarin oriental macau art Arts

    Art at Mandarin Oriental, Macau: Porcelain Dresses & Contemporary Glass Installations

    Read on to see how Mandarin Oriental, Macau, highlights its style and identity with art and design masterpieces by different artists.  

    fit in the box healthy meals macau Dining

    Best Places for a Healthy Meal in Macau

    Eating smart is the best way to achieve a healthier outlook. These healthy food spots in Macau would make any meatless Monday much easier!

  • About
  • The Team
  • Advertise
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Contact Us

COPYRIGHT © 2022 • MACAU LIFESTYLE

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Receive Macau Events Agenda, the Hottest Giveaway Offers and the Latest Article Updates!