Macau Lifestyle
  • What's On

    Categories

    • Giveaways
    • Entertainment

    Recent Stories

    Noite e Dia Cafe Christmas Buffet Dinner Turkey
    Festive Feastings, New Year Menus & More at Hotel Lisboa!
    Events & Promotions
    Lisboa Bend 90 degree turn macau grand prix
    69th Macau Grand Prix: Hotel Lisboa’s Fiery Grand Prix Packages
    Events & Promotions
    Macau Lifestyle Wynn Macau Croiffle and Cruffin afternoon tea outdoors2
    Win an Exquisite Afternoon Tea Set at Café Esplanada
    Giveaways
  • Dining

    Categories

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

    Recent Stories

    Voyages by Alain Ducasse_Gin Trolley
    Where to Have Gin & Tonic in Macau
    Bars
    pho tik pho peach tea macau lifestyle
    Delicious Noodles & Where to Eat Them in Macau
    Local Eats
    Baked Pork Chop Rice rossio mgm macau copy
    Eight Must-Try Dishes at MGM MACAU You Don’t Want to Miss
    Dining
  • 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
Local Eats
by Macau Lifestyle

Yau Kei: Dragon’s Beard Candy, a Macau Favorite

Yau Kei Dragon Beard Candy Outdoor Macau Lifestyle

You must’ve noticed already that Macau still has a few places that thrive on selling traditional local food. Some have sadly closed down, mostly due to a new generation of young people not willing to take over and do the traditional work. However, we’re keen on walking through this beautiful city of ours and discovering wonderful traditional gems! Food vendors could be seen all around town until well into the mid-90s and although this has been declining, some are still going strong.

Old but gold

You’ll find them mostly close to Senado Square–more precisely at Rua dos Mercadores, but also Rua de Cinco de Outubro, a narrow alley where Hong Kung Temple stands, five minutes away from Sofitel Macau At Ponte 16. Some others are can be found along the alleys and avenues connecting Avenida Horta e Costa, leading to the Red Market.

There are some other businesses that even though started small and in the streets, are now accommodated inside a proper shop, letting people know all about Macau’s history and traditions. It’s happened with local waffles brands, milk tea made in Macau, dried meats, and tea. Notably, there’s another locally renowned brand founded in 1986: Yau Kei, one of Macau’s oldest and most popular candy shops!

Yau Kei Dragon Beard Candy Interior Candy Being Made Detail Macau Lifestyle

Sweetness in St. Lazarus District

Yau Kei–famous for its “dragon’s beard candy”–was being sold out of a humble cart until it recently moved to a brick and mortar shop, with proper shelves and a window from where customers can see them making this sweet treat! It’s called so because of how it looks: bright white, made of thin threads of sweetened dough, it kind of looks like an old man’s beard or, as they prefer to call it, a dragon’s beard.

The shop is located on one of Macau’s hippest districts, St. Lazarus; it’s the first door on the left side of the street right when you go up the stairs where Albergue SCM sits. If you’re interested in knowing more about this cute neighborhood and what’s there to do, check out our write up on it here.

Yau Kei Dragon Beard Candy Candy Maker Looking Macau Lifestyle

Passion for Tradition

The owner of the brand, surnamed Yuen, was originally selling it out of a cart on the street, usually set close to the Red Market, some 40 years ago, when he started his business. Keeping the tradition of handmade dragon’s beard candy alive has been a challenge. Later on, he moved his store to the Three Lamps District.

Now that he has retired, he has passed his skills on to his son, Kenny Yuen, who continues his legacy. Luckily, we can still get to try this traditional delicacy in town. “In 2011, I decided to learn from my dad how to make dragon’s beard candy. At first, I didn’t plan to take over his business, but I decided to do so after my dad retired because I wanted to keep his passion alive.” Kenny Yuen shares.

Yau Kei Dragon Beard Candy Interior Tofu Ice Cream with Mural in the Background Macau Lifestyle

Dragon’s Beard Candy ice cream

Thriving through Innovation

You may watch how he makes the candy from scratch in a demonstration glass room at his shop. Freshly handmade candy, which makes it easy to show your appreciation for the work and passion he puts into making this delicacy. This sweet snack is made with sesame seeds and crushed peanuts.

It allows for different senses to kick in: the candy’s exterior is dry and super flaky, which might feel unusual, but very flavorsome. The family has also created two new flavors: one uses durian flesh and the other has ice cream inside the dragon’s beard candy! These are served cold and a sweet treat for Macau summer days. Patrons can choose between tofu or chocolate ice cream for the filling!

Head there to support a traditional Macau business which maintains its high standards, while having a sweet local snack and snapping some cool vintage-like photos! You can also pre-order the candy by calling them.

Also read: Macau’s Best Ice Cream Spots


How much: MOP $28 (box of six dragon’s beard traditional candies), MOP $15 (box of two durian-flavored dragon beard’s candy), MOP $35 (two pieces of ice-cream)

Opening hours: Wednesday–Monday, 11:00am–7:00pm

Yau Kei Dragon’s Beard Candy 25-B Calçada da Igreja de São Lázaro, Macau, +853 65889928, www.facebook.com/yaukeidragonbeardcandy, www.instagram.com/yaukeicandy

This article was originally written by Annie Anastacia in 2016 and updated by Leonor Sá Machado in June 2020.

Tags

  • Authentic Macau
  • Dragon Beard
  • Dragon Beard Candy
  • Macau Experience
  • Macau Favorite Candies
  • Macau Food Blogger
  • macau Sweets
  • The Village Mall
  • Yu Kei Dragon Beard Candy

Related Posts

pho tik pho peach tea macau lifestyle
Local Eats

Delicious Noodles & Where to Eat Them in Macau

TIM & DAF'S taipa village
Dining

Where to Dine When You’re Craving Lobster in Macau

fit in the box healthy meals macau
Dining

Best Places for a Healthy Meal in Macau

The Grand Buffet_Grand Lisboa Palace_petit four station_Macau Lifestyle
Dining

Macau’s Best Buffets

Trending Posts

Dining, Local Eats, Restaurants

Macau’s Best Buffets

Arirang samgyetang Korean Restaurant Macau
Dining, Restaurants

5 Hottest Korean Restaurants in Macau

Bars

Sing Along: Best Places for Karaoke in Macau

Cuppa Coffee Macau
Dining, Local Eats

Good Morning Macau: Best Cafes for Breakfast

  • 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!

    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!

    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.

    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!

    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.

    Pataca currency Local Knowledge

    The Pataca Story: The Peculiar History of Macau’s Currency

    The Pataca is special as not many countries the size of Macau would have their currency. Read on to find out about the origins of the Pataca.

    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.

    Vintage Around Exterior Front View Macau Lifestyle Culture

    Where to Shop Vintage in Macau

    If you’re a fashionista obssessed with all things vintage, this selection of the best vintage shops in Macau is for you. Happy shopping!

    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!

    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.

    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.

    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!

    ramen pro macau lifestyle Dining

    Delicious Ramen Spots in Macau

    A hot bowl of Japanese ramen would surely satisfy any noodle craving. Slurp away at these ramen places in Macau!

    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.

    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!

    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!

    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!

    hiro ramen venetian macau lifestyle Dining

    Get Warm: Best Ramen Spots in Taipa

    We have composed a list of the best ramen spots in Taipa to warm your heart and soul, the Japanese way, with a hot bowl of ramen!

    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.  

    Nam Ping Exterior Frontdoor Macau Lifestyle Dining

    Nam Ping: A Local Foodie Haven Nestled in Old Macau

    Set in Rua de Cinco de Outubro, Nam Ping is nestled in the city center, opened for more than 30 years, serving simple, mouthwatering dishes.

    Studio City Vinca Foot Spa Foot Massage Chairs Blurred Background Macau Lifestyle Lifestyle

    Best Places for Foot Massages in Macau

    Foot massages are a special treat especially when you’re feeling stressed and fatigued so get your fix at these amazing places in Macau!

    Rooftop Macau Upstairs Terrace Dining

    Best Rooftops in Macau to Relax At

    Chilling on a rooftop with a cold drink is the best way to spend a day. Here’s a list of some of the hippest trending rooftops in Macau!

    Chou Kei Dining

    Local Eats: Where to Have Instant Noodles With Egg & Luncheon Meat in Macau

    Instant noodles taste much better topped with a fried egg and luncheon meat! Here are the best places in Macau to have this delicacy.

    _Aesop_Skin_Care_PLUS_2021 – SC+ family Beauty

    How Aesop’s the Skincare+ Range Is Revolutionizing Self-Care

    Self-care is good skincare. At the forefront of this is Aesop’s The Skincare+ Range that’s guaranteed to nourish and improve the skin.

    banyan tree macau_Spa_Royal Treatment Room Lifestyle

    Macau’s Best Spas

    Macau is a wold-class destination and this extends to its spas as well. Check out our list of spas in Macau offering the best in relaxation.

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

COPYRIGHT © 2023 • MACAU LIFESTYLE

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

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