Macau Lifestyle
  • What's On

    Categories

    • Events Calendar
    • Macau Weekend
    • Monthly Hotlist
    • Giveaways
    • Entertainment

    Recent Stories

    Vida RIca Bar Hot Dog Pop Up with Drink from Above
    Weekender: Wine & Dine, Cultural Happenings & More
    Macau Weekend
    100 Years Afternoon Tea The St Regis Bar Champagne Afternoon Tea giveaway
    Win a Stylish Champagne Afternoon Tea for Two at The St. Regis Bar Macao
    Giveaways
    A Unique Taste of Baijiu at St Regis Macao
    Weekender: Dining, Cocktails, Exhibitions & More
    Macau Weekend
  • Dining

    Categories

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

    Recent Stories

    caffe b italian restaurant macau lunch dishes
    New Set Menu at Caffé B Macau: What’s for Lunch?
    Dining
    Mandarin Oriental, Macau_The Mandarin Cake Shop_Signature Cake_Pink Bloom
    That Takes the Cake! The Mandarin Cake Shop’s Cakes for Every Taste
    Cafes
    Grand Hyatt Macau mezza9 Macau與廚共饗晚餐佳餚Dining-from-the-kitchen delicacies at mezza9 Macau
    The Best Places for a Valentine’s Day Date in Macau
    Dining
  • Lifestyle

    Categories

    • Wellness
    • Weddings
    • Family
    • People

    Recent Stories

    Sheraton Fitness
    Best Hotel Gym Memberships in Macau
    Wellness
    Cartier LOVE necklace_18K pink gold
    Valentine’s Day Gift Guide for the Women in Your Life
    Lifestyle
    macau day trips ocean park hong kong
    Best Day Trips for the Whole Family
    Family
  • Culture

    Categories

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

    Recent Stories

    Cheong Kin Man Nighttime Facing the Camera
    Cheong Kin Man: The Story Listener in Search of New Narratives
    Artist Spotlight
    Portuguese Consulate that was a Hospital Right Angle Macao Archives
    Portuguese Heritage: From Catholic Hospital to Diplomatic Institution
    Culture
    Macau Youth Street Dance Association single shot x Macau Lifestyle
    Macau Youth Street Dance Association: Jarvis Mo on the Local Dance Scene
    Arts
  • Style

    Categories

    • Fashion
    • Jewelry & Watches
    • Beauty
    • Home

    Recent Stories

    Macau Lifestyle Morpheus Spa_Couple Spa Suite_02
    Best Facial Treatments in Macau
    Beauty
    CHLOE Mini Daria bag in Muted Brown
    Christmas Gift Ideas for the Women in Your Life
    Lifestyle
    Amalfi Coast coffee table books
    Inspiring Coffee Table Books for Your Home
    Home
  • Travel

    Categories

    • Macau
    • China
    • Asia
    • Oceania
    • Europe

    Recent Stories

    hong kong junk Day Trips Macau
    Best Day Trips from Macau
    Asia
    macau day trips ocean park hong kong
    Best Day Trips for the Whole Family
    Family
    kun iam ecumenic centre macau
    Weekend Walking Tour of Macau Peninsula’s Alternative Cultural Sites
    Culture
  • Hong Kong

    Categories

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

    Recent Stories

    St. Regis Hong Kong, Premier Harbour Room 08
    Best Staycation Packages in Hong Kong
    Hong Kong
    Kerry Hotel Hong Kong
    Wake Up Here: Kerry Hotel, Hong Kong
    Hong Kong
    Chen tianzhuo
    Chen Tianzhuo: Meshing Visual & Performance Art
    Artist Spotlight
  • Events
  • City Guide
  • 繁中
Dining
3 August, 2020
by Macau Lifestyle

Long Wa Tea House: Going Back to the 1960s in Macau

Long Wa Tea House Indoor Bird Cages on the Window Macau Lifestyle

Cantonese dim sum is a traditional south Chinese tradition still very much alive in Macau and we love it! It’s a casual way to meet up for a bite with friends or family over flavorsome food. Not only are these delicate dishes wholesome, but the places where you can enjoy them are so stylish! Of course, you can eat dim sum all over Macau, Hong Kong, and other southern cities in China, but one of our all-time favorite tea houses is Long Wa. Look at the Mao Tse Tung posters on the walls, beautiful wooden bird cages by the windows, the actual windows and the balcony itself. Almost always wide open, they allow for a cool breeze inside the restaurant.

Set in front of the Red Market, this eatery is tucked in a big room up a narrow set of stairs. This is one of three remaining traditional tea houses in Macau, and it is like stepping back in time all the way to the 60s in town. From the green and yellow decor to the handwritten menu, every detail transports us to Macau of yesteryear. 

Come early–that means around 11:00am or noon–to secure a nice window seat for yourself and observe the interactions between the locals in the morning. See old couples reading the newspaper, bird lovers gathering around, and also tourists checking out the antiques and Chinese calligraphy collected by the owner. Food also runs out pretty fast after 12:00pm, so be sure to get there earlier than that. The restaurant closes at 2:00pm.

Tea to go with your dim sum

First, choose your tea. Some of the most common options are jasmine, pu-erh, iron Buddha, and oolong. While jasmine and oolong tea are easy-to-drink green teas, if you want to try something different, iron Buddha is a nice option.

Pu-erh is usually a classic tea to have at this kind of place, but only suitable for real tea lovers: while some describe its scent and taste to be similar to dirt, others would say it tastes like raw fish. There are, of course, different types and qualities of tea, so keep that in mind. If you want it light and clearer, make sure to get the first few cups; it gets stronger and darker as it sits in the pot. Your tea will come with a bowl of boiling water too, but please don’t drink the water: this is meant for you to rinse the bowls, cups, and chopsticks with which you’ll eat.

Long Wa Tea House Indoor Yam Cha on the Table Macau Lifestyle

What to order

There is a small menu on the table, but you can actually just grab any dim sum from the trolley next to the staircase. One of our go-to options is siu mai–steamed dumplings with pork and sometimes mushroom wrapped inside. Steamed meatballs are another one of our favorites. It is made with minced beef and water chestnut to give it a special texture that differs from Western meatballs. To prevent the bottom of the meatballs from sticking to the dish, there is usually a thin layer of tofu skin. 

We also love their dim sum-style pork ribs. The way they steam the pork ribs here maintains the tenderness without losing any flavor. A dish that might be puzzling for some foreigners is chicken feet. In Chinese, they are often called “phoenix feet”, and it is one of the specialties of southeastern Chinese cuisine. Older locals believe that eating chicken feet will give you stronger bones and muscles. If you’re not into steamed food, there are other options: stir-fried noodles with beef and vegetables, rice noodles with curry, and different kinds of fried rice.

Long Wa Tea House Indoor Bonsais in the Balcony Macau Lifestyle

The unassuming-looking yellow steamed cake is actually full of fragrance and texture. In Chinese, some people call it the Malay cake, however, there isn’t much evidence to support the origins of its name. Some say that this dish was a variation of cake in a British afternoon tea set, brought after the colonization of Malaysia. Nevertheless, this cake is a great dish for your dim sum spread.

Long Wa Tea House Horta e Costa

Located right next to the Red Market since 1962, Long Wa Tea House has long been a popular place for morning and afternoon tea amongst locals. Look for the pastel yellow building and follow the stairs up and step into 1960s Macau. 

Also read: Macau Tips: 5 Easy Rules to Remember at Dim Sum

Also read: Street Snacks in the Red Market & Horta e Costa Area

Also read: Great Places to Grab a Bite in Horta e Costa


Opening hours: Daily, 7:00am–2:00pm

Long Wa Tea House 3 Rua Norte do Mercado Almirante Lacerda, Macau, +853 2857 4456 (no booking is required)

This article was originally written by Avalyn Acland in 2017 and updated by Leonor Sá Machado in August 2020.

Tags

  • afternoon tea
  • Cantonese cuisine
  • chicken's feet
  • Dim Sum
  • morning tea
  • Old Macau
  • pork ribs
  • red market
  • tea house
  • traditional chinese tea

Related Posts

Lemoncello Taipa Village Green Tea Ice Cream on Cone Macau Lifestyle
Local Eats

Macau’s Best Ice Cream Spots

Macau chef instagram
Chef Spotlight

Macau-Based Chefs to Follow on Instagram

pho tik pho peach tea macau lifestyle
Local Eats

5 Great Noodles & Where to Eat Them in Macau

Pacapio Good Fortune Beef Noodles on the Table Distorted Background Macau Lifestyle
Dining

Where to Get The Best Local-Style Noodles in Macau

Trending Posts

Artist Spotlight, Culture

Cheong Kin Man: The Story Listener in Search of New Narratives

100 Years Afternoon Tea The St Regis Bar Champagne Afternoon Tea giveaway
Giveaways

Win a Stylish Champagne Afternoon Tea for Two at The St. Regis Bar Macao

Macau Weekend, What's On

Weekender: Wine & Dine, Cultural Happenings & More

Culture, Heritage

Portuguese Heritage: From Catholic Hospital to Diplomatic Institution

  • Editor's Picks

    100 Years Afternoon Tea The St Regis Bar Champagne Afternoon Tea giveaway Giveaways

    Win a Stylish Champagne Afternoon Tea for Two at The St. Regis Bar Macao

    Macau Lifestyle has partnered with The St. Regis Macao for a fabulous giveaway where the winners can have an extravagant afternoon tea!

    LondonerMainLR Hotels

    Unveiling The Londoner Macao: The Newest Jewel in Cotai’s Crown

    The Londoner Macao is a unique addition to the vibrant skyline of Macau meticulously designed, making it a true celebration of timeless British design.

    chef sebastien bernie holding pink bloom cake mandarin oriental macau Chef Spotlight

    Of Cakes & Fitness: Mandarin Oriental, Macau’s Pastry Chef Sebastien Bernis

    We asked Mandarin Oriental, Macau’s pastry chef Sebastien Bernis to share which cakes sell the best, how he leads his team and more!

    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!

    Mandarin Oriental, Macau_The Mandarin Cake Shop_Signature Cake_Pink Bloom Cafes

    That Takes the Cake! The Mandarin Cake Shop’s Cakes for Every Taste

    The Mandarin Cake Shop’s cakes will make your heart beat faster and complement any ocassion! Don’t believe us? Try it for yourself!

    taipa village stairs ksenia kuzmina Macau good news 2020 Culture

    Macau Recap: Good Things That Happened in 2020

    This 2020 has not been all grim and dark.Here’s some of the happy and optimistic news and events that happened in Macau this year!

    Chef Daniel brooker sofitel macau at ponte 16 portrait meat Chef Spotlight

    Around the World in 14 Years: Sofitel Macau’s Executive Chef Daniel Brooker

    We talked with executive chef Daniel Brooker of Sofitel Macau at Ponte 16 about his achievements and Sofitel’s role on the gastronomy map.

    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!

    Sichuan Moon Chinese Restaurant Macau Dining

    The Most Outstanding Chinese Restaurants in Macau

    We’ve dedicated this page to the best restaurants serving Chinese food that entices even the most discerning palates from all over the world.

    Cotai Picture Wide Macau Lifestyle Macau

    10 Free Things to Do in Macau

    Glamorous and buzzing Macau has a lot to offer even for those on a shoe-string budget. Find out the coolest and free things to do in Macau.

    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.

    AJ Hackett Macau Skywalk giveaway Macau Lifestyle Local Knowledge

    Everything You Need to Do in Macau at Least Once

    Take a dive into this article and find out what to do to spend your precious time in Macau and maximize it to enjoy the city at its fullest!

    African Chicken from Riquexo Macau Lifestyle Dining

    Macanese Craze: Where to Get African Chicken in Macau

    African chicken is a truly Macanese dish, even though it doesn’t sound so. We’ve toured Macau looking for the best and here they are!

    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!

    Collage of Calcada do Amparo Area Wall Paintings Macau Lifestyle Arts

    Colorful Macau: Best Street Art Hotspots

    Looking for something different to discover in the city? Explore the lesser travelled paths of Macau to find stunning local street art.

    The Moss Natural Life - handmade soaps sustainable shopping macau Wellness

    Sustainable Shopping in Macau

    If you are looking for places to shop for packaging-free, eco-friendly and sustainable items in Macau, here is a good list to embark on your journey.

    quarter square coffee on table exterior Dining

    The Ultimate Guide to Macau’s Best Coffee Shops

    Coffee makes the world go round and even if you don’t fancy it, it definitely brings people together so here are the best coffee shops in Macau!

    10-things-to-do-in-coloane-chapel-francis-xavier Culture

    10 Beautiful Catholic Churches in Macau

    Other than the glitz of the casinos and hotels, the beautiful Catholic churches show a different, historical side of Macau.

    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.

    The Cheesecake Factory Macao pancakes Cafes

    Great Places for Pancakes in Macau

    Looking for pancake places around Macau? Hunting for butter-browned, soft and fluffy pancakes? We think you’ll be satisfied with our list!

    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!

    Waffles with Coffee at Rooftop Macau Exterior Macau Lifestyle Cafes

    Best Waffle Spots in Macau

    Best shared with your friends or perhaps on a first date, here are the best waffle places in Macau for your next catch up session.

    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. 

    Macau Youth Street Dance Association single shot x Macau Lifestyle Arts

    Macau Youth Street Dance Association: Jarvis Mo on the Local Dance Scene

    We speak to Jarvis Mo, the president of the Macau Youth Street Dance Association, about the street dance culture in Macau, and more!

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

COPYRIGHT © 2021 • MACAU LIFESTYLE

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

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

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.Ok