Kefir and yogurt, sauerkraut, and kimchi—none of these foods are exactly new, but most of them have become very trendy in the past decade. Thanks to the latest research on gut health, people began to discover the potential health benefits of fermented products. Among these products is kombucha that has occupied supermarket shelves worldwide and gained a significant fan base even in Macau. If you are part of the kombucha fan army already or just curious to give it a try, we’ve prepared a list of places to find kombucha in Macau.
What’s all the fizz?
Kombucha is a fermented tea made with scoby (syntrophic mixed culture of yeast and bacteria). Consumed for centuries, it recently started trending in the last 10 years. A quick Google search will leave you with thousands of links about why you should add this slightly sour and fizzy drink to your diet. Usually, the pros include digestion help, prevention of heart disease and digestion problems, a source of probiotics, antioxidants, and more. Although there is not enough research to support all the claims to this day, we can be confident that kombucha delivers at least the same health benefits as the tea it’s made of. It tastes great, adds an original note to cocktails, and can be a healthier substitute for beer.
• Where to find Blissful Bombooch •
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Ironically or not, a tiny vegetarian eatery in Taipa Village had become the biggest local kombucha producer in Macau. They started selling their Blissful Bombooch at the Taipa Village shop and has expanded to providing it for a long list of other properties, including luxury hotels, coffee shops, and gyms. They have a line of flavors such as pineapple lemongrass ginger, turmeric bliss, blueberry hibiscus, etc. Occasionally, the Blissful Carrot introduces new brews and makes limited editions. Besides the flavor combinations that can turn you into a kombucha fan, The Blissful Carrot delivers a product that is consistent with sustainability principles. Blissful Bombooch is brewed with organic and fair-trade sourced teas, fresh juices, unrefined cane sugar, and artisan blended herbs.
Unfortunately, in 2021 the cozy shop at Taipa Village got closed. However, they still sell vegetarian and vegan dishes, as well as their in-house-made pantry items such as coconut yogurt and kombucha via Aomi and MFood. If you have any questions, hit them up on Facebook and WhatsApp, but orders are to be placed via the delivery applications.
Restaurants, bars and cafes
Kombucha has found its way to many local eateries from restaurants at luxury hotels and resorts to cozy cafes and small takeaway shops in Macau. Here are some of the spots to look for kombucha (for the full list, please contact The Blissful Carrot on Facebook or What’s App):
Larry’s Place
Larry is the owner of a takeaway shop that sells fresh salads, cold-pressed juices, delicious smoothies, and overall hearty food. It is conveniently located in the very center of Macau, just meters away from the busy Senado Square in a narrow quiet street. That makes it a perfect pit spot for a quick lunch. Pair your healthy choice with a bottle of tangy kombucha by local favorite, Blissful Bombooch.
Larry’s Place 2 Beco do Gonçalo, Macau, +853 6528 9786, www.facebook.com/larrysplacemacau
Also read: Living La Vida Healthy: A Guide to Macau’s Best Salad Spots
Also read: Best Vegetarian & Vegan Places in Macau
The St. Regis Bar Macao
Inspired by New York City and filled with the sound of jazz and fancy-dressed patrons, The St. Regis Bar is one of the trendiest spots in town. Although an ideal environment for cocktails and champagnes, it also offers a fizzy non-alcoholic alternative.
The St. Regis Bar Macao 2F, The St. Regis Macao, The Londoner Macao, Estrada do Istmo, s/n, Cotai, +853 2882 8898, www.thestregisbarmacao.com
Also read: The St. Regis Bar Macao: The Hottest Spot in Town
Splash at Four Seasons
Basically, a portal to a relaxing resort, Splash at Four Seasons gives you those summer vibes mixed with finger-licking good food. We highly recommend their tacos and a fish burrito. Both of them go so well with a bottle of ice-cold kombucha!
Splash Four Seasons Hotel Macao, Cotai Strip, Estrada da Baía de Nossa Senhora da Esperança, Cotai, +853 2881-8888, www.fourseasons.com
The Roadhouse Macau
Macau’s mecca of live rock’n’roll and multi-layered juicy burgers has a wide range of alcoholic drinks, from draft beer to cocktails. However, guests who prefer healthier options can opt for a refreshing kombucha.
The Roadhouse Macau E-GO16–GO19 Broadway Food Street, Broadway Macau, Av. Marginal Flor De Lotus, Cotai, +853 2875 2945, www.facebook.com/theroadhousemacau
Also read: Hold My Beer: Macau’s Best Pubs & Bars
Coffeeshops
Come for a hot late with a fluffy croissant–leave with a bottle of kombucha to go. Coffeeshops are an essential refueling spot on any urban dweller’s map. Hence, it’s always handy when, besides the obvious brews, there are some alternatives to have.
Munch by Quarter Square Plaza Oceano R/C E, 522-526 Av. dos Jardins do Oceano, Taipa, +853 2857 6914, www.facebook.com/munchbyqs, instagram.com/munchbyqs
Cuppa Coffee Macau 145 Avenida Comercial de Macau, Edif La Bahia, G/F, Macau, +853 2888 9916, www.facebook.com
Supermarkets, stores, online shops
It’s great to add your favorite healthy drink to the shopping cart, whether virtually or physically, while you are doing your regular grocery shopping. Luckily, there are several supermarkets and shops where you can stock up with kombucha.
Offline:
ParknShop (most locations) www.parknshop.com
Seng Chong supermarket (all locations)
Dah Chong supermarket www.facebook.com/dchmacau
Organic Plus Edificio Va Tong, 2-4 Rua da Barca,+853 2855 3207, www.facebook.com/OrganicPlus.Macau
StuffBox Natural Friendly Store +853 6560 2296, www.facebook.com/SBmacau
Online:
Blu Basket bluebasket.me
Goodees Market goodees.market
Gyms and wellness centers
Be it intense Crossfit training, a group yoga class, or a relaxing spa treatment, an excellent way to finish your workout or wellness session is by having something healthy like kombucha to quench your thirst!
The Spa Four Seasons Hotel Macao, Cotai Strip Estrada da Baía de N. Senhora da Esperança, S/N, Taipa, +853 8112 8080, www.fourseasons.com/macau/spa
Crossfit XVI 5/F, Edf. Industrial Si Toi, R. do Padre Antonio Roliz, Macau, +853 2855 0575, www.crossfitmacau.com
Life Project R/C AI 277 Jardim Hoi Wan, Estrada Almirante Magalhães Correia, Taipa, +853 6684 2299, www.lifeprojectmacau.com, www.instagram.com/lifeprojectmacau
One Oasis Pool Bar Estrada de Seac Pai Van, One Oasis
• Where to find Taboocha •
Another kombucha brand on the Macau market comes from the neighboring SAR. Based on organic Chinese tea and organic raw cane sugar, Taboocha features artistic stickers and fruity flavors.
Also read: Discover Taboocha, a Delicious Local Kombucha Tea Taking Asia by Storm
Beer Pro
Beer Pro is a shop in Fai Chi Kei focused on craft beer and cider. It is a paradise for those who are crazy about ales, lagers, and stouts and curious to try craft beer from around the world. For those who prefer virgin drinks, there is, of course, kombucha. Their supplier is Taboocha and on a good day, you will find 10 types of colorful bottles in the fridge, waiting to be tasted!
Beer Pro 497 Rua do Comandante Joao Belo, Fai Chi Kei, Macau, +853 6358 6572, www.facebook.com/BeerPro
How to make your own kombucha at home
Making your own kombucha is not rocket science. If you’re in Macau, The Blissful Carrot occasionally organizes kombucha brewing workshops where you can learn some secrets and get your own scoby. You can also ask your brewing enthusiast friend for a piece. Once you get a hold of the “tea mushroom”, the process is easy and just requires patience and hygiene. Firstly, make some tea, green or black, and dissolve some sugar in it. Even if you don’t drink your tea sweet, sugar is essential for the brewing process. Let the tea cool and add in the scoby. Pour everything in a jar, cover with a tight-weave cloth and secure it with a band or rope. Let it rest for at least a week. Don’t place the jar in a spot with direct sunlight, but some indirect light would be good.
As you are dealing with the fermenting process, it’s important to be careful and not let your drink get contaminated. If you spot mold or the scoby turning black, it is not safe to drink and you must discard the whole batch straight away. Consuming contaminated kombucha can cause dangerous health effects.
After a week or more, your kombucha is probably ready. Taste it and do note that it should be less sweet and more vinegary. Bottle it, retain the scoby with a little bit of liquid for the next batch. You can add some more ingredients to your kombucha (lemongrass, ginger, fruit) or leave it as it is. Place the bottle in the fridge and let it stay there for some more time. The more it stays there, the fizzier it gets. Enjoy!
This article was originally written by Ksenia Kuzmina in January 2020 and updated in July 2021.
