Mumbai Food: Celebrate Chinese food-culture festival at weekend fest

Speak to a newage chef and they will promise you something more than food mdash an experience But speak to a discerning foodie and they will tell you food has always been an experience because it does not exist in vacuum but travels through time intertwining with history and culture before arriving on a plate If the stories intrigue you more than the food itself a gustatory journey through Macao also spelt as Macau should be on your thingstodo list And this weekend you can dive into its rich culinary heritage here in Mumbai at the Experience Macao Festival organised by Macao Government Tourism Office MGTOArzan KhambattaldquoAs a destination it is largely popular among Indians because of the gaming scene but therersquos so much more to experience in Macao We wanted to offer a peek into thatrdquo says Arzan Khambatta head at MGTO In the 16th and 17th centuries the Portuguese empire spread far and wide and its traders were enterprising Merchants who travelled to different colonies spread across the Lusophone Portuguesespeaking regions world brought back to Macao ingredients not only from their home country but also from other colonies including turmeric coconut milk cinnamon and cloves And these condiments eventually found a way into the cuisine resulting in an eclectic amalgamation of flavours So while baking is an obscure method in other parts of the Peoplersquos Republic of China in Macao baked goods are a common sightMinchiIn fact a Macanese version of the pasteacuteis de nata mdash classic Portuguese egg tarts mdash is found resplendently across the cityrsquos streets Or take for example the galinha agrave Africana a baked chicken curry dish made with tomatoes peanuts coconut red pepper and paprika Served across Macanese eateries and now dubbed a classic African chicken is believed to have been invented by a Macanese chef in the 1940s who reimagined the exotic delicacy with a regional touch using spices he procured from his trips to Africa Or minchi another signature made with minced beef and diced potatoes flavoured with Worcestershire sauce and topped with a fried egg In effect the cuisine could with reservation be called one of the worldrsquos oldest fusion cuisines and all of the three dishes will be available at the festivalEgg TartWhen it comes to culinary influences Macanese food doesnrsquot stop at imbibing Portuguese mastery alone As a result of colonialism it has absorbed the culinary aesthete of Goa Africa Brazil and Latin American as well all of which were Portuguese colonies So can you find serradura in a local Macanese establishment You betEat in MacaoRua de S Paulo Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro popularlyknown as San Ma Lo Rua da Felicidade Travessa do Auto Novo near Senado Square and Rua do Cunha in Taipa Village are the best places to enjoy local snacks including almond cake egg roll peanut candy and roasted sliced meatOpened by Englishman Lord Stow in 1989 Lord Stowrsquos Bakery specialises in Portuguese egg tarts and uses a recipe he picked up in Lisbon which he modified These egg tarts are now a symbol of Macao and the original Lord Stowrsquos Bakery is a tourist attraction in its own rightSince it opened in 2013 The Golden Peacock has been a popular choice among visitors and food critics It was listed in the Hong Kong Tatler Best Restaurants Guide 2016 Golden Peacock is the first Indian restaurant to be awarded a Michelin star in AsiaOther activities at the festivalA VR zone where you can experience Macao via a virtual simulationLion dancePanda pavilionCYR wheelON October 27 to 28 11 am to 10 pm AT High Street Phoenix Lower ParelCALL 67189674Catch up on all the latest Crime National International and Hatke news here Also download the new midday Android and iOS apps to get latest updates