Hotpot, curry, cocktails: Macau and Hong Kong picks of a world bartender of the year
Frederick Ma of the Grand Lisboa Macau reveals his favourite restaurants and bars for hotpot, curry beef brisket, steaks, cocktails and more
Crowned World Bartender of the Year at the 2024 IBA World Cocktail Championship, Frederick Ma is resort master mixologist at the Grand Lisboa Macau. He spoke to Andrew Sun.
I grew up in Hong Kong, where my dad ran a noodle shop, so I developed a deep love for noodle dishes, beef offal, wontons and dumplings. Those bold, comforting flavours still influence my everyday diet.
As a mixologist, breakfast is rarely part of my routine. Late-night meals are my favourite, and hotpot is my go-to option whether I’m dining solo or with friends. I recently discovered a great spot in Macau called DauDau Hot Pot (Shop C, 132 Rue de Tai Lin, Flores, Macau. Tel: +853 2877 1111). It’s cosy, satisfying and perfect for indulging without judgment when the table’s filled with bubbling broth.
For an authentic Macau dining experience, I would suggest Tip Kei Curry (Shop J, Bloco 6, Edf. Nam San, 130 Av. De Kwong Tung, Flores, Macau. Tel: +853 2882 2409). It is a spot highly recommended by the locals as well. The menu offers a wide variety of choices, with must-try dishes like traditional noodles and various curry-based dishes such as curry beef brisket, tricolour chicken wings, dumplings and wontons. Whether you prefer spicy or non-spicy options, there’s something to suit every taste.
When friends visit or join me for guest shifts at my bar, I love taking them to Palace Garden (Shop 306, Grand Lisboa Palace Macau, Rua do Tiro, Coloane-Taipa, Macau. Tel: +853 8881 1380). The 35-metre-long (115-foot) Suzhou silk embroidery with a chrysanthemum theme and lavish decor always leaves them in awe. It’s a perfect showcase of Macau’s grandeur.
In Hong Kong, I always make a point to revisit Wooloomooloo Prime (21/F, The One, 100 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. Tel: 2870 0087), where I worked for nearly six years, rising from trainee to manager. In my opinion, it boasts the best view of Victoria Harbour, along with steaks and drinks I still crave. That place holds a lot of special memories for me.
One of my favourite cocktail bars in Hong Kong is Orchard (28 Gage Street, Central. Tel: 9881 1984). Their menu focuses on fruit spirits in a modern drinking context, and I often go there for inspiration when I feel creatively stuck. Every time I recommend it to friends, they leave impressed.
Travel is my favourite way to celebrate, especially with my girlfriend, who’s a flight attendant, making trips more affordable for us – our round-trip ticket to Japan costs about the same as the ferry from Macau to Hong Kong. We recently visited Fukuoka in Japan, where I love splurging on incredible food and shopping.
Kego Furuya (2-chome-9-14 Kego Chuo Ward Fukuoka, Ohori Park, PayPay Dome Area. Tel: +080 4311 1114) is a fantastic dining choice there. It offers exceptional yakitori and fresh seafood in a warm, inviting atmosphere. It’s the perfect spot to savour delicious dishes, sip sake and enjoy great conversations with friends.