Maquette is a little cosy spot is tucked away close to the Taipa hiking trail and a beautiful long row of colonial houses. We got to know the chef proprietor Maggie Chiang who trained in Cordon Bleu and spent time cooking in the kitchens of Italy and have been visiting since they opened last year. The space is tastefully decked out, eclectic selection of chairs, windows that let it lots of light, great soundtrack to boot – you’d almost think you’re in Europe. You’ll often find Maggie behind the stoves or greeting you, a little community café/bistro that Taipa was lacking.
The menu is delightfully simple with croissant sandwiches, salads, soups and choice of pasta. The dinner menu offers a larger selection of fish and meats for mains and there’s an all day menu for cakes and dessert.
I come here most often for the milk tea at off peak hours as it gets busy at lunch. In my last column for Macau Closer, she shared that she missed the traditional milk tea so much, she re-created the “Exotic Milk Tea” to satisfy her daily morning “spiritual drink” routine while living in Italy.
“This habit was difficult to fulfill when I was living in Italy, with no intense tea leaves and evaporated for a Hong Kong-style milk tea. As I was craving for it everyday, I searched for similar tea leaves when I was in London, I found some good ones and with these special teabags and fresh milk so I can get it anywhere, it became my own Hong Kong European style milk tea, using local and European ingredients and secret spices.”
Maquette
7E Estrada Lou Lim Ieok, Edif. Wa Tat Kok G/F Room D Taipa, Macau
氹仔盧廉若馬路 華達閣地下D座
Tel:2881 3246