Content Writer: Janice Chew • Friday, 26/01/2026 - 12:26:11 - PM
MGM China Holdings has thrown its support behind a specialised culinary course aimed at promoting globally recognised Macanese cuisine, reinforcing efforts to preserve Macau’s unique food heritage while developing professional talent for the city’s hospitality sector.
The programme, developed in collaboration with local education and culinary bodies, focuses on the techniques, history, and cultural significance of Macanese cuisine—a distinctive fusion of Portuguese and Chinese influences. By combining classroom instruction with practical training, the course is designed to equip aspiring chefs and hospitality professionals with skills that meet international culinary standards, while remaining rooted in local tradition.
Industry commentators see this initiative as aligned with Macau’s broader push toward diversification beyond gaming. As the city positions itself as a world centre of tourism and leisure, food culture has become an increasingly important pillar. Macanese cuisine, recently gaining wider international recognition, offers a natural avenue for destination branding and experiential tourism, complementing Macau’s integrated resort offerings.
From an operator standpoint, MGM China’s involvement reflects a growing emphasis on community engagement and talent development as part of concession obligations and ESG commitments. Supporting culinary education not only helps safeguard intangible cultural heritage but also strengthens the long-term talent pipeline for hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues across Macau.
Looking ahead, stakeholders believe sustained investment in culinary training and cultural promotion could help elevate Macau’s gastronomic profile globally. As international visitors increasingly seek authentic, story-driven dining experiences, initiatives that professionalise and internationalise Macanese cuisine may prove to be a meaningful differentiator for Macau’s tourism economy in the years to come.