At The Food Truck Company down a narrow backstreet near the Ruins of St. Paul’s, Pedro Esteves prepares the classic Portuguese sandwiches: Bifanas and Pregos (pork steak and beef steak on a bread roll). And he guarantees that he does it better than anywhere else in Macau!
The Food Truck’s Pregos are made with Kobe beef steaks from Wagyu cattle. And the Bifanas – the specialty of the house – are “fresh from the market, I buy half a pig at a time,” says Pedro, who has been living in Macau for 13 years.
Vegetarian dishes are not included in the menu, but Pedro is happy to oblige if his customers request it. In the doorway opening on to Rua dos Ervanários are a colourful assortment of vegetables and fruits: eggplants, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, lettuce, and papayas.
As well as the simple, yet delicious food, another great feature of the Food Truck is the concept of self-service that Pedro has introduced.
“Here the drinks are self-service. If you want to get a coffee, it costs 10 patacas, but if you want to be served, there is a service charge and it costs 20 patacas,” explains Pedro from inside the shell of an old truck that decorates the interior of the eatery.
A Delta coffee machine with a variety of different coffee capsules sits on the counter, and Pedro is happy to explain to first- time customers how to use it. After that, they can help themselves and save money. The same goes for taking beers or other drinks from the fridge. It’s cheaper as long as you’re willing to do it yourself!
The Food Truck is open daily from 11:30 am to 10 pm and is one of many shops that are part of a project on Rua de Nossa Senhora do Amparo and Patio de Chon Sau intended to revitalize the old area around the Ruins of St Paul’s and promote creative industries.
It is definitely a great place to pick up a quick delicious sandwich on your way back to the office, or to enjoy great value coffees and beers in the afternoon or evening after work. There’s free wifi too and Pedro is more than happy for you to play your own tunes while you and your friends hang out there.
26 Rua de Nossa Senhora do Amparo, Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro