From a tiny lane that cuts a narrow path through the hub of historic Macao to the dizzy heights of a plush five-star hotel, finding a spot to dine in this former Portuguese territory can be as contrasting as the food itself and the prices printed on the menus.
By day you could find yourself dining on a simple clay pot of rice and meat in a tiny outdoor neighbourhood eatery near Senado Square.
By night you could be seated inside the dome of the 258m-high Grand Lisboa hotel/casino complex feasting on exquisite French cuisine in a Michelin three-star fine-dining restaurant with perhaps the world's largest wine list at your fingertips.
Whether you choose to stick to a tight budget and dine as the locals do or splash out on dishes prepared by celebrity chefs, Macao - this year celebrating its 20 year anniversary as a Special Administrative Region of China - can conjure up the right recipe to meet a diner's request and budget.
Situated on China's southern coast about 60km west of Hong Kong, there's little wonder this tiny enclave of 650,000 is recognised as a City of Gastronomy. It's in its pedigree and has been since the first Portuguese seafarers settled there in the mid-16th century, to ultimately live in harmony with the trading Chinese.
In 2017 Macao joined an elite group of global cities when it was officially designated a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy in recognition of having the world's earliest forms of fusion food - and to help promote it and the sustainability of food for future generations.
This uniquely labelled Macanese cuisine was Portuguese inspired, with Chinese ingredients and a sprinkling of spices collected on the sea voyage from Portugal along the African coast, India and Malaya.
Among the popular Macanese dishes served in such renowned restaurants as Litoral, Riquexo Cafe and La Famiglia are African chicken, minchi, caldo verde (soup), fried bacalhau (cod fish cakes) and desserts serradura and the sought-after egg tarts.
Like the dining options, Macao is a fascinating mix, where east meets west and old meets new. From the iconic Ruins of St Paul's and the equally famous A Ma Temple (birthplace of Macao) to the soaring 338m-high Macau Tower, the contrast is evident wherever you go in search of the next meal.
Getting there: Fly Cathay Pacific, Air New Zealand or Hong Kong Airlines to Hong Kong with a high-speed ferry transfer by TurboJet or Cotai Water Jet from Hong Kong airport.
Alternatively, board the shuttle for the crossing on the newly-opened 55km road which includes a 29km-long bridge (the world's longest over sea).
Entry: No visa required for stays up to 30 days.
Currency: Macao Pataca (MOP). Hong Kong dollars are also accepted.
Details: Macao Government Tourism Office, www.visitmacao.co.nz