Malaysia’s diverse food scene offers everything from Peranakan and Korean to Western dishes, not to mention its vibrant dessert culture. The country is known for its rich culinary diversity, shaped by centuries of cultural exchange. However, when it comes to Macanese cuisine, it’s a bit of a rarity.
For those with a taste for something different, Fat Tea Macanese Food, located in Petaling Jaya, is a hidden gem. This restaurant is one of the very few places in Malaysia that offers authentic Macanese cuisine, which blends Cantonese and Portuguese influences. After nine years of success, the restaurant is now opening a second location, marking an exciting milestone in its journey.
The Founders and Their Journey
Fat Tea was co-founded by June Yap, a local entrepreneur, and Susana Batalha, a now-retired chef of Macanese descent. The duo met through a mutual friend five years before launching the restaurant in 2016. June has deep roots in Malaysia’s dining scene, having worked in the industry since the 2000s. She also ran Oriental Cravings, a Chinese restaurant in 1 Utama, following the footsteps of her parents and grandparents.
Interestingly, June never initially intended to join the food and beverage (F&B) business. “When I was young, seeing my parents and grandparents working so hard, I told myself I never want to go into F&B. But I guess I have the genes?” she shared. Despite her initial reluctance, June’s passion for the business grew over time.
Susana, on the other hand, hails from Macau, born to a Portuguese mother and a Macanese father. She spent over 17 years running a café in Sydney before relocating to Kuala Lumpur with her partner. Before retiring in 2024, Susana served as the chef at Fat Tea, bringing her family’s culinary legacy to the restaurant. Her heritage plays a central role in ensuring the authenticity of Fat Tea’s dishes.
The Authenticity of Macanese Cuisine
Macanese cuisine is a blend of Cantonese and Portuguese influences, with roots dating back to Portuguese sailors and settlers who introduced European ingredients to Macau. Over time, other flavors from regions like Goa, South Africa, and Melaka were incorporated, creating a unique culinary fusion. As Susana notes, her family’s connection to Melaka is a significant part of the restaurant’s story.
“Both my parents are great cooks,” Susana said. “My mom was a dessert queen, and my dad used to cook every chance he could. We wanted this restaurant to be an authentic take on what I remember of Macanese food.”
The Macanese food at Fat Tea offers a window into a fusion cuisine that emerged at one of the world’s earliest culinary intersections. The Macau Government Tourist Office even collaborated with Fat Tea in 2019, further cementing the restaurant’s credibility and its role in introducing Macanese flavors to Malaysia.
Looking Ahead
Fat Tea’s success and the opening of its second location are a testament to the growing interest in Macanese cuisine in Malaysia. The restaurant continues to offer an authentic taste of Macau while celebrating the culinary heritage that bridges Portuguese and Cantonese traditions. With its expansion, Fat Tea is set to introduce more Malaysians to the rich flavors of Macanese food.
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