Eating in China
Generated guide illustration of portuguese seafood rice; not a restaurant or product photograph.

Portuguese-style seafood rice

葡式海鮮飯Púshì hǎixiān fàn

Rice simmered with tomato and mixed seafood.

Heat
Not recorded
Region
Macau
Type
Staple foods
Order in Chinese

At the table

How to enjoy it

Eat the rice with its broth using a spoon. Remove prawn and mussel shells before eating; cut chewy octopus into manageable pieces.

A useful check

Contains seafood, including crustaceans and molluscs; this preparation also uses fish stock and white wine. Cream versions contain milk. Confirm the seafood mix, stock ingredients and alcohol if relevant.

How it may vary

The illustrated tomato version may include prawns, mussels and octopus. One preparation uses onion, garlic, olive oil, coriander, white wine and fish stock. Seafood, rice type and seasonings vary; cream-based versions are separate. Ask about added chili.

GET TO KNOW THE DISH

What goes into it?

Explore some key ingredients below. Preparations may use additional seasonings and ingredients.

Both tomato-based and cream-based versions are made.

In some versions

Recipes vary by restaurant.

How does it taste?

Seafood and tomato.

Chili heat
Heat not recorded
Texture
Brothy rice.
How it’s made
Simmer.

Both tomato-based and cream-based versions are made.

A CONNECTION TO PLACE

Origin & regional roots

Explore regional food

Associated with Macau.

Ask if they have it first

ASK IF IT'S AVAILABLE

请问你们有葡式海鮮飯吗?

Do you have this item?

A LITTLE SOMETHING TO READ

Story & history

Rice that keeps its broth

This account describes a tradition or story, rather than an established historical fact.

Portuguese-style seafood rice in Macau is cooked in its liquid rather than served as dry rice with a topping. The grains absorb seafood and tomato flavours while their starch gives the broth some body. Short-grain and long-grain rice are both used. Tomato-based and cream-based preparations offer different versions of the dish.

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