The Eight

Here are three unique and unconventional aspects of The Eight, Macau, a Michelin-starred restaurant:

1. Chinese Symbolism and Number Eight Theme
The restaurant's interior design is deeply infused with Chinese symbolism, particularly the number '8', which is considered a symbol of good fortune in Chinese culture. This theme extends to motifs like goldfish and the use of red and black colors, which are traditionally auspicious. The number eight is cleverly woven into the decor to enhance the dining experience with cultural significance.

2. Hidden Entrance with Water Curtains and Virtual Goldfish
The Eight is accessed through a hidden corridor inside the Grand Lisboa Hotel, featuring relaxing water curtains and virtual swimming goldfish projections. This unconventional entrance adds an element of mystery and serenity before guests even sit down to dine, setting a unique tone for the experience.

3. Extensive Wine List Shared Across the Hotel
Unlike many Chinese restaurants, The Eight boasts an extraordinarily large wine menu with 16,800 labels, shared by all restaurants in the Grand Lisboa Hotel. This extensive selection includes both Old World chateaux and surprising newcomers, with a sommelier available to expertly guide guests through pairings. Such a vast and sophisticated wine offering is rare for a Cantonese fine dining establishment.

These features combine to make The Eight a distinctive blend of traditional Chinese culture, modern technology, and global fine dining sophistication.

The most honored or signature ingredients at the Michelin-starred restaurant The Eight in Macau include:

• Japanese Abalone: Featured in appetizers such as fungus and abalone served with pomelo jelly, abalone is prized for its tender texture and mild flavor, adding luxury and refinement to dishes.

• Char Siu Berkshire Pork: Used in steamed rice rolls and the famous honey-glazed barbecued pork, this pork variety is known for its rich flavor and succulent texture, elevated by a perfectly balanced honey glaze that is not overly sweet.

• Carabineros (Argentinian Red Shrimp): Imported for their intense flavor and vibrant color, these large shrimp are part of the restaurant’s focus on high-quality seafood, contributing to the freshness and visual appeal of dishes.

• A5 Kagoshima Beef: Used in pan-fried sliced beef rolls with watercress, this premium Japanese beef is celebrated for its marbling and tenderness, providing a luxurious meat experience.

• Hairy Crab Roe: Incorporated in signature xiao long bao, the crab roe enriches the dumplings with a delicate seafood essence and adds depth to the broth inside the dumplings.

These ingredients are significant as they represent a blend of traditional Cantonese culinary techniques with imported, premium produce, allowing The Eight to innovate familiar dishes while maintaining high standards of quality and flavor.