Koi Kei Almond Cookies: Macau's Most Popular Souvenir?

Koi Kei Bakery is probably the most prominent souvenir shop along the road to the Ruins of St. Paul in Macau. You can hardly walk a few steps without spotting a Koi Kei shop, and it’s no exaggeration to say that some are located right across from or even next to each other. Although they’re all owned by the same company, why open so many? It’s almost overwhelming to the point of fatigue. Interestingly, another well-known brand, Choi Heong Yuen Bakery, seemed to be absent this time.

Koi Kei Bakery and Choi Heong Yuen were probably the two most frequently enjoyed pastry brands in the past, partly because they were the easiest to purchase, given the number of stores they had. Plus, their flavors were quite decent. Back then, a relative of mine worked in mainland China and frequently returned to Taiwan via Macau, so we had the chance to enjoy these pastries every 2-3 months.

When meat floss was still allowed to be brought into Taiwan, my favorite was the meat floss egg roll. Koi Kei's Phoenix Rolls also came in a seaweed meat floss flavor. Unfortunately, these can no longer be brought back as souvenirs and can only be enjoyed locally. I used to really like the meat floss egg rolls, while almond cookies were more of an occasional treat. When I was younger, I wasn’t as fond of their taste—not that I disliked them, but they weren’t my first choice either.

Since these items can’t be brought back, I’ve lost much of my interest in buying souvenirs. If I do buy anything, it’s just a small portion to try, something that can be finished on the spot. This approach isn’t too bad, though, as these pastries aren’t exactly health foods. Skipping them doesn’t make much of a difference. In fact, it curbs the urge to purchase, saves money, and is a bit healthier too!