Rua das Estalagens: The Businesses of Revitalisation (Part I)

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Once a bustling hub for artisans and merchants, Rua das Estalagens now welcomes a new wave of entrepreneurs blending tradition with innovation. Sands China has published a bilingual edition of In Search of Its Roots – An Illustrated History of Rua das Estalagens, revealing the stories behind this historic street and inviting residents and visitors alike to rediscover its century-old shops and cultural atmosphere. Each month, Plataforma and Sands China will highlight the community, businesses, and revitalisation efforts that aim to breathe new life into one of Macao’s oldest streets. Through captivating stories, we explore its transformation, honouring its past while shaping its future. Each report will be published in Chinese, English, and Portuguese on the last Friday of every month, in print and digital formats.

Learn more about In Search of Its Roots – An Illustrated History of Rua das Estalagens

• Producer: Sands China Ltd.
• Publisher: Macau Artist Society
• Author: Siguo Chen
• Illustrator: Shirley Lu

In Search of Its Roots – An Illustrated History of Rua das Estalagens Earns PATA Gold Award 
The bilingual publication In Search of Its Roots – An Illustrated History of Rua das Estalagens was one of the winners of the PATA Gold Awards 2025, being distinguished in the category of Best Printed Marketing Campaign (Industry). The book reveals the stories of this street, inviting Macao’s residents and visitors to rediscover its century-old shops and cultural atmosphere.

The Faces of Revitalisation on Rua das Estalagens

Pan Pan

Born from a passion for artisanal baking, Pan Pan was created by Steven Xie and his partner, who studied at the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu academy in London. The plan was already laid out: “To bring together European baking techniques with local flavours.” The decision to apply for the Sands China Entrepreneurship Recruitment Programme came from Steven Xie’s conviction that the brand needed visibility in order to grow and make a difference. Products range from classics such as Basque cheesecake to exclusive creations like the Ginger Tofu Bombe and the Fermented Tofu Croissant. “We also have a highly skilled barista from Mainland China, because we believe that good drinks are essential to complete the experience.” Careful design, investment in image and the quality of the products have made Pan Pan one of the emerging names among Macao’s new generation of street businesses.

Catfee Macau

Catfee Macau had already built a loyal community but needed to grow and become more accessible. When the opportunity to apply for the programme arose, Agostinho Castro saw the chance to turn his idea into something greater. The result is a composite space that goes beyond a traditional café: on the first floor, visitors find rescued cats awaiting adoption, creating an experience that unites socialising with social good. “We want customers to come for coffee — helping to cover the cats’ medical expenses — but also to consider adopting them,” says Agostinho.

Also read: Rua das Estalagens: Stories of Resilience in Fabric and Glass

Glow Gelato

“We have always intended to establish ourselves in this part of the city,” Billy Kuok says. As soon as he heard about the programme, there was no hesitation. “Glow Gelato specialises in Italian-style gelato without preservatives, additives or artificial colouring. Everything is natural and fresh,” he says, adding that what sets them apart “are the collaborations with local businesses to create signature flavours.” The eighteen flavours on offer include pastel de nata and peanut candies, with hopes to “strengthen and create new partnerships in the future.”

Entrepreneurship Recruitment Programme 

These three stories are part of a wider effort. Since 2024, Sands China has been leading the revitalisation of Rua das Estalagens, breathing new life into one of Macao’s most historic streets. One of its early actions was launching the Entrepreneurship Recruitment Programme: an initiative created to finance and support creative, sustainable businesses willing to contribute to the street’s transformation.

Sands China received 128 applications, of which 120 met the eligibility criteria. After three rigorous rounds of evaluation by a panel of judges, seven projects were selected as those best aligned with the Macao Government’s revitalisation strategy.

The Entrepreneurship Recruitment Programme provided financial support for the launch of these businesses, but it did not stop there. It assisted them in selecting their locations on Rua das Estalagens and ensured follow-up throughout the licensing processes. Today, it continues to support these businesses through active promotion of their brands across various platforms and events that Sands China organises or participates in, generating buzz about the historical street.

PLATAFORMA also visited other winners of the Entrepreneurship Recruitment Programme. Café Fantart, Voyage Thai Kitchen and Little Port will be featured in the next edition, scheduled for 31 October.

Check our print version of the Special Report