Cook Book

Welcome to the vibrant crossroads of history and heritage

500 Years of History, 16 Recipes, One Unforgettable Journey

Flavours of Portuguese Spice Trade by Kei de Freitas

£16.90

this book is available in English or Portuguese

Buy in-store or place an order with us for postal delivery (postage chargers apply).

Flavours of the Portuguese Spice Trade is more than just a collection of recipes; it is a culinary map of a journey that began over five centuries ago. As the co-founder of Macau Kitchen, Chef Kei's life has been defined by the "Luso-Asian" spirit—a unique fusion born when Portuguese explorers set sail, stitching together the diverse cultures of Mozambique, Goa, and Malacca.

This book follows that legendary spice route, tracing the path from the sun-drenched coasts of Portugal to the bustling markets of Southeast Asia. Within these pages, you will find 16 handpicked recipes that represent the heart of this migration. Each dish carries its own distinct identity, yet they all share a common thread of adaptation and survival.

Today, that spirit continues to evolve in Chef Kei's  current home of Scotland. Chef Kei believe that the soul of a dish shouldn't be confined only to its original land. Therefore, every recipe in this book has been chosen with a specific intention: accessibility. Whether you are in Edinburgh, Lisbon, or Malacca, these ingredients can be easily sourced, allowing you to recreate these storied flavours in your own kitchen.

Accompanying these recipes are the evocative photographs captured by Macau Kitchen co-founder, Hoeyyn. Through her lens, you will see the textures and colours that define our kitchen, bridging the gap between the historic spice trade and the modern table.

We invite you to spice your life with history, and to discover that no matter where you are in the world, the journey of flavour never truly ends.

This book is crafted for those who find themselves at home in the kitchen but yearning for distant horizons.

Whether you are an aspiring cook eager to dive into the rich, layered history of Luso-Asian cuisine, or a seasoned host looking to surprise your guests with unconventional dishes that spark conversation, these pages offer a gateway to something truly special. From the aromatic warmth of Goan spices to the refined techniques of Malacca, these recipes are designed to transform a standard dinner into an extraordinary celebration of global heritage.

For the collector or the connoisseur, this book serves as a unique gift—a piece of culinary art that celebrates the resilience of flavour and the beauty of cultural fusion. It is an invitation to explore the world through the palate, one spice at a time.