Kei de Freitas

Chef Patron of Macau Kitchen

Meet Chef Kei the culinary storyteller known as "The Spice Trade Narrator."

A proud Eurasian born to a Portuguese father and a Eurasian mother, Chef Kei’s heritage is the foundation of his culinary identity. As the co-founder of Macau Kitchen in Scotland, he acts as a bridge between cultures, using the spirit of his ancestors to bring an evolving, soulful dining experience to the local scene.

He is the author of the cookbook Flavours of the Portuguese Spice Trade, which explores the historical links between maritime routes and features dishes from every trading post leading to Macau. Beyond the kitchen, Chef Kei is a global authority on Luso-Asian culture, serving as an Ambassador for Korsang di Melaka and a professional member of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs.

His expertise is sought after by the next generation of chefs; he has served as a guest lecturer at the Macau Institute for Tourism Studies (IFTM), where he shared menu design strategies with fourth-year students in the Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts Management programme.

Through his work, Chef Kei continues to narrate the vibrant, spiced history of his lineage, blending deep tradition with a modern Luso-Asian  touch.

Hoeyyn 

Co-Founder and Front of House at Macau Kitchen

Hoeyyn’s perspective is uniquely shaped by her background as an award-winning artist—a creative vision physically anchored by her giant centerpiece painting at Macau Kitchen, Coração de Macau (the heart of Macau), which defines the restaurant's atmosphere. This artistic lens gives her a profound empathy for the "food artist" in the kitchen; she deeply respects Chef Kei’s need for creative freedom, knowing that true innovation flourishes when an artist has the autonomy to experiment and evolve.

This synergy breathes life into the dining room. Rather than merely listing ingredients, Hoeyyn narrates the story behind each dish on the ever-evolving menu, translating Chef Kei’s latest inspirations into a shared experience. It is this rare bridge between culinary art and genuine connection that earned them Best Customer Service of the Year at the Spice Awards 2025.

For Hoeyyn, the front of house is her medium. Her joy comes from the "spark"—the moment a guest truly relaxes and feels cared for. To her, the ultimate reward isn't just a smooth shift, but the collective pride of a team creating beautiful, lasting memories for every guest who walks through the door.