YAU KEI: THREADS OF SWEET TRADITION IN THE HEART OF MACAU
In the winding streets of Macau, where modernity and heritage weave together like silk, Yau Kei Dragon Beard Candy stands as a rare and treasured taste of tradition. Established in 1986 by master candy maker Yuen Tin Yau, this family-run brand is more than just a sweet treat—it’s a living expression of Macau’s culinary heritage and cultural resilience.
A Delicate Art Rooted in History
Dragon beard candy—once reserved for Chinese emperors—is an ancient delicacy dating back over a thousand years. Made from stretched maltose strands finer than human hair and filled with crushed peanuts, sesame seeds, and coconut, it earned its name from the mythical dragon, a symbol of power and nobility. This candy is not merely made, it is performed. Each piece is hand-pulled, twisted, and spun into over 16,000 silky threads in a mesmerizing display of craftsmanship that can now be watched through the glass studio of Yau Kei’s flagship store in the St. Lazarus district.
From Hawker Stall to Cultural Landmark
Yuen Tin Yau began selling his candy from a street cart near Macau’s Red Market in the 1980s, winning hearts with both the candy’s theatrical preparation and its melt-in-the-mouth magic. When he retired, his son Kenny Yuen, who once studied biology in the UK, returned home to carry on the legacy. Today, Kenny leads Yau Kei into the future while honoring its roots, blending traditional techniques with a renewed passion to preserve a fading art form.
A Heritage Worth Protecting
In recognition of its cultural importance, Yau Kei’s dragon beard candy was added to the Macao Government’s Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2020—a testament to its role as a symbol of local identity and resilience. Confection of Dragon Beard Candy-Intangible Cultural Heritage-Cultural Heritage Amidst a rapidly modernizing city, Yau Kei keeps ancient knowledge alive, offering younger generations both inspiration and opportunity to inherit a craft nearly lost to time.
Tradition Meets Innovation
While the original candy continues to captivate, Yau Kei also evolves with modern palates. New flavors like durian, tofu, chocolate ice cream, and even lychee tea are redefining what a traditional snack can be. Whether you’re sampling it fresh from their store, buying one of the 2,000 boxes sold monthly, or enjoying it as an in-room treat at Macau’s luxury hotels, Yau Kei proves that heritage and innovation are not opposites—they’re partners.
More Than Candy—A Cultural Experience
Yau Kei is not just a brand. It is a movement to preserve Macau’s unique culinary identity, one silky strand at a time. Through live demonstrations, workshops, and cross-generational storytelling, Yau Kei invites you to witness, taste, and celebrate a sweet piece of Macau’s soul.
