Upstairs mezzanine canteen before security, Macau Daily is the cheap local option
On the mezzanine floor of the MTB terminal’s public area (Space No. 01-02-0010), Macau Daily runs 07:00–21:30 and feels more like a staff canteen than an airport restaurant. It’s landside, so you eat here before security, then head to check-in and screening. Expect basic Asian canteen food, plastic trays, and quick turnover rather than anything polished.
With a price tier of $ and Google reviewers calling out “basic congee + noodles breakfast for cheap by airport standards,” Macau Daily undercuts most airside options and the McDonald’s downstairs. Typical breakfast plates sit in the MOP 30–50 range, so you can get congee, noodles, or simple rice dishes without burning through cash before your flight.
The menu skews local Asian: think congee, noodle soups, fried noodles, and simple stir‑fries, not Western brunch. English on the menu is patchy, and several reviews mention limited translations, so non‑Chinese speakers usually point at dish photos on the boards. If you’re picky, stick to visible, ready-made items instead of trying to decode every Chinese‑only line.
Macau residents on local forums say they eat a proper meal at Macau Daily, then only grab bottled drinks or small snacks airside in MTB. Regulars also recommend arriving shortly after the 07:00 opening for fresher fried items and a quieter room before airport workers pack the mezzanine. The fact that a lot of staff eat here is a decent signal on value, if not ambience.
Watch out for the “tired” dining room and reports of tables not being wiped promptly during busy periods, especially around 08:00–09:30 morning departures. Seating is standard canteen style, and at a 3‑star average rating you’re here for calories and price, not atmosphere. One practical tip: budget 20–30 minutes to eat, then another 20–30 minutes to clear security to MTB gates, so you’re not rushing your congee while watching the clock.