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Taking its stylistic cues from the brothels and opium dens of old 1930s Macao, this restaurant basement lounge is dim and raucous. Visual zingers abound: a glass case displays opium pipes, Tibetan penis fertility symbols, vintage black-and-white photos of naked call-girls, and pin-up posters. Ornate, bamboo-carved candelabras dot the red walls, and red lanterns cling to the pressed tin ceiling. All this and a DJ booth! But MTC has more to offer than just ambience. Taking advantage of Macao’s unique blend of Chinese and Portuguese culture, the upstairs kitchen dishes out a nice blend of signature Eurasian fusion dishes: Lobster dumplings with cilantro dip, Peking roasted pork ribs, Portuguese-style sirloins. The scant floor-space is always packed, with barely enough elbow room for a waiter to navigate towards the waiting tables and banquettes. But somehow, the food arrives on time and the drinks never spill. Dare we say, actually worth the door hassle. — John Wheeler Rappe