Cha Gordo (literally Fat Tea[1]) is a culinary tradition amongst the Macanese community in Macau that is likened to high tea.[1]
Historically, families with Portuguese heritage in Macau would host a Cha Gordo for a number of occasions, including Catholic holidays, christening, or birthdays, but it can be held for any reason.[2] Some families, historically, would even host one on a weekly basis.[1]
A Cha Gordo would take place following a Macanese wedding, instead of the elaborate banquet seen in Chinese weddings.[3]
Cha Gordos are noted to be elaborate,[4] consisting of 12 dishes or more.[1] Cha Gordos typically start in the mid-afternoon, in order to allow the children to eat, and allow the adults to continue on with the entertainment, as the children go to bed.[2]
Some of the dishes included in a Cha Gordo include Bolinhos de bacalhau, Minchi, Sopa de lacassá, and Tacho.[1] [2] [5]
Due to cramped living conditions in modern-day Macau, Cha Gordo has become a much rarer affair,[6] but they have been held as community events on a regular basis (such as on Christmas), in an effort to preserve Macanese culture.[6]