At the table
Eat warm, allowing the centre to cool. Break one open to enjoy the crisp exterior and soft fish-and-potato filling.
Contains fish; this version also contains egg, milk and butter. Check for stray bones and ask about the recipe if ingredients matter to you.
This version combines soaked, cooked salt cod with potato, parsley, egg, milk, butter, salt and white pepper, then fries the shaped mixture in olive and vegetable oils. Dairy and oil choices vary. No chili is added in this version.
The soft fish-and-potato centre and absence of added chili may suit children who eat fish. Cool, split and check for bones first; offer a small portion of this salty fried snack.
Recipes vary. Ask the restaurant about ingredients and serving before you order.
GET TO KNOW THE DISH
What goes into it?
Explore some key ingredients below. Preparations may use additional seasonings and ingredients.
Typical ingredients
Recipes vary by restaurant.
How does it taste?
Salt-cod flavor.
- Chili heat
- Texture
- Mashed filling.
- How it’s made
- Mash salt cod and potato, shape the mixture into croquettes and fry.
A CONNECTION TO PLACE
Origin & regional roots
Associated with Macau.
Ask if they have it first
请问你们有馬介休球吗？
Do you have this item?
A LITTLE SOMETHING TO READ
Story & history
Salt cod made into a small snack
This account describes a tradition or story, rather than an established historical fact.
Portuguese salt-cod cakes are known in Macau as bolinhos when shaped into small or oval pieces. Soaking the preserved fish, removing its bones and combining it with potato turns a firm salted ingredient into a tender fried snack served at festive gatherings.