Pastel de Nata | The Pastry That Will Make You Want to Eat Portugal

If there’s one thing Portugal has gifted the world, it's the scrumptious, flaky, creamy, and absolutely irresistible Pastel de Nata! This little custard tart is more than just a snack; it’s a hug for your taste buds, wrapped in buttery golden pastry, and has become synonymous with Portugal’s rich culinary heritage.

The history of pastel de nata is rooted in the monastery pastry tradition. It is believed that the pastry was first created by monks at the Jerónimos Monastery in Belém, just outside of Lisbon. One story says the monks sold the recipe to a nearby sugar refinery, not realizing that this little pastry would become Portugal's iconic dessert.

These little beauties have a crispy, flaky pastry shell with velvety custard filling. The custard is rich, smooth, and slightly caramelized on top. One bite will transport you straight to a sunny Portuguese café. But wait—there’s more! A sprinkle of cinnamon or powdered sugar is often the final touch, making this treat even more tempting. And if you can get one just out of the oven, you will come as close as nirvana gets in Portugal.

Pastel de nata can be enjoyed at any time of day (which may become a serious problem!), whether as a morning snack with coffee, as the Portuguese usually like to eat it, or a sweet indulgence after a meal. Their popularity has spread worldwide, with many bakeries outside Portugal offering their versions of the treat. However, despite its global presence, the pastel de nata remains a symbol of Portuguese culinary artistry: simple yet irresistibly delicious.

If you want to try the best Pastel de Nata in Lisbon, join us on our next Portugal wine tour, where we will eat the best one in the city but show you other culinary secrets this country has to offer.