You can spend days visiting monuments, walking through old neighborhoods, and taking in the views, but there is one local food that almost every visitor tries at least once: the Pastel de Nata. This small custard tart is part of everyday life in Lisbon. Locals eat it with coffee, visitors stop for one between attractions, and bakeries throughout the city bake fresh batches all day.
If you are already planning to visit the Belém Tower or take a Tagus River cruise, it is easy to include a stop for a freshly baked Pastel de Nata on the same day.
What is a Pastel de Nata?
A Pastel de Nata is a small Portuguese custard tart made with flaky puff pastry and a creamy egg custard filling. The top is baked at a very high temperature, giving it the dark caramelized spots that are considered a sign of a good tart.
It is usually served slightly warm. Many bakeries also offer cinnamon and powdered sugar so you can add them yourself, although plenty of people eat it exactly as it comes out of the oven.
The tart is filling enough for a snack but small enough that many people end up ordering two. It is traditionally enjoyed with an espresso, known in Portugal simply as a coffee.
What is the history of the pastry?
The Pastel de Nata has its roots in the Belém area of Lisbon. The recipe is closely connected with the monks of the Jerónimos Monastery, who used egg yolks in many recipes after egg whites had been used for other purposes. Over time, the custard tart became one of Portugal’s best-known pastries.
Today you can find Pastéis de Nata throughout Portugal and far beyond, but many visitors like to try one in Lisbon because this is where the pastry became famous.
Where should you eat a Pastel de Nata in Lisbon?
You will find them almost everywhere. Neighborhood bakeries, cafés, pastry shops, and even some supermarkets sell them. The quality varies, so it is worth choosing a bakery that bakes them fresh throughout the day rather than one where they have been sitting in a display case for hours.
If you are visiting Belém, trying a tart there is a popular choice. Because the area is also home to the Belém Tower and other major sights, expect queues, especially during weekends and the busiest months of the year. The line may look long, but it often moves steadily.
Outside the main tourist areas, you can often find excellent Pastéis de Nata with shorter waiting times and lower prices.
How much does it cost?
A single Pastel de Nata is inexpensive compared with many other snacks in Lisbon. Prices depend on the bakery and whether you eat in or take it away, but it remains one of the more affordable local treats.
If you order one together with a coffee, it makes a simple breakfast or afternoon break without spending much.
Can you make it at home?
Yes, although making a traditional Pastel de Nata takes practice. The pastry should be light and crisp, while the custard needs to stay creamy without becoming runny. The high baking temperature also plays an important role in creating the characteristic browned top.
If you enjoy learning local recipes during your travels, you might also like the idea of joining a food workshop elsewhere in Europe. For example, visitors to Amsterdam can take a private stroopwafel workshop to learn how another famous local sweet is made. Just as the Dutch are proud of their stroopwafels, the Pastel de Nata is the pastry most closely associated with Portugal.
Is it worth trying?
Yes. Even if you are not normally interested in desserts, the Pastel de Nata is a small and inexpensive way to taste something that is closely connected with Lisbon. Try one fresh from the oven if you can, ideally with a coffee, and compare different bakeries during your stay.
You do not need to plan your entire day around finding one. Chances are you will pass several bakeries while walking around the city. A short stop for a warm Pastel de Nata is an easy addition to your sightseeing and gives you a better idea of what locals enjoy every day.
