According to the Taste Atlas guide, the top two places on the world pastry podium are reserved for Portugal.
Among the 50 best cakes in the world, the first place is reserved for the traditional “Pastel de Belém” with a score of 4.9 out of 5. Next, in second place, Portugal is also represented with the “Pastel de Nata”, which has a rating of 4.8.
The Portuguese “Bola de Berlim” is also on the list, in 26th place, with a score of 4.5. The guide refers to this cake as a “filled donut” and recommends trying it at the famous Zé Natário in Viana do Castelo.
All about 100 best-rated pastries in the world at the link: https://t.co/evYxfVuw7K pic.twitter.com/9zd7K0wqbw
— TasteAtlas (@TasteAtlas) February 23, 2023
The guide describes “Pastel de Belém” as a cake traditionally baked by monks at the Jerónimos Monastery since 1837, and that only the cakes made at the Pastéis de Belém factory – where one can witness endless lines of tourists due to the cake’s popularity – can be called “Pastel de Belém”.
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FAQs
Pastel de Belém and Pastel de Nata are considered the best pastries in the world. According to the Taste Atlas guide, the top two places on the world pastry podium are reserved for Portugal.
What is the most famous pastry in Portugal? ›
If there's one Portuguese food item you already know, it's most likely the country's renowned egg tarts (in Portuguese, this delicacy is known as pastel de nata, or “cream pastry”). Pastéis de Belém, a pastry shop just west of Lisbon, claims to be the originator of what is ostensibly the country's most famous pastry.
Which country has the best pastry in the world? ›
There's no doubt Portugal has the best pastry in the world, according to Taste Atlas. The country took the two top spots in the world food atlas' recently published list of the 100 best pastries in the world for 2023.
Why is pastel de nata famous? ›
During the liberal revolution, the monks of the Jeronimos Monastery, located in Belém, created the original recipe of the first “pastéis de nata” as a way to ensure their survival. The monks sold the little custard tarts to tourists who arrived by steamboat to visit the monastery and the nearby Torre de Belém.
Can you get pastel de nata in Madeira? ›
However, you will find small bakeries on every corner of the street in Madeira, so getting a hold of a pastel de nata is not really an issue. You'll find them everywhere!
What is the special pastry in Lisbon? ›
A specialty all over Lisbon, pasteis de nata are the famous Portuguese egg tart pastries. They have a flaky crust with a custard filling and are best enjoyed topped with a dusting of powdered sugar & cinnamon!
Are pastel de nata good? ›
Inside the filling is creamy, rich and only slightly sweet. If you don't love super sweet treats, you're going to love pastéis de nata! Locals typically order their pastel with a bica (espresso shot) to it wash down. As you might guess, it's typically eaten during the morning hours as the perfect light breakfast…
What is a fun fact about pastel de nata? ›
This simple but delectable treat was actually created in an effort to prevent food waste: the nuns and monks would use egg whites to starch their clothes, which left an abundance of egg yolks. Thus: the egg yolk-based custard in pastéis de nata was born!
What is the difference between pastel de nata and belem? ›
They are the same thing. The diference is that the pastéis de Belém are pastéis de nata produced by the local pastelaria de Belém supposed to be the place owning the original recipe.
Should pastel de nata be refrigerated? ›
How to Store Pasteis de Nata. While pasteis de nata are best enjoyed warm on the day they're made, they can be stored at room temperature for up to two days.
As a fresh product at ambient temperature it should be consumed within 24 hours. As a frozen product it has 12 months shelf life. Storage conditions are in a closed package in the freezer at -18C. Once defrosted, the Pastel de Nata should be prepared and consumed within the next 24 hours.
Is pastel de nata breakfast? ›
It was love at first taste for the pastel de nata — a custard tart in a puff pastry, small enough to hold in the palm of your hand but satisfying enough to serve as a breakfast treat, afternoon snack or dessert.
What is the traditional Portuguese pastry? ›
Pasteis de nata, or Portuguese custard tarts, with their signature flaky crust and sweet custard filling are world-famous, and incredibly delicious. This recipe shows you how to make them from scratch, using basic ingredients.
What is a typical Portugal cake? ›
The Bolo de Bolacha is a traditional Portuguese cake, without baking, made of different layers of Maria biscuits and butter cream. The Bolo de Bolacha is a very common cake in Portugal that can be found in all pastelarias and on all party or birthday tables.
What is the famous pastry in Sintra Portugal? ›
The Travesseiros de Sintra are one of the most sought after sweets in Sintra, by both locals and tourists alike. Travesseiros are made with puff pastry, egg yolks, almonds and sugar, and are universally recognised as one of Sintra's greatest delicacies.