Taste of Portugal: Pastéis de Nata | Things to do in Lisbon (2024)

FAQs

What is the most famous Portuguese tart in Lisbon? ›

Pastéis de Belém

It's the most famous spot in Lisbon to eat pastéis de nata, and is an absolute must when you visit. Since 1837, locals and tourists alike have been lining up to snag a box of custard tarts to eat in the café or on the go.

During your Lisbon Tuk-Tuk Pastéis de Nata tour you will listen curiosities and legends about the spots. This Lisbon experience has one of the major food national symbol, the famous custard tarts. After 60 minutes knowing Lisbon you will learn the step by step of this famous sweet.

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…

The pastel de nata is Lisbon's most famous cake. Particularly well-known are Pastéis de Belém and the huge queues which form as they emerge straight out of the oven.

Yes, you can bring pastel de nata on a plane as long as they are properly packaged and adhere to the airline's food regulations.

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. Reheat them in a 350 degrees F oven for best results.

These tarts are best enjoyed warm, rather than hot, and eaten on the day they're made, though they do keep for a day or so (and will benefit from a quick crisp-up in the oven before serving).

Perhaps the most famous Portuguese dessert, Pastel de Nata or Pastel de Belém is a custard tart pastry with a crisp, flaky crust and a creamy custard filling. This is a true icon when it comes to dishes to try in Portugal.

What pastries is Portugal known for? ›

Other than the most famous Portuguese egg custard pastry, Pastel de Nata, some popular pastries also include French-inspired Palmiers, Napoleões (Napoleans) and Croissants (albeit more brioche in style), as well as interestingly-named pastries like Pao de Deu (Bread of God), Jesuita (Jesuit) and Pata de Veado (Deer ...

Pastéis de nata tarts are pastries inspired by an original recipe called Pastéis de Belém, which were created before the 18th century by Catholic monks at the Jerónimos Monastery in the civil parish of Saint Mary of Bethlehem, in Lisbon.

Instead of a short, crumbly pastry, the pastel de nata has a crisp, slightly salty, layered crust; and, rather than the firm, egg-rich fillings of the classic British or French custard tart, the filling is almost molten, and spiced with cinnamon and lemon zest, as opposed to our peppery nutmeg or sweet vanilla.

$3.99* These classic Portuguese egg tarts feature a flaky crust and creamy custard center.

Ginjinha is a Portuguese liqueur made from aguardente (brandy or fortified wine) that's been infused with sour cherries, sugar, and cinnamon. It's dark red, super sweet, and surprisingly strong, with an ABV of around 18–24%.