Created centuries ago by humble religious orders in Lisbon, who found they had an abundance of egg whites leftover from starching their vestments, these scrumptious custard tarts are without a doubt the iconic cuisine of Portugal. Here’s our pick of the very finest cinnamon-dusted fancies in town.
Y’know what’s almost as Portuguese as pastel de nata? Fado music, that’s what – and these are the most melodious fado houses in all Lisbon.
Fine, you’ve eaten your dessert first, but you should still make a beeline for the best restaurants in Lisbon.
Pastéis de Belém
Pastéis de Belém – the pious OG of the Lisbon tart scene / Image: Antiga Confeitaria de Belém, Lda.
Ready for a history lesson? In 1837, monks at Belém’s Jerónimos Monastery fell on hard times, and were forced to sell those delectable custard tarts they’d been noshing on in secret for years at a Belém sugar refinery. All modern pastel de nata are based on this original ‘pastel de Belém’, but the recipe here is a jealously guarded secret. Some speculate pork lard is the magic ingredient. Is it really the best? There’s only one way for find out, and that’s for yourself.
84 92, R. de Belém, Santa Maria de Belém
pasteisdebelem.pt/en/
Fábrica da Nata
Pastel stans activate – these are faultless fabrications / Image: Alamy
The name literally means ‘custard factory’ and this Restauradores Square dessert hotspot – there’s also a branch on Rua Augusta, and a couple up in Porto – certainly prepares a perfect pastel de nata. Perch yourself on a bench and watch the maestros at work through the glass, and order a couple with good strong coffee. They also do an inventive quiche made with pastel-style crusts, or cod fritters, but really this factory is one for the pastel purists.
62-68 Praça dos Restauradores, Restauradores
fabricadanata.com/fabricadanata-1
