Pastel de nata: love at first bite

Who doesn’t know the Pastel de Nata?

This mouth-watering Portuguese pastry is, without a doubt, the ultimate national symbol of Portugal, gaining immense popularity in recent years. The combination of a fragile, flaky crust and creamy custard is what makes the Pastel de Nata a timeless classic, beloved not only in Portugal but across the globe. Today, you can enjoy Pastel de Nata in countries like the UK, Australia, Canada, the United States, France, and Luxembourg.

The Pastel de Nata originated in Portugal in the early 19th century at the Jerónimos Monastery in Belém, Lisbon. Monks created these pastries as a way to use up leftover egg yolks (since egg whites were commonly used for starching clothes). After the monastery closed in 1834, the secret recipe was sold to a nearby bakery, the now-famous Fábrica de Pastéis de Belém, where the tradition continues. Every day, tourists flock to this renowned bakery, patiently waiting for their chance to enjoy a freshly baked, still-warm pastel de nata, paired with a cup of coffee, or as the locals say, a bica.

As for the ingredients, these tarts are deceptively simple. The crust is made from delicate puff pastry, giving it that crisp, flaky texture. The filling is a rich custard, made from egg yolks, sugar, cream, milk, and a hint of vanilla or cinnamon. Baked until golden brown with a signature caramelized top, these pastéis are easily recognizable by their delicious dark spots. 

Given its growing global appeal, there’s no doubt that the Pastel de Nata is set to win even more fans worldwide.

 That’s why we showcase a brand-new workshop  offering pastry lovers a unique opportunity to uncover the secrets behind this iconic dessert, which rivals the fame of the French macaron (click here for bookings) 

In addition to learning how to craft this traditional treat, you’ll spend a few enjoyable hours in great company, making new friends among other expats in the Algarve who, like you, are eager to immerse themselves in the local culture through food.

An Asian Hit Finds Its Way to Europe: The Story of Pastel de Nata

While Pastel de Nata has become Portugal’s most iconic pastry, its success in Asia predates its widespread fame in Europe. Although the Fábrica de Pastéis de Belém in Lisbon set the stage for the pastry’s European prominence, the Pastéis de Nata made their way to Macau—now a special administrative region of China—long before they took over Europe. Macau, inhabited by the Portuguese since 1550 and officially annexed to the Empire in 1887, became the launching point for the pastry’s spread throughout China and neighboring countries like Malaysia. In these regions, the pastel evolved into richer versions, often made with lard instead of butter.

A particularly intriguing chapter of the pastel’s global journey involves the entrepreneurial spirit of Andrew Stow, a former British pharmacist .In 1989, he opened the most famous Pastéis de Nata bakery in Macau, where he created a hybrid of the Portuguese pastel and the British egg tart, a pastry filled with custard. Stow’s creation was a massive success, with people queuing for hours to taste his innovative tart. His success inspired many imitators, and soon similar shops opened throughout the region. By 1998, Stow’s pastéis reached Taiwan, and in 1999, they spread to Osaka, Japan, and the Philippines. Click here to discover the fascinating story of how he built his bakery empire in Macau and continues to expand worldwide.

Despite their early success in Asia, Pastéis de Nata have been slower to gain recognition in the West, until recently. Their current global popularity can be credited in part to the surge of tourists visiting Lisbon—a vibrant, modern capital that now rivals other major European cities. Among these visitors are young digital nomads, who frequently document their travels on social media. By snapping and sharing photos of Pastel de Nata, they have helped catapult the pastry to international fame.

To give you an idea of its growing popularity, from 2013 to 2017, the Fábrica de Pastéis de Belém saw a 30% increase in sales, expanding from 31 employees to 180 and producing over 20,000 pastéis daily! (click here to watch how they make pastries at 'Pasteis de Belém')

Gift the Pastel de Nata Cooking Class to Your Loved Ones

Explore our extensive catalog of gift vouchers, offering culinary experiences centered around the finest products from the Algarve and Portuguese gastronomy. 

For those who are eager to learn more about these rich traditions, our workshops provide an immersive and delicious experience.

Book your cooking class now by clicking here, or gift this unforgettable experience to a loved one who has a passion for gastronomy. It’s a unique and fun gift idea, perfect for birthdays or Christmas!