Pastel de Nata Information for Lisbon, Portugal

A talk over with to Lisbon isn’t whole with out consuming no less than one pastel de nata. On the other hand, one is never sufficient in terms of the preferred Portuguese pastry. Maximum meals vacationers in Portugal select to devour one (or extra) creamy tart for breakfast each and every unmarried day in their go back and forth. Others move on a venture to seek out the perfect pastel de nata in Lisbon.

But it surely’s no longer simply vacationers. Lisbon locals were consuming and loving pasteis de nata for the reason that nineteenth century. On the other hand, due to globalization, Portuguese natas at the moment are to be had around the globe.

Throughout our travels, we’ve eaten variations in towns like Macau, Montreal and Kyoto in addition to in a lot of Portuguese towns. However, to us, Lisbon is the undisputed king of the pastel de nata. Not like iconic meals like waffles in Belgium, cheesesteaks in Philadelphia and deep dish pizza in Chicago, there’s in point of fact no such factor as a ‘unhealthy’ nata in Portugal’s majestic capital. On the other hand, some natas are higher than others.

Professional Tip
Order pasteis de nata when you need a couple of pastel de nata. Or, simply name them natas. We use each plural variations on this information.

We was pastel de nata enthusiasts all over our honeymoon in 2007. Like many, we couldn’t get sufficient of the compact Portuguese pastry to be had in every single place town. Now that we are living in Portugal, this love has blossomed into a keenness that may’t be stopped.

Professional Tip
You’ll with ease purchase Lisbon’s easiest fit to be eaten memento on the Lisbon airport. Aloma and Pastelaria Versailles each have stores in Terminal 1 whilst Confeiteria Nacional has a store in Terminal 2. You’ll additionally purchase pastel de nata six packs within the airport’s duty-free store.

You’re lacking out for those who’ve by no means eaten a pastel de nata. This omission is reason why sufficient to get on a aircraft to Lisbon.

Pasteis de nata are creamy Portuguese egg custard tarts – mini pie-shaped puff pastry cups stuffed with shiny yellow, sugary, egg yolky custard. The tarts emerge from ultra-hot ovens that depart a dismal, nearly burnt brown flavorful patina atop a creamy middle that, preferably, isn’t overcooked and gelatinous.

To make pasteis de nata, bakers fold puff pastry into layers sooner than forming the dough into little cups. They then fill the pastry cups with cream made with substances like egg yolk, sugar, milk and cinnamon sooner than baking them. The outcome is strangely complicated taking into account the tart’s seeming simplicity.

Professional Tip
Don’t concern in case your pastel de nata has black spots on best. Those spots point out caramelization and are completely standard.

There is not any proper or improper solution to devour a pastel de nata however for those who observe those ideas you’ll temporarily change into a Pastel de Nata professional.

First and maximum vital, order espresso together with your pastel de nataa. The combo makes for a great breakfast in Lisbon.

Locals in most cases order a bica or easy coffee shot. The galão, served in a tall glass with further milk, is any other widespread Portuguese espresso variation. As for us, we love to lpair our pasteis de nata with meia de leite which is analogous to cafe au lait.

Professional Tip
Since Lisbon pastelarias in most cases serve commodity espresso sourced from Delta or Sical, make a separate go back and forth to one of the vital many Lisbon uniqueness espresso stores for those who desire ingesting 3rd wave espresso.

Subsequent, sprinkle cinnamon or powdered sugar on best of your pastel de nata. We typically upload each relying at the sweetness of the nata. You’ll in all probability in finding shakers on the pastry counter or in your desk.

When you don’t see shakers and need to request them within the local language, ask for canela for cinnamon and açúcar (pronounced eh-zoo-car) for sugar. On the other hand, maximum Lisbonites discuss very good English and can perceive you in both language.

Professional Tip
Enlarge your Portuguese pastry horizons via tasting travesseiro and queijada pastries all over a Sintra day go back and forth.

It’s tough to discover a unhealthy pastel de nata in Lisbon. The town has masses, if no longer 1000’s, of Portuguese bakeries. Some neighborhoods also have two and even 3 pastelarias at the similar block. Any cafe promoting sub-standard natas will most probably move into bankruptcy – it’s that aggressive.

In fact, you’ll need to devour the perfect pasteis de nata in Lisbon all over your talk over with. We do as neatly since each and every dense egg custard tart has 200 – 400 energy relying at the pastel de nata recipe.

After consuming our collective weight in pasteis de nata, we’ve compiled an inventory of our best 11 favourite pastel de nata Lisbon stores. You’ll succeed in they all simply via foot, public transportation or Uber.

Pass to only one or they all. You could or would possibly not get a sugar top, however you’ll undoubtedly succeed in a very best degree of ‘Natisfaction’.

Made noted via priests who invented natas nearly 200 years in the past, Antiga Confeitaria de Belém is without doubt one of the most well liked vacationer locations in all of Lisbon. The ancient cafe simply is going via Pastéis de Belém now, however their natas are nonetheless one of the most easiest within the town.

Strains queue up within the morning and don’t prevent all day lengthy. We had been skeptical sooner than our first talk over with in 2007 and questioned if the acclaimed Lisbon egg tarts would reside as much as the hype. They did. Greater than a decade and lots of Portuguese custard tarts later, Pasteis de Belém stays our favourite position to devour the long-lasting Portuguese pastry and the primary position we suggest to visiting buddies.

And we’re no longer the one ones who believe consuming a Pastel de Belém as a best factor to do in Lisbon. It’s in almost each and every information e-book and best ten Lisbon checklist. Many of us, together with us, believe it to be one of the vital easiest puts to devour in Lisbon.

Professional Tip
It’s simple to get from the middle of Lisbon to Belem. You’ll take both take a tram (#15 or #27) or an Uber. Each choices must take lower than half-hour. On the other hand, if you select to stroll, finances over an hour for each and every route.

Consuming at Pasteis de Belém is like tasting Portugal’s historical past of global conquest in each and every chunk. The tart’s shell has a singular, brittle texture that shatters like a Chinese language spring roll making us ponder the marvelous affect of Portuguese tradition all through the sector.

Guests can watch the baking procedure because the pastries emerge from the oven with golden, effervescent domes. Regardless that the unique recipe stays a guarded secret, rumor has it that Pastéis de Belém most effective makes use of natural substances, i.e. no margarine or shortening. We don’t know this needless to say as a result of… it’s a secret.

What we do know is that you want to check out no less than one nata at Pastéis de Belém. Even higher, make an afternoon out of it and talk over with within sight websites just like the Jerónimos Monastery, the Tower of Belém and MAATT (the Museum of Artwork, Structure and Generation).

Professional Tip
Skip the inevitable ‘take-away’ line on the entrance of Pastéis de Belém. As an alternative, head to the again of the cafe the place you’ll sit down at a desk and revel in your natas in convenience. Another observe: Because of their natural nature, natas from Pastéis de Belém don’t commute neatly.

Pastéis de Belém is situated at Rua de Belém 84-92, 1300-085 Lisboa, Portugal.

Manteigaria has no qualms about holding its pastel de nata recipe secret. Each day, the preferred pastry store prepares 1000’s of natas in the back of a pitcher window for all to look at with out hindrance.

On the other hand, there’s no longer a lot secret in terms of Manteigaria. Initially opened in 2014, the bakery has more than one Lisbon stores together with one on the ridiculously widespread Time Out Marketplace, one on Rua Agusta within the Baixa community and the unique in centrally situated Chiado. Locals and vacationers flock to all the Lisbon places, continuously leaving with baggage stuffed with natas.

Manteigaria excels at advertising and marketing. We see their unique baggage in every single place Lisbon. Even Phil Rosenthal ate pasteis de nata at Manteigaria and featured the revel in on his hit Netflix display Any person Feed Phil.

Some culinarily-inclined other folks believe Manteigaria to be the most efficient pastel de nata in Lisbon and we will empathize. The filling, whilst no longer the creamiest, is good with a relatively salty end. Will it’s your favourite too? Squeeze your self into a place via the bar, sprinkle cinnamon on a sizzling nata and make a decision for your self.

Professional Tip
Order a pair natas whilst you talk over with the unique Manteigaria in Chiado. Taking into account that within sight Pastalaria Benard fees greater than double for a lesser product, Manteigaria’s natas are an ideal cut price.

The unique Manteigaria is situated at Rua do Loreto 2, 1200-108 Lisboa, Portugal. The pastelaria has further places in Lisbon in addition to in Braga, Porto, Madrid, Paris and Macao.

After one chunk all over our first talk over with, we agreed that Pastelaria Versailles’ relatively taller natas had been flakier and creamier than others we had up to now eaten. We additionally loved the trace of lemon that left a lovely aftertaste for a number of mins after our ultimate bites.

Long run visits haven’t disenchanted us. We occasionally check out different muffins at Pastelaria Versailles nevertheless it’s continuously tough to go on those natas. They’re that just right.

Professional Tip
Pass hungry to Pastelaria Versailles. Greater than a pastry store, this Lisbon cafe has a menu stuffed with Portuguese classics, each savory and candy.

Pastelaria Versailles has more than one places in Lisbon. We in most cases talk over with the site at Avenida Da República 15-A, 1050-185 Lisboa, Portugal in addition to the kiosk on the Colombo Mall.

It’s possible you’ll suppose {that a} tile-covered bakery on a hilly boulevard close to the São Jorge Fortress can be a vacationer entice. You could be improper. Even supposing Pastelaria Santo António bakes pasteis de nata in one among Lisbon’s extra touristic neighborhoods, their tarts are price a steep stroll from the middle of the city.

Simplest open since 2017, this pastelaria received first position on the 11th version of the celebrated Nationwide Contest of Pastel de Nata festival in 2019.

Flaky and creamy, the pasteis de nata at Pastelaria Santo António have a definite lemon taste that differentiates those Lisbon custard tarts from the pack. Due to tight building, they keep intact regardless of their fantastically creamy custard.

Professional Tip
You’ll take loose elevators as much as the Castelo community to steer clear of a hilly exercise. We advise this selection for readers with unhealthy knees, restricted time or center prerequisites.

Pastelaria Santo António is situated at Rua Miracle of Santo António 10, 1100-351 Lisboa, Portugal.

It was once no marvel when Castro hit the bottom working when it arrived in Lisbon in 2020. Now not most effective did the pastelleria have a brief historical past in Porto underneath its belt, nevertheless it’s additionally a part of Plateform, one among Portugal’s maximum prolific eating place teams.

These days, Castro’s stores in Baixa and Chiado are notable for his or her tony decor and particular touches. Body of workers individuals serve heat natas on gold rimmed plates designed via Vista Alegre and their takeaway packaging is spiffy too.

Now not strangely, Castro’s nata costs skew top. It’s a pleasing position with a boutique environment that you just pay a little bit further for. Are their natas definitively higher than the others? Almost definitely no longer however you’ll nonetheless revel in consuming them.

Professional Tip
Multi-task via visiting the Castro cafe throughout the multi-story Zara situated on Praça da Figueira. To be transparent, the 2 duties are buying groceries and noshing.

Castro has more than one Lisbon places. The unique Chicado store is situated at Rua Garrett 38, 1200-204 Lisboa, Portugal.

Simplest open since 2016, the unique Fábrica da Nata seems like a Lisbon establishment with its graceful design and on-site laboratory. Along with this location on Restauradores Sq., Fábrica now has further places together with one on Lisbon’s Rua Augusta and one in Porto.

The tarts right here have a butterier flaky crust and looser filling in comparison to others we’ve eaten within the town. We loved devouring them in a couple of bites, however that’s no longer our favourite side of Fábrica da Nata…

Our favourite side of Fábrica da Nata is its degustation menu. Positive, we’d usually be proud of a nata and low, however no longer right here – savvy diners can get a pitcher of port with their nata. If there’s a greater aggregate of 2 of Portugal’s culinary favorites, we haven’t discovered it but. Different degustation choices come with espresso, croissants and Portuguese snacks.

Professional Tip
Order a sandwich or salad if you wish to flip your nata smash right into a meal.

Fábrica da Nata has more than one places. The flagship Lisbon cafe is situated at Praça dos Restauradores 62 -68, 1250-110 Lisboa, Portugal.

A four-time winner of the Nationwide Contest of Pastel de Nata festival in 2012, 2013, 2015 and 2024, Aloma occupies crucial house in Lisbon’s aggressive pastel de nataa neighborhood.

Regardless that in the beginning opened within the Campo de Ourique community again in 1943, Aloma has soared since Joao Castanheira bought the pastelaria in 2009. Aloma now operates more than one places in Lisbon together with a store on the tony El Corte Inglês.

Regardless of its accolades and good fortune, Aloma feels much less company in comparison to different best Ppastel de nata bakeries. We adore Aloma’s non-touristic vibe and attractive tarts. Plus, their natas have a relatively crispy, crème brûlée-like best and a creamy filling that’s no longer too candy.

Professional Tip
Since Aloma’s natas aren’t overly flavored, be happy to shake a hefty dose of cinnamon and sugar in your tarts.

Our favourite Aloma is situated at Rua Francisco Metrass 67, 1350-013 Lisboa, Portugal. The pastelaria has further places in Lisbon.

Because the oldest working Lisbon bakery, Confeitaria Nacional has been making Lisbon sweeter since Balthazar Roiz Castanheiro began the confectionery industry in 1829. A number of generations later, the native establishment remains to be family-owned.

Greater than a easy cafe, Confeitaria Nacional is a chic vacation spot for pastry fans of every age. The bakery serves dozens of pastries from eclairs to egg chestnuts in its multi-story house within the center of town.

However what about their natas? We discover them to be recent and creamy with a fantastically layered, crispy crust. We advise a talk over with right here for the ambience, the pleasant team of workers and the natas.

Professional Tip
Now not partial to standard Portuguese espresso? Confeitaria Nacional serves an Arabica mix with beans from Colombia, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Guatemala.

Confeitaria Nacional is situated at Praça da Figueira, Praça Dom Pedro IV 18B, 1100-241 Lisboa, Portugal.

Alcôa Pastelaria has an extended historical past than its 2017 opening in Chiado signifies. This distinctive pastelaria has been baking conventional pastries in Alcobaça, roughly 120 kilometers north of Lisbon, since 1957.

Alcôa egg yolk crammed ‘convent’ pastries are baked at its Alcobaça headquarters and transported south day by day; alternatively, the cafe prepares pasteis de nata on-site on the Chiado store. Their oven doesn’t prevent, with a relentless circulation of consumers gobbling up shiny yellow tarts all day lengthy.

We admire the yolky sweetness in Pastelaria Alcôa’s pasteis de nata. Regardless that we love and suggest them, they’re easiest eaten with cinnamon most effective. Those natas are simply the sweetest we’ve tasted in Lisbon. If that’s your factor, be happy upload powered sugar too.

Professional Tip
Even supposing Alcôa does no longer be offering desk provider, their customer support is superb.

Pastelaria Alocôa is situated at Rua Garrett 37, 1200-309 Lisbon, Portugal. The pastelaria’s authentic location is in Alcobaca.

NATA Lisboa doesn’t need to take over the pastel de nata marketplace in Lisbon. With a motto of The International Wishes Nata, this pastel de nata bakery needs to take over the planet.

Open since 2011, NATA Lisboa has places all through Portugal and in Eu towns like Bilbao, Amsterdam and Berlin. Without reference to the site, NATA Lisboa serves Lisbon-style pasteis de nata.

Meals vacationers have a cheerful position in Portuguese towns like Évora and Porto after they’re yearning a pastel de nata clear of Lisbon. NATA Lisboa’s natas are forged with the right mix of flakiness, creaminess and caramelization.

Professional Tip
Stay your eyes open for a NATA Lisboa franchise to your nook of the globe. It might occur.

NATA Lisboa is situated at Praça Duque de Saldanha nº 1 Atrium Saldanha, Atrium Assortment, Piso 2, Loja 40, 1050-094 Lisboa, Portugal. The pastelaria has further places in Portugal in addition to in different international locations.

Pastelaria Cristal has been serving pasteis de nata to locals in each Lapa and Estrella since 1941. Because the pastelaria bakes their natas a couple of doorways down the block, it’s no longer odd to look staff sporting recent trays of sizzling natas into the store all through the day.

After 3 generations, the homeowners of Pastelaria Cristal know what they’re doing. Their natas are relatively higher than standard Lisbon tarts with company, thick bottoms that yield to a creamy middle.

Professional Tip
Cristal’s ‘higher the city’ location is only a quick walk from the pretty Basílica da Estrela and the intimate Jardim da Estrela in addition to a 15-minute uphill stroll to the Campo de Ourique Marketplace.

Pastelaria Cristal is situated at Rua Buenos Aires 25, 1200-798 Lisboa, Portugal.

Finding out the best way to make pasteis de nata is without doubt one of the easiest issues to do in Lisbon for meals vacationers. Now not most effective do members learn to make Portuguese egg tarts at house all over this culinary job, however they are able to additionally devour their paintings on the finish of the cooking magnificence.

We advise Lisbon Cooking Academy if you wish to take a pastel de nata magnificence. Chef Ana Viçoso is a smart chef, speaks very good English and possesses a complete wisdom of Portuguese delicacies.

In simply two hours all over our amusing workshop, we discovered the best way to bake pasteis de nata from scratch beginning with puff pastry and finishing with hot-out-of-the-oven pasteis de nata. Viçoso has created a recipe that interprets terrifically to house kitchens.

Vegans aren’t ignored of Viçoso’s Portuguese tart celebration. Lisbon Cooking Academy provides a separate Vegan workshop the place members observe a different pastel de nata recipe with out milk, eggs and butter.

Professional Tip
Ebook your pastel de nata magnificence upfront. Taking into account the recognition of Portuguese tarts, those categories replenish speedy. You’ll join by means of Lisbon Cooking Academy’s web site.

Lisbon Cooking Academy is situated at Rua Ilha Terceira 51 A, 1000-172 Lisboa, Portugal.

Now not most effective can vegans learn to bake dairy-free pasteis de nata on the Lisbon Cooking Academy (see above), however they are able to additionally take devour a vegan pastel de nata at João Batalha’s Nat’elier. Those fashionable Portuguese tarts are made with none milk or eggs which proves that everyone must devour no less than one pastel de nata in Lisbon.

Nat’elier is situated at Rua de Santa Justa 87, 1100-581 Lisboa, Portugal.

Regularly Requested Questions