Top 5 Pastries in Portugal

Portugal has some of the best tarts, cakes, and sweets in the world. Here’s my 5 favorite.

Pastel de Nata

Without a doubt, the most famous pastry in all of the Portugal is the creamy, crispy Pastel de Nata. The recipe originated in Lisbon‘s Jerónimos Monastery. When the religious orders were abolished in Portugal in the 19th century, the recipe was sold to Fábrica de Pastéis de Belém, a bakery where they still crank out Portugal’s characteristic tart.

Pastéis de Belém at Fábrica de Pastéis de Belém (photo: Brent Petersen)

The Pastel de Nata is a culinary masterpiece. Creamy egg yolk custard is poured into a cup of dough and baked until the top is caramelized. The perfect pastel crust has layer after layer of crispiness, never getting soggy from the custard filling.

Pastéis de Belém is the most famous spot to get your little tart, and they make an amazing version with their well-guarded recipe. Whenever I’m in the Belém neighborhood, I always get one (or more). I also love the pastel de nata at Pastelaria Santo Antonio. A few years ago they won the award for the best pastel de nata in Lisbon. Kinda like being called the best pizza in Naples.

Pastel de Nata at Pastelaria Santo Antonio (photo: Brent Petersen)