What is a Pastel de Nata?
A pastel de nata is a traditional Portuguese pastry with a flaky crust and a rich, creamy custard filling. Often lightly browned on top, they’re typically served with a dusting of powdered sugar and cinnamon.
Pastel, Pasteis, Nata, Nada
When you eat one, you are eating a pastel de nata. If you eat two or more, you are eating pasteis de nata. One more tip when it comes to the name of this delicious sweet, enunciate the “t” in nata. If you let it sound like a “d” instead (which we were repeatedly guilty of), it is like you are calling it a nothing pastry. These tasty treats are definitely not nothing.
The Original: Pastéis de Belém
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Where to Find the Best Pastel de Nata in Lisbon: A Sweet Taste Test
If you’re heading to Lisbon, sampling pasteis de nata is a must. These iconic Portuguese egg custard tarts are crisp, flaky, and filled with rich, creamy custard — a treat that locals and travelers alike can’t resist. During our first weekend in Lisbon, we made it to three of Lisbon’s top pastel de nata spots to discover which one reigns supreme. Here’s what we found.
Location: Next to the Jerónimos Monastery
Pastéis de Belém has been serving these iconic pastries since 1837, using a closely guarded recipe passed down from the monks of the monastery. This spot is a must-visit, not just for the tarts but for the experience. While the lines can get long, the takeaway counter is often faster. Enjoying a pastel de nata in their traditional tiled interior feels like stepping back in time.
Our Verdict: Warm, custardy, and rich with just the right balance of sweetness. The atmosphere added to the experience, making it a memorable stop.
Manteigaria (Butter)
Location: Timeout Market and various locations in Lisbon and Porto
Manteigaria is a crowd favorite, known for consistently producing high-quality pastel de nata. Their process is on full display, so you can watch as fresh tarts emerge from the oven.
Our Verdict: While delicious, we found it wasn’t quite warm enough compared to Fabrica da Nata. Still, the flavor was rich, and the balance of crust and custard was spot on.
The Modern Marvel: Fabrica da Nata
Location: Various locations in Lisbon
Fabrica da Nata is a newer addition to Lisbon’s pastry scene, opening in 2016. They serve their pastel de nata fresh and warm from the oven, ensuring each bite is flaky, creamy, and indulgent.
Our Verdict: The pastry’s warmth, combined with the perfect custard texture and a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar, made it unforgettable. Plus, the cozy atmosphere provided the perfect retreat from the chilly rain that January day.
The Winner: Fabrica da Nata
While each spot offered a delicious take on this classic pastry, Fabrica da Nata stood out for its warmth. Fresh from the oven and sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar, it delivered that magical “first bite” experience we were searching for.
Pro Tips: How to Enjoy Your Pastel de Nata Like a Local
- Eat it warm. Fresh from the oven is best.
- Add cinnamon and powdered sugar. This traditional topping enhances the flavor.
- Pair it with coffee. An espresso perfectly balances the sweetness.
Whether visiting Lisbon for the sights or the food, a pastel de nata tour is a delicious way to explore the city. Be sure to try a few and find your favorite — after all, the best pastel de nata is the one you can’t stop thinking about!
Looking for more to do in Lisbon? Check out our post, Lisbon Tuk-Tuk Tour Review: Our Rainy Day Ride, to see if a tuk-tuk tour deserves a spot on your Lisbon itinerary.
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