I think it’s safe to say that if you are considering a trip to Lisbon, you’ve come across the Pastel de Nata (or Pastéis de Nata for the plural). This little sweet treat will grace every single “What To Eat In Portugal” and “Things To Do In Lisbon” list on the internet. Allow us to add to the choir of voices encouraging you to scope out the best and the tastiest Pastéis de Nata.
A pastel de nata is a tiny egg tart made up of flaky puff pastry filled with creamy custard, usually topped with cinnamon and powdered sugar. These tarts are found in abundance across Portugal (and even much of Western Europe), but especially so in Lisbon. Lisbon is actually known to be the birthplace of the gooey flaky delight. The story goes that sometime before the 1800s, there was a monastery (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos) outside of Lisbon that would use egg whites to starch their clothes. This was apparently common in monasteries and convents of the time. Doing laundry this way would lead to a surplus of egg yolks that would often be put to use in cakes and pastries or custards in this case. This is how the original Pastéis de Nata were born.
Today you can find them in just about any cafe in Lisbon and you almost certainly can’t go wrong with whichever location you choose. However, you’re here for the best and we don’t want to disappoint our dear readers so let’s get to it.
The Original: Pastéis de Belém
Remember the monastery we just covered? Well, in 1834 that monastery closed its doors and sold its pastel de nata recipe to a sugar refinery. The owners of that refinery would go on to open Fábrica de Pastéis de Belém, who still own the original recipe to this day. Known today as Pastéis de Belém, this bakery has been family-run since it opened in 1837. If you want to try the OG, the Pastel de Nata in its original iteration, this is the place to go.
Located in Belém, near the Torre de Belém and Padrão dos Descobrimentos (both of which we recommend checking out), Pastéis de Belém is often filled to the max with tourists and locals alike. Expect lines out the door. The day we stopped by we ended up opting to skip it because the crowd outside the entrance was a bit much for us. Still though, if you want the original, brave the queue and grab several tarts while you’re there. This is the one to compare all others to.
The Best: Aloma
Okay okay, this is what you came for. Located a bit outside the usual tourist route in the neighborhood of Campo de Ourique, Pasteleria Aloma is where you will find the best Pastéis de Nata in Lisbon. Hands down, period, the end. This recommendation comes from the two of us who tried several in the few days we were in town. It also comes from our Airbnb host, a Lisbon native, who pointed us in the delicious direction of this shop. If all of that wasn’t enough, in researching this post I read several more accounts of people opining the merits of these tarts from this specific bakery.
Aloma is a relatively small pasteleria on a quiet corner. We visited in the late afternoon and had no issue snagging a table and a couple of pasties of our own. If memory serves, a single pastel was 1 euro and as soon as I had finished one I was up at the counter for number two! When they are this good, and so affordable, what’s a few more?! They are pretty small after all.
If you want to make a moment of it, consider grabbing a box to-go and hanging around the gorgeous green space in front of the nearby Church Santo Condestável. After that, we recommend hopping on the historic Tram 28 line which has a stop right there by the church. Tram 28 is the super cute yellow tram you will see all over Instagram or any Lisbon tourism materials. This is the best place to get on before it fills up with other tourists wanting their ride on the charming wooden trolly cars.
Runner Up: Confeitaria Nacional
For your next stop in this Tour de Nata, you will want to check out Confeitaria Nacional. Opened in 1829, and still run by descendants of the original owners this spot is a classic choice for just about any pastry in Lisbon. The interior is full of wooden moldings painted in a creamy off white. It has charm for days and just as many sweet choices. Of course, you’re here for the lightful, blustery Pastéis de Nata, but be sure to try out a few other specialties as well.
While you are in the neighborhood, walk just across Rossio Square and try out a typical Lison liquor, ginjinha. Sipped in one shot, ginjinha is made from soaking ginja berries (sour cherry) in alcohol with some sugar. The result is a surprisingly delicious, not too heavy, liqueur. At the corner of the square, there is an itty bitty spot, a true hole-in-the-wall, serving up this boozy cherry drink.
A Ginjinha serves only this one item. Be sure to have your coins at the ready when it’s your turn to order; it’s a popular spot but they move quickly. Shoot your shot standing around outside with all the other patrons and enjoy the moment. We loved it!
Honorable Mention: Manteigaria
Manteigaria Fábrica de Pastéis de Nata is essentially a factory cranking out over 6,000 pastéis (and only Pastéis de Nata) a day so you know you are likely to get one that is warm and fresh. The fun part about this particular bakery is the open/see-through kitchen set up. You can watch the pastry wizards whipping up some of the best little sweets in Lisbon.
I would imagine this spot would be especially fun for kids who would really enjoy getting to see the sausage, er pastry, get made. Maybe line them up at the window while you chill with your fresh pastry and hope they don’t embarrass you. I don’t have any kids, but that’s how it works, right?
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Recipes: Pastéis de Nata (Portuguese Egg Tart)
If you won’t be finding yourself in Lisbon any time soon then maybe it’s time to put on your best apron and try your hand at patisserie at home! The ingredients to make your own Pastéis de Nata are relatively straightforward and easy to find. The only thing you likely don’t have are the special little tins used to bake the Pastéis. You can find them on amazon or you could modify them a bit in a muffin tin. Either way, you will be rewarded with that same ooey-gooey custard surrounded by flaky pastry. Dust on some cinnamon and powdered sugar and have transported yourself to Lisboa for the day. Neat trick!
Here are a couple of recipes worth trying for your at-home version of Pastéis de Nata:
- A Tasting Table, yields 30 tarts: Portuguese Egg Tarts (Pastéis de Nata)
- Leite’s Culinaria, yields about 40 tarts: Pastéis de Nata | Portuguese Custard Tarts
- Spanish Sabores, yields 12 tarts: Pastel de Nata (Portuguese Custard Tarts)
Food is very often one of the best ways to get to know a new destination or culture. Sweets treats make that even easier. Do it the Portuguese way by ordering an espresso alongside your pastel and enjoy the moment. I hope this post was helpful in planning your next trip to Lisbon. If you enjoyed this content and want to support us in creating more like it, consider subscribing to our YouTube channel.
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