March 03, 2014
Portugal has a wide range of traditional and typical pastries of each region. Today, we will show to our enthusiastic travellers, one of the greatest treasures of Portuguese Cuisine: the Pastéis de Nata!
They are typical of Belém but they are so delicious that they spread throughout Portugal and, nowadays, the curious and greedy can prove these pastries all over the country. So get ready! The Pastéis de Nata cannot miss on your trip through Portugal!
They are a true legend! Taste it, taste it, taste it! The famous and typical Pastéis de Nata pass over generations and they keep trendy! Perhaps that’s why they are so delicious… Indeed, they are one of the most widespread icons of the Portuguese Cuisine and the most famous and emblematic pastry of Portugal.
These pastries are also known as Pastéis de Belém, because they are originate from this place. Was on the fringes of Lisbon, in the picturesque section of Belém, that people believed that these pastries have been born. They were supposedly created before the 18th century by the Catholic monks at the Jerónimos Monastery. And for this reason, they alternately known as Pastéis de Belém.
The Pastéis de Belém aren’t appreciated only by Portuguese people. Quite the contrary. When foreign tourists prove these pastries, they simply love them. Therefore, this small pastry has passed the borders of Portugal and it is appreciated worldwide. Even Queen Elizabeth II has become a big fan of these pastries.
But why are these cakes so special? The adoration of the Pastéis de Belém is easy to understand after vou’ve taken a bit. They are a small egg tart and the confection is made from “massa folhada”, Portugal’s equivalent to France’s puff pastry. It spirals up, creating a nest of hundreds of crisp layers. Inside is a luscious, warm custard. But do not forget: the original recipe remains one of the major secrets of Portugal.
Well, but we suggest do not make these cakes at home. We do not doubt in your ability of making great cakes but we have sure that there is nowhere else in the world a Pastel de Nata as good as that one which is made in Portugal.
Therefore, a visit to Portugal invites (and requires!) to taste these delicious pastries. We guarantee that the problem will be eating just one pastry. And if it makes you calmer remember... this Portuguese pastry is a cake that contain few calories!
We suggest and we have some solutions for you. Choose among our offers and travel to Portugal now!
Lisbon City Tour
Lisbon City Break
And remember: the Pastéis de Belém are waiting for you!
Marta has a Master degree in Communication Sciences. As a combination of a geek girl and a digital fan, she coordinates the Digital Marketing Department. She has a deep passion for travelling, she is a proud Portuguese and she is very dedicated and enthusiastic. Always working to allow the best user and digital experience to visitors.
@Marta Afonso Read more posts written by Marta Afonso
