Pastel de Nata: A Slice of Lisbon’s Sweet History and the Best Places to Try It

Ah, Lisbon. The sun-drenched cobbled streets, the stunning architecture, the breath-taking views from Miradouros and of course, the food. From salted cod to fresh seafood and custard tarts, Lisbon is a city that truly caters to all the senses. If you’ve been to Lisbon—or even thought about going—you’ll know that there’s one treat you absolutely must try: the pastel de nata.

Now, if you haven’t had the pleasure of experiencing this iconic Portuguese pastry yet, let me introduce you to it. The pastel de nata is a small, round pastry filled with creamy, smooth custard and encased in a flaky, buttery shell. The pastry is baked to golden perfection, crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, while the custard filling offers a delicate sweetness and an aromatic touch of vanilla and cinnamon. Simply put, it’s a small but mighty bite of heaven.

Lisbon, with its sunlit cobbled streets, stunning architecture, breathtaking views and incredible cuisine, is a sensory delight—and no visit is complete without a pastel de nata, a flaky pastry filled with creamy, aromatic custard that's pure heaven

But don’t just take my word for it—there’s a reason pastéis de nata are one of Portugal's most beloved culinary exports. Whether you're wandering through the narrow streets of Alfama or sitting by the Tagus River, nothing beats enjoying one of these tarts with a coffee in hand. In this blog, we’ll dive into the rich history behind the pastel de nata, how to enjoy it like a local and where to find the very best ones in Lisbon.

A Little History of the Pastel de Nata

Like many traditional pastries, the origins of the pastel de nata are rooted in centuries of history and cultural exchange. The custard tart we know and love today evolved from the recipes of Portuguese monasteries, where egg yolks were often used for a variety of practical purposes, from starching clothes to clarifying wine. The monks, ever resourceful, began experimenting with these egg yolks in pastries.

The most widely accepted origin story places the creation of the pastel de nata at the Jerónimos Monastery in Belém, Lisbon, in the 18th century. The monks, looking to use up egg yolks left over from wine clarification, began to make pastries. Over time, this simple pastry evolved into the pastel de nata, with its flaky pastry shell and sweet, creamy custard filling.

The pastel de nata, originating in the 18th century at Lisbon's Jerónimos Monastery, was born from monks' resourceful use of leftover egg yolks, evolving into the iconic flaky pastry with a sweet, creamy custard filling we know today

In the early 19th century, following the dissolution of the monasteries, the recipe for these delicious tarts was handed over to a local bakery, Pastéis de Belém, in the Belém district of Lisbon. The bakery still exists today and its pastéis are still made following the original recipe. Today, the pastel de nata is synonymous with Lisbon and it's a treat that’s enjoyed by locals and tourists alike across Portugal—and increasingly around the world.

But while Pastéis de Belém is famous for its traditional take, the pastel de nata has since spread to other bakeries throughout Lisbon and beyond. Over the years, this small custard tart has become a national symbol of Portuguese gastronomy, cherished as much for its humble origins as for its delicious taste.

How to Enjoy a Pastel de Nata (Like a Local)

You can’t just eat a pastel de nata any old way. To truly appreciate it, you need to approach it with a little reverence. Here’s a guide on how to enjoy this pastry properly, straight from the locals.

1. Fresh Out of the Oven

If you want the best experience, make sure your pastel de nata is fresh out of the oven. The best bakeries serve them warm, with the filling still soft and the pastry crisp around the edges. There's something magical about the way the heat makes the custard melt in your mouth, while the flaky pastry offers that satisfying crunch.

2. Sprinkle Some Cinnamon

A lot of locals love to sprinkle a little bit of cinnamon or powdered sugar on top of their pastel de nata before digging in. It’s optional, but it adds a nice extra layer of flavour. The cinnamon complements the creamy custard, giving the tart a slightly spiced warmth.

Many locals sprinkle cinnamon or powdered sugar on their pastel de nata, adding a warm, spiced touch that enhances the creamy custard

3. Pair it with Coffee

In Portugal, coffee is a way of life and no pastel de nata is complete without a good cup of coffee to go with it. The most common choices are a bica (an espresso) or a galão (a milk-based coffee, similar to a latte). Sip your coffee slowly, savour the pastry and you’ll feel as though you've unlocked the full Lisbon experience.

4. Eat it Slowly

Don’t rush the experience. A pastel de nata is a moment to pause, whether you’re sitting in a charming cafe or strolling along one of Lisbon’s many picturesque streets. Take a moment to appreciate the beauty of the pastry, the flavours and the surroundings. Enjoying a pastel de nata is as much about savouring the moment as it is about the taste.

5. The No-Nonsense Option

If you're just looking for a quick snack, you can always grab one to go. Many bakeries have counters where you can pick up a pastel de nata on the fly, often still warm and ready to eat. Just be sure to eat it right away for the best experience.

Where to Find the Best Pastel de Nata in Lisbon

Lisbon is home to an incredible variety of bakeries serving pastéis de nata, but some places stand out for their exceptional versions of this beloved pastry. Here are some of the best spots in Lisbon to try a pastel de nata that will make your taste buds sing.

1. Pastéis de Belém

If you’ve done any research about the pastel de nata, you’ve probably come across the name Pastéis de Belém. This bakery is the birthplace of the pastel de nata, and it’s still going strong more than 180 years later. Located in the Belém district, this legendary spot is always busy with locals and tourists alike lining up to get their hands on a freshly baked pastel de nata. The bakery is large, with a classic, charming interior and an air of history about it. You can enjoy your tart with a coffee in the café or take it to go and enjoy it by the nearby Belém Tower.

What sets Pastéis de Belém apart is the secret recipe that has been passed down through generations. It’s said that only a select few know the exact formula and they guard it fiercely. The result is a pastry that’s perfectly balanced—crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, with a slightly caramelised top. They’re simply the gold standard for pastéis de nata.

Pastéis de Belém, the birthplace of the pastel de nata, has been serving its legendary pastries for over 180 years, drawing crowds to its charming Belém café where a secret, generations-old recipe creates the gold standard of crispy, creamy, caramelised perfection

2. Manteigaria

If you’re looking for another top contender, head to Manteigaria. This bakery has been gaining a devoted following for its warm, fresh pastéis de nata and it’s easy to see why. The pastéis here are some of the crispiest you’ll find in Lisbon, with the custard filling just the right level of sweetness. One of the best things about Manteigaria is that you can watch the tarts being made right in front of you—there’s something mesmerizing about seeing those little pastries come out of the oven, hot and golden brown.

Manteigaria has several locations around Lisbon, but the one in Time Out Market is a particularly popular spot. Grab a tart (or two) and a coffee, and enjoy it as you wander through the bustling market, taking in the atmosphere of one of Lisbon’s best-loved food halls.

3. Pastéis de Aloma

Pastéis de Aloma is another fantastic option if you’re looking for a pastel de nata that’s beloved by locals. This family-run bakery, founded in 1957, is known for producing some of the best pastéis de nata in Lisbon. The recipe has been handed down from generation to generation, and the tarts here are consistently delicious—perfectly baked with a smooth, rich custard filling. If you’re in the mood for something a bit more authentic, this is the place to go. There’s no frills, just great pastries.

For a local favourite, visit Pastéis de Aloma, a family-run bakery since 1957, renowned for its consistently delicious pastéis de nata with perfectly baked shells and rich custard—authentic and unpretentious

4. Fábrica da Nata

If you want a more modern take on the pastel de nata experience, check out Fábrica da Nata. With a sleek, contemporary interior and a focus on quality, this bakery brings the traditional tart into the 21st century. The pastéis here are delicious and always fresh and you can watch them being made while you sip your coffee. Fábrica da Nata has several locations around Lisbon and it’s a great spot for both locals and visitors who want a high-quality version of this iconic treat.

5. Confeitaria Nacional

For a more historical touch, visit Confeitaria Nacional, one of the oldest bakeries in Lisbon. Founded in 1829, this elegant café is a wonderful place to enjoy a pastel de nata. Located near Praça da Figueira, it has a charming old-world atmosphere. The pastries here are consistently good, with a flaky exterior and smooth custard centre. The pastéis de nata at Confeitaria Nacional may not have the same fame as those at Pastéis de Belém, but they’re still a delightful choice and the café is steeped in Lisbon’s rich culinary history.

For a touch of history, visit Confeitaria Nacional, a charming 1829 café near Praça da Figueira, where the flaky, smooth pastéis de nata offer a delicious taste of Lisbon's culinary heritage

Why the Pastel de Nata is More Than Just a Pastry

At its core, the pastel de nata represents the essence of Lisbon. It’s a little piece of history, a snapshot of the city’s cultural evolution and a symbol of its gastronomy. But it’s also a reminder to slow down, to enjoy the simple things in life and to savour the present moment. In many ways, a pastel de nata encapsulates the soul of Lisbon itself—warm, inviting and full of flavour.

Whether you’re enjoying one in the bustling streets of Baixa or by the peaceful riverside, the pastel de nata offers more than just sweetness. It’s a tradition, a connection to the past and a delightful treat that allows you to experience the true flavours of Lisbon.

So, next time you find yourself in Portugal’s capital, make sure to carve out some time to sample this little piece of history. Trust me, one bite is all it takes and you’ll be dreaming of pastéis de nata long after you’ve left Lisbon’s sunny streets behind.