Pastel de Nata: The Story Behind Portugal’s Sweetest Icon (And How to Bake It!)

Jun 30, 2025
2 min read

Updated: Feb 11

When you think of Portugal, one pastry comes instantly to mind: the Pastel de Nata. With its flaky crust, creamy custard centre, and caramelised top, this little tart has won hearts (and taste buds) all over the world. But where did it come from? And why is it so irresistible?

Let’s take a sweet journey into the history of Portugal’s most famous dessert — and find out how you can learn to bake it yourself during your stay in Lisbon.

A Bite of History

The story of the Pastel de Nata begins in the 18th century at the Jerónimos Monastery in Belém, Lisbon. Monks used egg whites to starch their clothes, leaving them with an abundance of leftover yolks — which they used to make pastries.

They created a small custard tart that became so beloved, it eventually made its way to the local bakery next to the monastery: the now-famous Pastéis de Belém, which still uses the original secret recipe today.

What Makes It So Special?

The crust: ultra-crispy and flaky, made with rolled puff pastry.
The filling: smooth, creamy, not too sweet, with just a hint of lemon and cinnamon.
The finish: baked in a very hot oven to give that iconic blistered, caramelised top.Sprinkle with cinnamon or powdered sugar, and enjoy warm for the full experience.

Can You Make It at Home?

Absolutely! And the best way to learn is by joining a hands-on pastry class in Lisbon, where local chefs will guide you step-by-step through the process.You’ll make the dough, mix the custard, and bake your very own Pastéis de Nata — fresh out of the oven!

❤️ Why Tourists Love Our Pastel de Nata Class

It’s fun, delicious, and interactive
Perfect for couples, families, or solo travellers
You get the real recipe and can recreate it at home
It’s an unforgettable way to experience Portuguese culture

👉 Want to Bake Your Own in Lisbon?

Join our Pastel de Nata Pastry Class and learn the secrets behind Portugal’s most iconic pastry in a relaxed, welcoming environment — with real chefs, real ingredients, and lots of fun.

Choose your date and time. Bake your own tarts from scratch. Take home the recipe and sweet memories!