Pastéis de Belém

Modified date: December 13, 2022

Pastéis de Belém is a traditional Portuguese pastry that has been made in the same place since 1837, at a bakery near Lisbon called Antiga Confeitaria de Belém.

Nata is a key ingredient in Pastéis de Belém, lending the pastry its signature creamy center and flaky crust. The data used make pastries are made with milk, sugar, and eggs that are cooked over low heat until they produce a thick cream-like texture. Nata helps give the pastries their remarkable flavor and texture. It’s no wonder that this beloved treat has become a popular dessert around the world!

Table of Contents

The Origin of Pastel de Nata

Like many of the delicious bakery products across Europe, the “Pastel de Nata” also known as “Pasteis de Belem”, is believed to have been developed by Catholic nuns in a monastery called “Mosteiro dos Jeronimos”, which is located right across the road from “Casa Pasteis De Belem”. When the convent needed money, nuns baked and sold delicious “Pastel de Nata”. “Casa Pasteis De Belem” was the first bakery that managed to figure out the recipe and thanks to this place the delicious recipe survived to this day.

“Casa Pasteis De Belem” serves “Pasteis de Nata” since 1837. It is traditionally served with cinnamon and powdered sugar and the recipe has not changed since the first day. Today, it is the world’s most-reviewed eatery.

Where to Find Pasteis Nata

If you’re lucky enough to find yourself in Lisbon, swing by Antiga Confeitaria de Belém for a taste of these legendary pastries. Otherwise, you can try your hand at making them from home with nata and puff pastry!

Eating at Casa Pasteis De Belem

Every day, it is estimated that 20,000 Belém Pastries are sold on average. This is why, to have a taste of this beautiful tradition, you must be prepared to wait in a long queue. It might be frustrating to wait for long, however, maybe the wait makes it even more delicious! The good news is that these hard-to-get cakes are easily affordable, they cost only €1.10 each. You can take them either as a takeaway or eat inside the spacious café. The seating area is always busy but when you see its authenticity, you might decide it is worth the chaos. Casa Pasteis De Belem is open every day between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m.

The Secret Room of Casa Pasteis De Belem

By now, you must have a sense of the highly demanded “Pasteis de Belem”. “Casa Pasteis De Belem” is the only place that has the original recipe ever since the “Mosteiro dos Jeronimos” (the monastery that Catholic nuns made Pasteis de Belem) was closed down after a revolt.

To keep this delicious secret, patissiers work in a special ‘secret room’ to prepare the cream and the pastry of the Pastéis. The recipe is patented and the patissiers sign a confidentiality agreement to keep this tradition a secret.

How to get to Casa Pasteis De Belemo?

By bus: You can take the bus that departs from Sul E Sueste station and get off at Mosteiro Jerónimos. Buses depart hourly.

By train: You can take the train arriving at Mosteiro dos Jerónimos. Trains operate every 15 minutes.

Recepie of Pastéis de Belém

The pastry is made from an egg yolk-based custard known as nata and wrapped in flaky puff pastry dough. They are finished off with a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar for added sweetness. Some variations may include the addition of lemon, orange, or other flavors.

Ingredients

– 2 sheets puff pastry dough

– 4 egg yolks

– 1/2 cup sugar

– 2 cups milk

– 2 tablespoons butter, melted

– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar for sprinkling on top before baking

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (180 degrees C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter. Place the puff pastry in the dish and trim off any excess overhanging dough. Set aside.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together egg yolks and sugar until light and fluffy. Slowly add in milk, whisking until fully combined.

3. Melt butter and add it to the egg mixture, stirring until incorporated. Add vanilla extract and stir.

4. Pour nata mixture into prepared puff pastry dough, spreading evenly with a spatula or spoon. Sprinkle cinnamon and sugar on top of nata layer.

5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until pastries are lightly golden brown and crispy around the edges. Allow cooling before serving. Enjoy!

Popularity of Pastéis de Belém

Pastéis de Belém is beloved by both locals and tourists alike, with many claiming it is the best custard tart available in Portugal. While the original recipe remains a closely-guarded secret, the pastries have become increasingly popular around the world due to their unique sweet flavor and flaky texture. In recent years, they’ve even been featured on food blog sites and cooking shows as one of Portugal’s most iconic treats! The nata used to make them has become an ingredient in its own right, with many people incorporating nata into other recipes for cakes, pies, and other desserts. No matter where you go, Pastéis de Belém will surely whet your appetite for something sweet!

Pastéis de Belém is a delicious Portuguese pastry that has been enjoyed all over the world since 1837. With its secret nata-based recipe, it is certainly worth seeking out if you ever find yourself.

FAQ

Where can I try the famous Pastéis de Belém in Lisbon?

You can try the famous Pastéis de Belém at the historic bakery in Lisbon, located at Rua de Belém nº 84-92.

What is the history of Pastéis de Belém?

The recipe for Pastéis de Belém dates back to the 19th century and is said to have originated at the Jerónimos Monastery in Belém. The recipe is a closely guarded secret, known only to a select few at the bakery.

What is the secret recipe for Pastéis de Belém?

The secret recipe for Pastéis de Belém is known only to a select few at the bakery. It is said to include a mix of egg yolks, sugar, milk, and cinnamon, among other ingredients.

Are there any vegetarian or gluten-free options for Pastéis de Belém?

There are no vegetarian or gluten-free options for Pastéis de Belém at the bakery. The pastries are made with traditional ingredients and are not suitable for vegetarians or those with gluten sensitivities.

Can I buy Pastéis de Belém to take home with me?

You can buy Pastéis de Belém to take home with you at the bakery in Lisbon. They are typically packaged in boxes of six or twelve pastries.

Is there a café or restaurant at the Pastéis de Belém bakery?

There is a café at the Pastéis de Belém bakery where you can enjoy your pastries with a cup of coffee or tea. The café also offers a selection of other desserts and beverages.

Are there any other desserts or pastries available at Pastéis de Belém?

In addition to the famous Pastéis de Belém, the bakery offers a range of other pastries, including traditional Portuguese sweets such as queijadas and bolinhos de bacalhau.

Can I visit the bakery where Pastéis de Belém is made?

You can visit the bakery where Pastéis de Belém is made and watch the pastry chefs at work. The bakery is located at Rua de Belém nº 84-92 in Lisbon.

Are there any discounts or promotions for Pastéis de Belém?

There are no current discounts or promotions for Pastéis de Belém. The price of the pastries is determined by the bakery and may vary depending on the season and demand.