European Desserts You Need to Try: Pastéis de Nata

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Featured Dessert: Pastéis de Nata

Country: Portugal

What Is It?

With deep historical ties to Portugal, the Pastéis de Nata is the country’s most famous dessert. This tasty egg custard tart can be found on practically every street corner and inside of every bakery in the capital city of Lisbon, giving the entire city a subtle sweet aroma of pastries wafting through the air.

Why Is It Awesome?

Although not as glamorous and artistic as some of the European desserts further north, the Pastéis de Nata is rich and creamy with just a little bit of sweetness. It’s the perfect accompaniment to an afternoon coffee, a treat that’s synonymous with the country and its heritage, and one that must be indulged in on any visit to Portugal. It also makes a great gift to bring home to give family and friends a taste of Portugal, and can be found pre-packaged in the airport, making for easy transport.

I was once sitting in gridlock traffic in a taxi in Lisbon while a woman was standing on the sidewalk outside a bakery offering free samplings of the pastéis to people walking by. Without hesitation my taxi driver yelled in Portugese from her stopped car, asking the woman at the bakery to come over and bring samples to her three passengers, which much to my delight, this woman kindly agreed to do. As I dove into the warm, sweet deliciousness of the fresh pastry, I must admit that I didn’t really notice the traffic anymore after that. To say that Portugal is running on Pastéis de Nata is an understatement. This is a quintessential part of life and heritage in this country, and fortunately with their small size, you can keep coming back for more.

Where Can You Find It?

You can find a classic Pastéis de Nata all over Portugal, but if you visit Lisbon, the place to go is Pastéis de Belém. This old-school café serves up these classic European desserts and provides the oldest and most authentic experience in a casual dining environment. Although it’s quite touristy and can get crowded during the mid-day and afternoon hours, it’s the ultimate way to experience this local treat and a must-visit place on any visit to Lisbon.

Trying new foods is the greatest way to experience a new culture, so step out of your comfort zone and indulge in the Pastéis de Nata.

Want more European desserts? Check out my previous post featuring the Mille Feuille Ispahan.

_{CERIE’S DESSERT ADVENTURES IN EUROPE | As a traveler with a sweet tooth, I am always on the lookout for a sweet treat to indulge in when visiting new places, and the incredible desserts throughout Europe are one of my favorite parts about European travel. Throughout all of my travels, I’ve found that nothing compares to the beauty and pure indulgence of European desserts, and it’s nearly impossible for me to enter a bakery without tasting one of the enticing treats behind the counter. This recurring piece features my favorite finds, and some of the best desserts in Europe.}