If there has to be one thing that Portugal is famous for that for sure will be the Pastel de Nata! These little sweet custard pies make you go round from joy the moment you take a bite!
The Pastel de Nata is a famous Portuguese food which has been introduced some 3 centuries ago by Mosteiro dos Jerónimos monks. Back in the days, when there were some leftover yolks the monks were making pastries and eventually made the famous pastéis de nata. Later, acknowledging this amazing pastry for what it is, they started selling it to a close by refinery. Unfortunately, the monastery got closed, the recipe got sold to the refinery and that’s how the Fábrica de Pastéis de Belém was opened in 1837. Fun fact is that the factory is still owned by the founding family, which is quite fascinating.
Nowadays, the Fábrica de Pastéis de Belém shop is just a few steps away from the Jeronimos Monastery in Lisbon. The recipe for the Pastel de Belém is kept in a secret room and everyone is crazy about this shop. There’s usually a line in front of it, so make sure you go there early.
Spoiler: You can grab Portuguese custard tart from almost any shop, but the ones served at the Fábrica de Pastéis de Belém are the original ones. Oh, and don’t forget to sprinkle it with a bit of cinnamon.