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Pastéis de nata, the esteemed Portuguese custard tarts, is likely to be rooted in Lisbon, however that doesn’t imply you gained’t discover some unimaginable varieties in Porto. The unique recipe for these indulgent morsels got here from the Jerónimos monastery within the Belém space earlier than spreading north to Porto.
A protracted-standing function on every of my Porto meals excursions, egg custard tarts are the candy snack of alternative for a lot of locals. Their puff pastry crust and opulent filling set them other than different confections, and so they’ve change into a logo of Portuguese delicacies.
Uncover the bakeries and cafes whipping up the most effective pastel de nata in Porto with this round-up of native favorites examined first hand on my own!
Manteigaria
Photograph credit score: Manteigaria
Manteigaria is arguably the best-known chain of pastry outlets within the nation, and so they’ve received a terrific department in Bolhão that I finished by the final time I used to be in Porto.
I’ve heard many individuals say that Manteigaria has the most effective pastel de nata within the metropolis, and after visiting this trendy, high-ceilinged retailer, I can see why. That they had a whole bunch of pastéis de nata on show, and the cooks had been continuously replenishing the cabinets with recent batches.
I picked up two pastéis de nata and paired them with some port wine. Though the aromas of the espresso inside had been phenomenal, I had a hankering for a glass of port. It was aromatic and full of strong flavors, with sturdy notes of berries, cinnamon, and chocolate.
These custard tarts had been much more spectacular. The wealthy, silky filling had a refined contact of lemon, whereas the pastry was barely salty and superbly crisp. There was a alternative between icing sugar or spicy cinnamon on high, however I went for the latter to convey out the flavors of the wine.
Manteigaria (€) – R. de Alexandre Braga 24, 4000-049 Porto, Portugal – Open day-after-day from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm.
Fábrica da Nata
Photograph credit score: Fábrica da Nata
I don’t doubt you’ve heard of Fábrica da Nata earlier than. This place has quite a few shops in varied pockets of the nation, however when you’re visiting Porto, I counsel testing their fabulous Santa Catarina location beside the well-known Bolhão market.
First, let me begin by saying the setting of Fábrica da Nata is nothing wanting picture-perfect. The beautiful decor blends previous and new options, together with a mixture of plush vibrant blue leather-based and picket seating alongside opulent chandeliers and pale stone partitions.
This place is fairly famend for its port choice, too, however it was somewhat too early for wine once I received right here, so I used to be eager to attempt among the recent orange juice as a substitute. Whereas the croissants and varied different European pastries tempted me, I stored it basic and went for some Portuguese tarts.
Every bit was cooked to perfection, with its signature, frivolously burnt crust. The custard oozed out with each chew, and the thick, oh-so-sweet filling enhanced the delicate flavors of the pastry. There have been some light citrus notes inside, complementing the zesty, refreshing orange juice.
Fábrica da Nata (€) – R. de Santa Catarina 331 335, 4000-451 Porto, Portugal – Open day-after-day from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm.
Castro – Atelier de Pastéis de Nata
Photograph credit score: Castro – Atelier de Pastéis de Nata
Communicate to any Tripeiro, and so they’ll let you know that Castro prepares among the most interesting pastel de nata in Porto; don’t simply take my phrase for it. I came across this Ribeira spot a couple of months again as I used to be on my strategy to discover the close by Palácio da Bolsa, and wow, what an expertise it turned out to be!
The shop itself is beautiful, from the slick black tiling and gold finishes to the vibrant ambiance inside. These guys take their pastries severely; I might inform from the second I noticed the pastry chef at work in direction of the again of the seating space.
As I used to be starting to really feel a mid-afternoon droop, I made a decision to order a flat white to accompany my pastel de nata. It had the best stability of sharp, bitter espresso and tender, milky flavors that made for a comforting however revitalizing cup of joe.
Whereas the espresso was glorious, the tarts had been the spotlight. My favourite half needed to be the creamy custard filling, because it had scrumptious hints of vanilla and essentially the most velvety consistency. After all, the crust was additionally elegant, with its layers of flaky, virtually savory pastry.
Castro – Atelier de Pastéis de Nata (€) – R. de Mouzinho da Silveira 61, 4050-420 Porto, Portugal – Open day-after-day from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm.
Nata Lisboa
Photograph credit score: Nata Lisboa
Nata Lisboa is tremendous near São Bento station. In recent times, it has change into a necessity for me to cease right here to choose up a recent batch of pastéis de nata earlier than catching the prepare.
The inside is completely Portuguese, with patterned blue and white tiling and rustic picket tables. Nevertheless, if I’m not dashing previous, I like to seize a seat exterior on the patio, which is sort of the people-watching spot on a sunny day.
They’ve a fairly nice brunch menu that I’m desirous to attempt, however my present go-to order from Nata Lisboa is a few tarts and a shot of espresso. I’m unsure whether or not it’s the intense nutty flavors or the sleek texture, however one thing about their espressos right here is so addictive.
What’s much more irresistible is their pastéis de nata. Irrespective of what number of I’ve tried, each has essentially the most delectable crispy pastry and a tangy however saccharine filling that feels decadent with out being too heavy. For somewhat additional kick, I like so as to add some musky cinnamon powder.
Nata Lisboa (€) – R. das Flores 291, 4050-267 Porto, Portugal – Open day-after-day from 8:00 am to eight:00 pm.
Confeitaria do Bolhão
Photograph credit score: Confeitaria do Bolhão
Confeitaria do Bolhão is likely one of the most beloved spots in Bolhão for on-the-go fare, however I lately came upon for myself that their Portuguese tarts are simply their hottest choices.
This place is elegant and stylish whereas nonetheless feeling low-key and easygoing. Within the entrance are rows of pastéis de nata and different mouthwatering baked items, whereas the again part boasts a spacious eating space with big mirrors and conventional furnishings.
If you happen to get an opportunity, I like to recommend attempting a few of their different confections and sandwiches, too, however when you’re not significantly peckish, a pastel de nata or two from right here ought to take precedence! I additionally ordered a cappuccino, which made a stunning accompaniment to those pint-sized treats.
The consistency of the tart filling was impeccable. It wasn’t too dense or too runny, however it had a buttery texture filled with delicate, frivolously candy flavors. On the skin was a melt-in-your-mouth flaky pastry that was agency however ethereal.
Their cappuccinos had been additionally a delight. Every sip of earthy, aromatic espresso was sweetened by the layers of soppy foam and heat steamed milk on high.
Confeitaria do Bolhão (€€) – R. Formosa 339, 4000-252 Porto, Portugal – Open each Monday to Friday from 6:00 am to eight:00 pm, Saturday from 6:00 am to 7:00 pm, closed each Sunday.
Natas D’Ouro – Baixa do Porto
Photograph credit score: Natas D’Ouro – Baixa do Porto
Between Baixa and Ribeira lies the Natas D’Ouro, recognized for his or her particular recipe with secret flavors and a crispy base that you just’ll discover laborious to come back by wherever else in Porto.
One early morning, I nipped out for a stroll round Baixa whereas in Porto for a weekend break, and the whiff of custard from down the road took me unexpectedly. And low and behold, I got here throughout Natas D’Ouro, and I knew it was too good to withstand.
The interiors had been drenched in black, with an expansive panorama photograph of Porto unfold throughout the wall. As I received to the counter, the chef was loading the glass cupboard along with his subsequent batch of pastel de nata, and also you higher imagine me, I used to be pumped.
I ordered one piece with an espresso for somewhat pick-me-up, and what a combo that was. The pastel de nata got here out on the plate scorching; the outside was additional crunchy, and the sleek, velvety sweetness of the filling was completely divine.
After I completed the pastel de nata, down the hatch, went the espresso: sturdy, bitter, and with a slight creaminess on high; I used to be greater than prepared for the day forward after a breakfast like this.
Natas D’Ouro – Baixa do Porto (€) – R. de Sá da Bandeira 115, 4000-427 Porto, Portugal – Closed each Monday, open each Tuesday to Sunday from 8:30 am to 10:00 pm
Conclusion
There are countless pastry outlets promoting pastel de nata in Porto, however that doesn’t imply they’re all price visiting. It’s straightforward to get caught up in all of the overpriced cafeterias close to all the primary vacationer sights, however the high quality tends to be under par.
As somebody who’s indulged in additional Portuguese egg tarts than I can depend on my many journeys to Porto, these are the spots you’ll need to squeeze into your itinerary!
