Dessert – Pasteis de Belem

What is the difference between Pastel de Nata and Pastel de Belém?

When you think about Portuguese sweets, Pastel de Nata (Pastel de Belém) is one of the first things that comes to mind.

The most popular desserts in the country are the legendary custard tarts made with puff pastry, egg, milk, sugar, and a wonderful mix of lemon and cinnamon, which are equally delightful hot or cold. However, the widespread belief that their distinction is linguistic cannot be inaccurate.

People think that the Portuguese in the country’s north refer to them as “Pastel de Nata,” while those in the south prefer “Pastel de Belém.” But that is not the case.

In 1837, monks from the famed Jerónimos Monastery created the original recipe for Pastel de Belém. This secret formula is a real specialty. As a result, the only place to get authentic Pastéis de Belém is at the Fábrica Pastéis de Belém, a family-owned bakery with over a century of history. These small custard pastries, patented, go by the distinctive name of Pastéis de Belém!

Pastéis de Nata refers to all other patisseries in Portugal and around the world. That doesn’t make them better or worse; they are not from Pastéis de Belém.

The popularity and historical, almost cultural, significance of Pastel de Belém led to its designation as one of Portugal’s 7 Wonders of Gastronomy in 2011.

Pasteis De Belem

R. de Belém 84 92, 1300-085 Lisboa, Portugal