Portuguese Custard Tarts

The difference between Pastel de Nata and Pastel de Belém

Custard Tarts

Pastel de Nata or Pastel de Belém (or in English custard tarts, Portuguese egg tarts, and a few other translations) is the most famous of the Portuguese desserts. However, you may be wondering if it isn’t the same thing… Sometimes you read pastel de nata, other Pastel de Belem… what’s the difference?
The first recipe of the Pastel de Belém was created in 1837 by the monks of the emblematic Jerónimos Monastery. To date, the recipe is kept secret and therefore becomes a true specialty! Thus, only at the Fábrica Pastéis de Belém, the family pastry with more than 100 years where they are made, you will find the original Pastéis de Belém. Only there these little custard tarts can be called that since its name was even patented!

Pastéis de Belém webpage

Coded by Ana Karina Ornelas