Pastéis de Nata: History, Tradition and Flavor of Portugal

Pastéis de Nata: A Portuguese Icon

Outside Portugal, these custard tarts are particularly popular in Western Europe, Asia, and former Portuguese colonies such as Brazil, Mozambique, Macau, Goa, and Timor‑Leste. The Macanese pastel de nata was even adopted by KFC, becoming available in regions like Hong Kong, Taiwan, and China. In Indonesia, the pastry is especially popular in Kampung Tugu, Jakarta, a culturally Portuguese enclave (Mardijker).

🏛️ Origins in Lisbon

Pastéis de nata were created before the 18th century by Catholic monks at the Jerónimos Monastery in the parish of Santa Maria de Belém, Lisbon. At the time, convents and monasteries used large quantities of egg whites to starch religious garments. The leftover yolks were often used to make cakes and sweets, leading to a proliferation of dessert recipes across Portugal.

📜 From Monastery to Bakery

After the Liberal Revolution of 1820 and the dissolution of religious orders, many monasteries faced closure. Monks began selling pastéis de nata at a nearby sugar refinery to generate income. In 1834, the monastery was closed, and the recipe was sold to the refinery’s owners, who in 1837 opened the famous Fábrica de Pastéis de Belém. The descendants still own the business today.

🔒 The Secret Recipe

Since its opening, the original recipe has been kept in a secret room. The Fábrica de Pastéis de Belém remains the most popular place to buy these tarts, located just three minutes’ walk from the Jerónimos Monastery. The shop offers both take‑out and sit‑in service, selling more than 20,000 pastéis de nata per day. Traditionally, the tart is sprinkled with cinnamon and often enjoyed with a bica (a strong espresso).

🌍 Global Recognition

• In 2009, The Guardian listed Pastéis de Belém among the 50 best things to eat in the world.

• In 2011, following a public vote, the pastry was named one of the Seven Gastronomic Wonders of Portugal, cementing its status as one of the country’s most beloved national dishes.

🍵 Japanese Influence

Japanese cuisine was strongly influenced by Portuguese traders in the 16th century. Notable baked goods such as panela (from Portuguese pão, bread) and castella originated during this period. The pastel de nata is one of these influences. In Japan, variations were developed for the local market, including green tea‑flavored custard tarts, which were later exported to South Korea and other Asian markets.