Traditional Portuguese desserts: Pasteis de nata
Pastel de nata (Portuguese custard tart) The "Pastel de Nata" is the most iconic typical pastry from Portuguese cuisine. It's a creamy custard tart available in all the bakeries in Portugal. It can be eaten at breakfast, after lunch, or the evening, any time you're craving a snack. They're also called "Pastéis de Belém" (pastries of Belem). History The pastry was created in the 19th century in Belem, near the Jeronimos Monastery, where was located a small sugar cane refinery attached to a small general store. As a result of the 1820 liberal revolution, all the convents and monasteries were shut down in 1834. The clergy and labourers were expelled. In an attempt at survival, someone from the monastery offered sweet pastries in the shop. These pastries became known as "Pastéis de Belém" (Pastries of Belem). At that time, the area of Belem was considered far from Lisbon and was mainly accessed by steam-boats. However, the sumptuou