The cream pastriesalso known – erroneously – as Belém pastries named after the establishment that has made them famous, they are the most popular sweet in Lisbon and all of Portugal, inside and outside its borders. And, as could not be expected, our neighbors also debate and compete to choose the best pastel de nata of the year.
Since 2009, the contest has been held in the country O Melhor Pastel de Nata, an event founded by journalist Vicente Themudo de Castro with the support of gourmet Virgílio Gomes, which in a short time has become one of the culinary events that arouses the most interest in our neighbors. There is a reason why Portugal is a paradise for sweet toothand they are very proud of their traditional pastries.
The best pastel de nata of 2023 is the one made in the Confeitaria Glóriaa very young establishment opened just a few months ago in the town of Amadora, seat of one of the smallest municipalities in the Lisbon district. The owner of the establishment, João Castanheira, has a long history in making these flaky delicacies, as he has already won other editions of the contest with his first business, the Aloma confectionery. Although, he assures, each establishment uses slightly different recipes.
After a first phase of presenting candidates and pre-selection, the grand final pitted 12 participants whose cakes were subjected this past September 25 to the meticulous tasting of the expert jury, at the Cooks’ Congress held in Oeiras.
In the evaluation, the judges analyze each pastel de nata first with sight, checking the size, shape, finish, color and cooking point. It is then examined by touch, lightly pressing the mass to determine if creaks as it should, and it is already approaching the face. Before taking the first bite, its aroma is analyzed, and finally the flavor and texture in the mouth is judged.
A quality pastel de nata should have a tasty and very crunchy puff pastry, with a good consistency that does not crumble, and always in balance with the filling, which should be generous, with a curdled but very melty cream and with just the right amount of sweetness.
The best pastels de nata in Portugal in 2023
In addition to the winning cake from Confeitaria Glória, the proposals from the Né Bakery (Damaia/Amadora), second classified, and those of the O Pãozinho das Marias Pastry Shop (Ericeira), third place on the podium.
And this is the complete list of the rest of this year’s finalists:
- Patyanne Pastry Shop (Carregado).
- Pastelaria Aloma (Campo de Ourique and Baixa/Rossio).
- Casa do Padeiro Pastry Shop (Pontinha).
- Altis Belém Hotel & Spa (Lisbon).
- Bread & Friends, Epic Sana Marquês (Lisbon).
- Café Ponte da Várzea (Lisbon).
- Castro – Atelier de Pastéis de Nata (Chiado).
- 7 Wishes Pastry Shop (Ericeira).
- Pastelaria Açúcar Café (Massama).
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*Some prices may have changed since the last review
Photos | O Melhor Pastel de Nata
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