BEST PASTEL DE NATA WORKSHOPS IN PORTO & LISBON.
On my recent visit to Porto, I decided to take a Pastel de Nata workshop. I’ve pondered doing this on every visit to Portugal, but I finally decided to take the plunge! Or should I say…the whisk.
If you are planning to visit either Porto or Lisbon, I highly recommend taking a Pastel de Nata workshop if you have a chance to. Learn a new skill and take home a secret recipe with you.
What is Pastel de Nata?
A Pastel de Nata, also known as a Portuguese Custard Tart, is a delightful pastry originating from Portugal. It features a flaky pastry crust filled with a luscious custard traditionally flavored with cinnamon and lemon peel.
I would never take a trip to Lisbon or Porto without enjoying at least one per day. I am currently in Porto and I have pushed the boat out and eaten two, just today.
Pastel de Nata are delicious with coffee or alongside a sweet port wine. But, let’s face it – they are also just fine on their own too!
Ideally, you want to try to find a place to sell you a warm, or just baked Pastel de Nata. In Lisbon and Porto, you’ll find so many different places offering the best pastel de Nata.
I wouldn’t dare offer an opinion on which is the best.
However, I will say that the original tarts were made in Lisbon, specifically in the Jeronimos Monastery. Way back in 1837, the custard tart was invented by monks and was called Pastel de Belem (named after the Belem district.)
Once the Pastel started being made by others across Portugal, it was renamed the Pastel de Nata.
These tarts are a beloved sweet indulgence enjoyed not just in Portugal, but across the globe. If you’re eager to learn how to create them, you’ll find fantastic workshops available in Porto and Lisbon! Read on to find out more.
Why take a Pastel de Nata workshop?
I love taking cooking classes when I travel. It is a chance to take home a new skill and learn about local culture. Plus, the classes are often attended by fellow travellers – so cooking classes can be a chance to socialise.
Here are the best reasons to take a pastel de nata workshop in Porto or Lisbon:
1/ Learn a new skill
2/ Take home a recipe so you can treat your friends and family to a Pastel de Nata
3/ Learn about a local custom and traditional food
4/ Socialise with other travellers during your cooking course
Pastel de Nata workshop in Porto: My experience
Where was the workshop?
I chose to do a Pastel de Nata workshop in the centre of Porto. The workshop was hosted at the concept store Domus Arte. A shop which sells art from around 400 different Portuguese artists and craftsman. Downstairs is a large space that is used for the Pastel de Nata workshop and a Tile Painting Workshop (which I would love to return to do!)
What was the workshop like?
The workshop was 90 minutes, the perfect duration to focus and not get bored. But also to allow the teacher to go into depth and share all her tips and tricks.
In terms of format, it was a mix of demonstration and us getting involved by helping the teacher, or trying things out for ourselves. We were given a recipe and were able to annotate it during the class, taking note of all the expertise that our teacher Anna imparted on us.
We learnt about the history of Pastel de Nata and the cultural importance of the tart to Portuguese people. Whilst the Pastel de Natas were bubbling away in the oven, filling the room with a delicious smell, we were offered the chance to enjoy a glass of port.
With the Pastel de Natas cooked, we sprinkled cinnamon on top and indulged in them straight out the oven. Quaffing our port as we ate. I left with two tarts tucked away in a lovely little box to enjoy later.
Was the workshop value for money?
On balance, I think the workshop was great value for money. It cost around 30 Euros. This included a 90 minute lesson, a recipe to take home, three Pastel de natas and a glass of port.
The group size was small, so it provided an opportunity to ask questions in an intimate setting. And, we could see exactly what our teacher was doing.
If I was being super critical, I was a little disappointed that we weren’t shown how to make pastry. Instead, we used shop bought puff pastry. But, I realized that I am much more likely to make the Pastel de Nata at home if I can cheat a little and buy the pastry.
Overall, I would recommend it and would go again if I could.
You can find the details of the workshop that I did below.
Best Pastel de Nata workshops Porto
Here are two of the best Pastel de Nata workshops in Porto that you can book today.
Option 1: Pastel de Nata workshop with wine
✅Hosted in a concept store in central Porto
✅Small groups
✅Includes wine
✅1 hour 30 minute workshop
✅£30 per workshop
Option 2: Pastel de Nata workshop with Grandma’s recipe
✅Hosted in a Portuguese home
✅Small groups
✅Non-alcoholic drinks
✅Two hour workshop
✅£23 per workshop
Best Pastel de Nata workshops Lisbon
Here are two of the best Pastel de Nata workshops in Lisbon hat you can book today.
Option 1: Pastel de Nata workshop at a real bakery
✅Hosted in a real bakery in a location outside of Lisbon
✅Small groups
✅Includes coffee
✅2 hour workshop
✅£47 per workshop
Option 2: Pastel de Nata baking class in central Lisbon
✅Hosted in central Lisbon
✅Small groups
✅Variety of local drinks, including wine and Ginginha
✅Two hour workshop
✅£42 per workshop
Pastel de Nata Recipe
Well I wouldn’t want to give away the recipe that I learnt in my Pastel de Nata workshop. But, let’s just say there’s a combination of eggs, milk, sugar and a few other things!
The secret ingredients that make Pastel de Nata so special are cinnamon, lemon peel and sometimes vanilla essence. Every home in Portugal probably has it’s own special combination and secret tricks.
And of course, the original Pastel de Belem from Lisbon swears by an, as yet, undisclosed ingredient.
Visiting Porto or Lisbon?
We’ve written a few guides to help you enjoy your trip to Porto or Lisbon. You can find them below.
- How to spend three days in Lisbon
- Where to stay in Lisbon
- Free museums in Lisbon to visit
- Best beaches near Lisbon
- How to see Fado in Lisbon
- What to do in 48 hours in Porto
Written by Emma
Wine Lover. Yogi. Hiker. Writer.
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2 responses to “Best Pastel de Nata workshops in Porto and Lisbon”
[…] Pastel de Nata, aka creamy custard tarts, are a beloved pastry, particularly in Lisbon. But you will see them everywhere in Porto and on the Portuguese route and they’ve even made their way to Santiago de Compostela too. […]
[…] time enjoying a coffee in the morning at any of the city’s excellent cafes, learn to bake Pastel de Nata (and eat a few) and walk along the River Douro. Sunset is my favorite time to see the river, when […]