lisbon: a food hub beyond Pastéis de Nata

Mention Portugal, and anyone would think of Portuguese egg tarts. That’s what I thought of too when I first heard of Pastéis de Nata, thinking that it would just be like any other egg tart (my favourites are from tai cheong bakery). Pastéis de Nata—or Pastel de Belém— actually translates to “Portuguese custard tart” which accurately describes the pastry to a tee. The unassuming pastry boasts of a flaky, crisp shell—think kouign-amann, but less sweet—which houses a thick, gooey baked custard with a slightly runny center that is perfectly caramelised at the top. Most Pastelarias—pastry shops—provide cinnamon powder and icing sugar to adorn your yummy treats with.

Other notable mentions: Landeau chocolate cake and Santini Gelato!
That chocolate cake has to be the best I’ve ever had…and don’t even get me started on the gelato…that was the smoothest, richest gelato ever, I inhaled that right up and it was gone in 5 mins.

Lisbon, I will be back. Till then, I will continue working to pay off the hole in my wallet you left me with.