Pastéis de Belém, Belém, Lisbon
The historic Pastéis de Belém in the Belém district west of central Lisbon may well be the country's most famous cafe.
It is renowned for producing one of Portugal's most well-known and beloved pastries, known as Pastéis de Nata or custard tarts. This delightful Portuguese sweet is now served in cafes all over the country, not just in the capital. They can also be enjoyed in the former Portuguese colonies of Brazil, Macau and Angola.
The elegant interior of Pastéis de Belém is tiled with some beautiful blue and white azulejos. You can buy to take away or sit down and enjoy the pastries in the spacious cafe interior. As well as the signature Pastéis de Nata other delicacies on sale include Bolo Ingles, Bolo Rainha, Salgados, Sortido and Bolo Rei (over the Christmas period).
History
The pastry store has been in business since 1837 with the secret recipe, supposedly known to only three employees, having originated in the nearby Mosteiro dos Jeronimos. Or so the story goes.
The secret recipe that has been passed down through generations. The custard is a rich, creamy filling made with egg yolks, sugar, milk, and a touch of vanilla. The pastry is thin and flaky, and the tops are lightly caramelized, giving a slightly crispy texture.
At the time egg-whites were used by the monks for starching clothes. The left-over yolks then became an ingredient for making pastries. After the dissolution of the monasteries in Portugal in 1820, the recipe was sold to the Fábrica de Pastéis de Belém, which still makes the custard tarts to this day.
In fact, the Fábrica de Pastéis de Belém produces over 20,000 tarts each and every day. The ovens at the factory reach a temperature of 800°F.
The custard tarts are traditionally served with a sprinkle of cinnamon and powdered sugar on top. Many visitors enjoy them while still warm from the oven.
Nearby
The cafe is close to several attractions in the area. These include the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos, the Maritime Museum, Belem Tower, and also the Monument to the Discoveries.
Hotels
Hotels within easy reach of the store include the classic 5-star Altis Belem Hotel & Spa, the 4-star Hotel Jeronimos 8, the 5-star Palacio do Governador, and the 5-star Pestana Palace Lisboa Hotel.
Access
Pastéis de Belém
Rua Belém 84-92
1300-085 Lisbon
Tel: 21 363 7423
Hours: October 1-June 30 8 am-11 pm; July 1-September 30 8 am-12 midnight; open every day.
Pastéis de Belém has gained immense popularity not only among locals but also with tourists who flock to the pastry shop to taste its delicious custard tarts. It has become a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the culinary delights of the Portuguese capital.
The cafe is a short walk from Belem Station and Jardim Afonso Albuquerque.
The following Lisbon bus services stop nearby: 201, 714, 727 and 728. The 15E Lisbon tram also stops outside.
The #15 tram runs from Praça da Figueira near Rossio Station then to Cais do Sodré on the Lisbon metro and Cascais Line to Cascais.
Thereafter the route runs in a fairly straight line through Belem along the north bank of the River Tagus to Alges. The whole journey takes 45 minutes. Trams running on this route are usually the modern articulated type.
