Pastel de Belém, the TasteAtlas says, is a traditional Portuguese egg custard tart and a predecessor to the famous pastel de nata. The tarts are made with a pastry shell that's filled with a combination of milk, eggs, sugar, lemon and cinnamon. The first recipe for pastel de Belém, rated by this guide with 4,9 stars in a total of 5, dates back to 1837 when it was produced by the monks of the Jerónimos monastery in Lisbon (Portugal’s capital).
Only the custard tarts produced at the Fábrica Pastéis de Belém, in Belém area, can be called pastel de Belém, while all the others, produced by other patisseries are called pastel de nata. They can be served hot or cold. The Fábrica de Pastéis de Belém keeps the recipe as a secret until nowadays. It is hugely popular, and the fact can be supported by long lines of people – locals and tourists - who are waiting on their pastel de nata in front of the Fábrica.
Pastel de nata, rated with 4.8 stars in 5 by TasteAtlas, is popular throughout the world. It is believed that for the best result, the filling should not be too sweet and should not have flavors of lemon or vanilla. Instead, the tarts should be sprinkled with cinnamon and, ideally, paired with a cup of coffee. The Portuguese way of drinking coffee is also special: the locals drink it small, strong and several times a day!
The bola de Berlim, rated with 4.5 by the TasteAtlas guide, is none other than a cake of german origin – the berliner - known in many countries. It is said that it arrived in Portugal via a jewish family that had found refuge near the Estoril area before the war.
In Portugal, the TasteAtlas writes, these are donuts that are sliced in half, typically rolled in granulated sugar before being filled with sweet and creamy egg-based custard (you can also have them without the creamy filling if you are not a fan).
During the summer, on the portuguese coast, vendors sell these tasty balls on numerous beaches. Locals – and tourists as well - love to consume them while sunbathing.
The TasteAtlas is a travel online guide for traditional food that shows authentic recipes, food critic reviews and articles about ingredients and dishes.
The guide produces several infographic maps, like this one below, to showcase an in-depth look at different cuisines and local foods as well as numerous top lists. Like this TOP50 of the best pastries in the world.
Links to know more:
Where to taste bola de Berlim in East Algarve
Monday to Friday - 10:00 - 18:00
Saturday - 10:00 - 13:00