Pastel de Nata, the Portuguese Pastry You Definitely Have to Try

Shutterstock / Natalia Mylova

Should you ever find yourself in the colorful city of Lisbon, Portugal, there’s only one sweet treat you ought to try. Along nearly every street, the capital boasts hordes of pastry shops selling the traditional mini custard pastry, pastel de nata. Indeed, the quintessentially Portuguese pastel de nata is a flavor sensation not to be missed.

Fancy experiencing more new flavors? Then try some of these amazing international comfort foods.

What are pasteis de nata?

There’s so much to adore about pasteis de nata. Though they’re an egg custard, pasteis de nata are actually surprisingly light. The tart consists of fresh, flaky pastry and an addictive, sweet egg yolk filling. While you can, of course, enjoy these tarts fresh out of a hot oven, some people prefer to add a little cinnamon or sugar to the top before taking their first bite.

Love cinnamon? Check out some more ways to bake with cinnamon, here.

What makes them so special to Lisbon?

The pastel de nata is by no means a new addition to pastry store windows. The original recipe for this delicate egg custard pastry dates back a whopping 300 years. The very first natas were created by monks at the Jerónimos Monastery in the civil parish of Belém, Lisbon.

At the time, the holy men and women who resided there were resourceful and would use egg whites to wash and starch their clothes. Not wanting the leftover egg yolks to go to waste, the monks used them as a central part of the desserts they made, including pasteis de nata.

When the monastery began to struggle financially, the monks began to sell pasteis de nata so that they could raise money. Despite their best efforts, the place closed in 1834 and the secret recipe was sold to local bakers. A few years later, the bakers who bought the recipe opened the now renowned Fábrica de Pastéis de Belém.

The historic Belém bakery is still open and is now a popular spot for locals and tourists, alike. If you want to get your hands on an original recipe pasteis de nata, prepare yourself for a bit of a wait as lines grown long in high tourism seasons. No matter the time of year, patrons queue patiently outside the store to get their hands on this simple pastry.

Regardless of whether you have a sweet-tooth or not, sampling one of Portugal’s most well-known (and well-loved!) desserts is an experience unto itself.

If you’re looking to make some pastries of your own, our puff pastry recipes are easy and delicious.

Baked Goods from Around the World

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French Butter Cookies

France
The Brittany region of France is known for its use of butter. These French butter cookies, also known as sable Breton, shine the spotlight on the famous ingredient. This recipe is mildly sweet, rich, crisp and has a hint of salt. You won't be able to resist having a second—or third. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Crusty French Loaf

France
A delicate texture makes this French bread absolutely wonderful. I sometimes use this French bread recipe to make breadsticks, which I brush with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder. —Deanna Naivar, Temple, Texas

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Gougeres

France
I brought the recipe for these gougeres back from a trip to Nice, France. The original called for Gruyere cheese, but I found that Gouda is a more budget-friendly alternative. These puffs are a wonderful bite-sized treat. If you have leftovers, float a few of these gems on a bowl of soup in place of croutons. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia

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Conchas

Mexico
Concha (Mexican sweet bread) is a breakfast or snack pastry found all over Mexico. It has a fluffy brioche-like dough with a crispy streusel topping, scored to resemble a shell. The pastry can come in a variety of colors and other shapes, but I prefer the plain and chocolate streusel. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona

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Mexican Cinnamon Cookies

Mexico
My extended family shares a meal every Sunday. The aunts and uncles take turns bringing everything from main dishes to desserts like this traditional Mexican cinnamon cookie called reganadas. —Adan Franco, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Jammy Dodgers

England
On my first trip to Great Britain, I stumbled upon these cookies (or biscuits in the U.K.). These iconic treats, also spelled Jammie Dodgers, can be found everywhere over there. Since I couldn't find them in the States, I had to make my own homemade Jammy Dodger recipe. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin

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Cornish Pasties

England
My Great-Aunt Gladys was from a small mining town in England where pasties were popular. I loved to watch her craft each Cornish pasty, as she made them in different sizes depending on who was eating. Serve with a green salad to make a wonderful meal. —Verna Hainer, Pueblo, Colorado

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Plum Streusel Kuchen

Germany
This recipe is actually called "platz" in German (meaning "flat") and has been in my family since before I was born. The fresh fruits of summer make it a favorite, and it’s simply wonderful warm out of the oven. We enjoy this German plum cake with ice cream or whipped cream, too. —Lisa Warkentin, Winnipeg, Manitoba

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Oma’s Marzipan Stollen

Germany
My German grandma made this stollen for us when we were young. I love its homey taste and how it reminds me of her and the German food she made. I often freeze this sweet bread once it’s shaped into a braid. Then I can pull it out the night before, let it rise on the counter overnight, and bake it in the morning. —Abigail Leszczynski, Beauford, South Carolina

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Bee Sting Cake

Germany
This bee sting cake (aka bienenstich) may look daunting, but it's well worth the effort. Take each step at a time, and you'll be surprised how easy it is to make. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Lemon Mango Kanafeh

Turkey
Several years ago I came upon a little neighborhood restaurant making the most incredible Turkish food I'd ever seen or tasted. I was completely blown away by the dessert and had to learn how to make it. —Jodi Taffel, Altadena, California

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Swedish Butter Cookies

Sweden
It's impossible to eat just one of these Swedish cookies. Naturally, they're a favorite with my Swedish husband and children—but anyone with a sweet tooth will appreciate this treat. My recipe is "well-traveled" among our friends and neighbors. —Sue Soderland, Elgin, Illinois

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Tahitian Breakfast Treats

Tahiti
This is a healthy take on the Tahitian coconut breakfast treat called Firi Firi, which is typically fried. My version is baked and rolled in a spicy island sugar mix. —Sue Falk, Sterling Heights, Michigan

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Linzer Cookies

Austria
This specialty cookie takes a little extra effort, but the results are sweet! They really help to make the holidays feel special. —Jane Pearcy, Verona, Wisconsin

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Taste of Home

Austrian Walnut Cookies

Austria
Known as palatschinkens in Austria, these rich cookies melt in your mouth. The delicate, tender pastry surrounds a walnut filling that's just sweet enough. The recipe comes from a co-worker who was known for her wonderful baked goods. —Donna Gaston, Coplay, Pennsylvania

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Creamy Caramel Flan

Spain
A small slice of this impressively rich, creamy, caramel flan dessert goes a long way. What a delightful finish for a special meal or holiday celebration. —Pat Forete, Miami, Florida

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Taste of Home

Whipped Cream Krumkake

Norway
Our hometown has a rich Norwegian culture. That heritage is evident during our annual Nordic Fest, where this classic krumkake recipe is king. Here's your introduction to the timeless treat. —Imelda Nesteby, Decorah, Iowa

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Melomakarona

Greece
Growing up in Cyprus, we would see this melomakarona cookie everywhere during the holidays. Every year my mother, Thelma, would make plate after plate of these all Christmas long. It's just not the holidays without them. —Paris Paraskeva, San Francisco, California

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Chocolate Alfajores

Argentina
Chocolate alfajores, also known as alfajores de chocolate, are a popular South American dessert made of slightly sweetened shortbread cookies filled with a rich and creamy milk caramel called dulce de leche. It's best to chill the dough at least 2 hours so the cookies hold when baking. —Kimberly Scott, Kosciusko, Mississippi

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Challah

Israel
Eggs lend to the richness of this traditional challah bread recipe. The attractive golden color and delicious flavor make it hard to resist. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Rugelach

Israel
The crisp texture of these crescent-shaped cookies makes them a terrific treat to serve alongside a steaming mug of hot chocolate or coffee.

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Jewish Chocolate Chip Mandel Bread

Israel
This traditional Jewish mandel bread recipe has been passed down in my family for four generations. It tastes wonderful with a cup of coffee, hot cocoa or milk. —Monica Schnapp, Irvine, California

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Taste of Home

Torcetti

Italy
Our Sicilian grandmother often had my sister and me roll out the dough for these tasty torcetti. Their melt-in-your-mouth goodness is delicious without being overly sweet.—Joy Quici, Upland, California

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Olive Focaccia

Italy
After adding my own special touches to a basic focaccia recipe—including sun-dried tomatoes, olives and roasted sweet red peppers—the results were simply delectable. The flavorful, chewy loaf makes a wonderful accompaniment to nearly any meal. —Dee Froemel, Hayward, Wisconsin

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Pizzelle

Italy
This recipe was adapted from one that my Italian-born mother and grandmother followed. They used old irons on a gas stove, but now we have the convenience of electric pizzelle irons. These delectable cookies are still a traditional treat in our family. —Elizabeth Schwartz, Trevorton, Pennsylvania

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Jamaican Beef Patties

Jamaica
My mom was born in Jamaica and lived there until she moved to the United States during her university years. I've loved this Jamaican beef patty recipe for most of my life. The savory flavor and spices are just right, and the pastry is flaky and delicious. —Natasha Watson, Douglasville, Georgia

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Caribbean Coconut Rum Cake

Jamaica
My take on those boozy treats that weigh down suitcases returning from Jamaica, this moist cake packs a rum punch. You may wish to card your guests before serving. The longer the rum soaks in, the better—overnight is best. —Jenn Hall, Collingswood, New Jersey

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Poteca Cake

Slovenia
Rock Springs is home to 56 nationalities, and this recipe showcases its Slavic heritage. It’s one of my favorite ethnic holiday treats. —Rachelle Stratton, Rock Springs, Wyoming

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Almond Ginger Cookies

China
Think outside the box this season and enjoy these traditional Chinese cookies, each one topped with an almond slice. —Shirley Warren, Thiensville, Wisconsin

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Grandma’s Scottish Shortbread

Scotland
My Scottish grandmother was renowned for her baking, and one of the highlights whenever we visited my grandparents was her bringing out the baking tin. Her shortbread cookies were my favorite, and now, whenever I make them, I remember her. This is not a thin, crispy dessert shortbread; it’s a deep bar that is best served with a cup of tea. —Jane Kelly, Wayland, Massachusetts

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Scottish Oatmeal Rolls

Scotland
My family likes rolls that can hold up to scooping gravies, sauces and more. This recipe is a favorite. The oatmeal in the dough gives it a Scottish touch. —Peggy Goodrich, Enid, Oklahoma

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Taste of Home

Caraway Seed Rye Bread

Czech Republic
My parents were immigrants from Czechoslovakia and my mother would pull out this rye bread recipe when guests came over for dinner. Every time I bake it, I get nostalgic for those days. —Millie Feather, Baroda, Michigan

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Taste of Home

Mashed Potato Kolachkes

Czech Republic
My husband's Bohemian mother brought a kolachke recipe with her when she came to America. So these rolls are a part of our family's heritage. Other traditional fillings are prune, poppy seed and cottage cheese. —Jan Wagner-Cuda, Deer Park, Washington

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French Canadian Tourtieres

Canada
This recipe comes from my big sister. Each fall, we get together and make about 20 of these pies to use at Christmas, give as gifts or freeze for unexpected company. —Pat Menee, Carberry, Manitoba

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Finnish Pinwheels

Finland
When my sister was hosting an exchange student from Finland, she served these cookies I'd made to her guest. The young lady instantly recognized what they were. So I know they're still being made in our ancestors' country. —Ilona Barron, Ontonagon, Michigan

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Classic Irish Soda Bread

Ireland
This traditional Irish soda bread can be made with an assortment of mix-ins such as dried fruit and nuts, but I like it with a handful of raisins. —Gloria Warczak, Cedarburg, Wisconsin

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Chocolate Babka

Poland
I love this chocolate babka. It's a rewarding recipe for taking the next step in your bread baking. Even if it's slightly imperfect going into the oven, it turns out gorgeous. Look at those swirls! —Lisa Kaminski, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

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Holland Butter Cookies

Holland
My great-grandmother's Holland butter cookies have been passed down in my family from generation to generation. This recipe uses only five ingredients that are usually already in the house. For different holidays, I swap the almonds for cherries, walnuts or ginger. —Tineke De Rosa, Blairstown, New Jersey

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Golden Apple Pie

United States
Pies are the dessert I like best to prepare. This one's the favorite for family get-togethers, and it has been awarded blue ribbons at a couple of local fairs. —Theresa Brazil, Petaluma, California

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Big & Buttery Chocolate Chip Cookies

United States
My take on the classic cookie is inspired by a bakery in California called Hungry Bear. It's big, thick and chewy—truly the best chocolate chip cookie recipe. —Irene Yeh, Mequon, Wisconsin

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Up next: This Japanese Milk Bread recipe!