1 Day in Lisbon, Portugal - Fábrica da Nata - Pastéis de Nata
Other than sardines, you can easily find Portuguese Custard tarts, also known as pastel de nata, available in restaurants and pastries shop. Honestly, having seen and eaten egg tarts in Asia, I was quite surprised to see so many shops selling egg tarts in Lisbon. I thought egg tart is a type of dim-sum.
Although both egg tarts and custard tarts may look the same, they do not taste the same. The most obvious difference is that Portuguese Custard Tarts are much more charred on the surface, due to sugar content in the custard. The egg tarts in Asia is much more firm and savoury as compared to the Portuguese custard tarts. The custard tarts are much sweeter and creamier compared to their counterpart. The egg tarts in Asia do have a bit of "egg taste" as well. Honestly, I like both Asia and Portuguese style. I think I had at least 5 custard tarts when I was in Lisbon.
Fábrica da Nata is relatively near to the hotel that I was staying at. Hence, that's the only branch that I had my custard tart. The shop opens early, and they have really affordable breakfast options. A croissant and coffee is 2.50 euro. A custard tart and a glass of wine is 3.50 euro! Food is really affordable here.
Nevertheless, I only got 1 tart as I already had my breakfast. The tarts are served fresh.You can see a baker baking the tarts and have a whiff of the sweet scent.
You have to eat the tarts when it's still warm or within the day! I had 1 in the morning, and I went back to the shop in the evening to get another one as dessert. Honestly, the second tart still tasted good, but it's not as the crust is not as flaky if you had it fresh. I did order their ham and cheese croissant as well for dinner, and I am happy with it. It's good!
I would totally recommend and encourage you to try the custard tarts when you are in Lisbon. Many bakeries sell these tarts so you can't miss it. However, if you are looking at a proper restaurant specialised in these custard tarts, do drop by Fábrica da Nata. Have a short break by having a custard tart and a glass of wine.
x, Esther
