Pasteis de Nata

The pastel de nata is Portugal's most beloved sweet, a small tart of crisp, flaky pastry filled with rich, creamy egg custard, its top blistered and caramelised in a fierce oven. Created by monks in Belem centuries ago and now made across the country, it is best eaten warm, dusted with cinnamon and sugar, with a strong coffee, an irresistible everyday pleasure.

The main sights

• The custard tart - the flaky pastry cup of scorched egg custard.
• Pasteis de Belem - the original Belem bakery with its secret recipe.
• The cinnamon dusting - the tart eaten warm with cinnamon and sugar.
• The pastry-and-coffee ritual - the tart with a strong Portuguese coffee.

When to go

Year-round; any time with a coffee, best warm from the oven. The famous Pasteis de Belem in Lisbon serves the original version, though excellent ones are found in bakeries everywhere.

Before you go

They are best warm and fresh; a cold, day-old one is a shadow of the real thing. The original Belem bakery queues, though good versions are everywhere. It is a small, rich treat rather than a filling snack.

Nearby

The Belem district holds the original bakery; the tarts are found in every Portuguese town.