Once upon a time, in a small country rich in soul and flavor, Portugal added another chapter to its story of discoveries and triumphs. Two of its most iconic pastries, the Pastel de Belém and the Pastel de Nata, have conquered the world. In December 2024, TasteAtlas, a global guide to traditional cuisine, crowned the Pastel de Belém as the best pastry in the world, with the Pastel de Nata close behind in second place.
This achievement is more than a victory for Portuguese pastry—it’s a celebration of creativity, tradition, and passion that has shaped the country’s history over centuries.
The Call of the Monastery and the Birth of a Legend
It all began in the early 19th century within the walls of the Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon. At the time, egg whites were widely used to starch the monks' and nuns' habits, leaving an abundance of egg yolks. With ingenuity and care, the monks transformed this surplus into a pastry that would become legendary: the precursor to the Pastel de Belém.
But times changed. With the dissolution of monasteries in 1834, the recipe was handed over to a nearby sugar refinery, and in 1837, the iconic Fábrica dos Pastéis de Belém was born. Since then, this magical pastry, with its flaky, golden crust and velvety custard filling, has captured hearts worldwide.
Today, the Pastel de Belém remains shrouded in mystery—the original recipe is still guarded in secrecy and prepared exclusively within the factory. Every pastry served is more than a sweet treat; it’s a bite of history and Portuguese tradition.
The Pastel de Nata: The Journey of a Symbol
While the Pastel de Belém remains exclusive to its factory, the Pastel de Nata took a different path. It became the more accessible version of this delicacy, spreading across the country and, eventually, the world. In Portugal, enjoying a Pastel de Nata with an espresso is almost a ritual, a simple yet cherished daily pleasure.
But the Pastel de Nata didn’t stop there. Carried by Portuguese emigrants and chefs, it found new homes across the globe. Whether in a bakery in Paris, a café in New York, or a market in Tokyo, the Pastel de Nata has become the true ambassador of Portuguese pastry—adapted, yet always recognizable by its unique flavor and texture.
Portugal’s Soul in Every Bite
The recognition of these pastries in the TasteAtlas rankings isn’t just about flavor—it’s proof that gastronomy can bridge cultures and tell stories. The Pastel de Belém, with its recipe protected for nearly 200 years, represents the preservation of Portuguese roots. The Pastel de Nata, embraced worldwide, symbolizes Portugal’s ability to share its essence beyond borders.
These pastries are more than just recipes—they’re pieces of Portugal’s soul. The crunch of the flaky crust, the smoothness of the custard, and the sprinkle of cinnamon awaken something in everyone who tastes them. In every bite, there’s a story of a small country with the gift of touching the world.
The Sweetness of a Legacy
In 2024, the world recognized what the Portuguese have always known: the Pastel de Belém and the Pastel de Nata are more than pastries—they’re pieces of Portugal.
When visiting Lisbon, don’t miss the chance to queue at the Fábrica dos Pastéis de Belém. And as you taste the warm pastry, hear the crackle of the crust and feel the creamy custard melt on your tongue, you’ll understand why it was crowned the best in the world.
And when you step into a local bakery to order a Pastel de Nata, remember that you’re savoring a piece of Portuguese history now shared across the globe. This is how Portugal, with its ingenuity and passion, continues to win hearts—one pastry at a time.
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