If you’re still unsure where to get your "bolo-rei" this Christmas, here are three top recommendations: A Merenda, Padaria do Miguel, and Pastelaria Doce Canela. You can't go wrong — these were the big winners of the "bolo-rei" competition organised by the Business Association of the Municipality of Cascais.
Eighteen bakeries and pastry shops took part, with the judging carried out through three blind tastings, assessing factors such as uniformity, colour and shine, texture, and flavour. Among the judges were chef Yullia Sieraia from Cascais FoodLab and Nelson Félix from the Estoril Higher School of Hospitality and Tourism.
The champion in the traditional "bolo-rei" category was A Merenda, in Parede (featured in the main photo); the best "bolo-rainha" can be found at Padaria do Miguel, also in Parede; and the title of Best Innovative "bolo-rei" went to Pastelaria Doce Canela, in Cascais.
In 2023, the overall winner was Pastelaria Bijou, renowned for its "areias" and Cascais walnuts.
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