The history of pastel de nata follows along the memories of all Portuguese people. But it comes from a long, long time ago. It started out as a convent sweet, at the end of the 19th century, and as the years went by, the recipe broke through that cloister, making itself known throughout the country – and the world.
In the year of Fábrica da Nata’s sixth anniversary, the star of this story is appropriately celebrated: the pastel de nata, a 100% Portuguese recipe that has been conquering foreign palates at the first bite.
Just like its pastry, Fábrica da Nata’s stores also win over those who visit them, for their typically Portuguese DNA and the custard tarts made in plain sight, forcing the most curious to take a pit stop to appreciate the process and the skill of the pastry chefs. But there is more than meets the eye: the recipe is, after all, what stays in the memory of those who visit Fábrica da Nata. The crunchy dough, the enveloping aroma, the consistency, and the taste of the cream are to die for. You will find several options for breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snacks, between one pastry and another.
There’s no need to think about it: “a pastel de nata and a coffee, please”. Coffee continues to be one of the Portuguese favorite sidekicks to the pastel de nata (€1.20). Delight in this combination while listening to fado and admiring the tiles on the walls. There is nothing more Portuguese than that.
There are those who like freshly baked pastel de nata, but also those who can't resist taking it home to share with family and friends. And Fábrica's pastel de nata never lets you down: the boxes of six units (6.80€) are always a great dessert idea.
For those who really like the taste of pastel de nata, Fábrica da Nata presents the Menu Natíssimo (5.50€), a pastel de nata and a glass of… pastel de nata liqueur. Bold but delicious.
Do you enjoy experimenting with unlikely flavor mixes? The Tasting Menu (3.50€) includes a pastel de nata and a glass of port wine. Surprising? Just until you try it.
If the pastel de nata is already a sweet treat, try adding the pastel de nata ice cream to it. A scoop of ice cream made from the cream of the pastel de nata and served on top of it (€3.50). An irresistible freshness.
The sweetest factory in the country arrived in the heart of Lisbon in 2016 and is here to stay. The first space opened in Praça dos Restauradores, followed by Rua Augusta. In Porto, it can be found in Santa Catarina and Praça Almeida Garrett and in Sintra you'll find it in the heart of the historic centre. To celebrate the sixth anniversary, the sixth store opened on the 2nd floor of Centro Comercial Colombo. Visit the stores, website (www.fabricadanata.com) and social media (@fabricadanata).