Follow Portuguese immigration to taste authentic Portuguese cuisine: The Portuguese egg tart was first invented by the nuns of the Jerónimos Monastery in the Belém district of Lisbon, Portugal, in the 18th century. After the monastery closed in the 1820s, in 1837, egg tarts made according to this ancient recipe began to be sold at the secular pastry shop Casa Pastéis de Belém. Since the shop is located in the Belém district of Lisbon, the egg tarts sold there are called Pastéis de Belém. The Portuguese egg tart we enjoy today has a history of nearly 200 years since its invention, a truly old sweet treat!
As you walk past the monastery and turn at a small intersection, you will find a bustling scene, with a blue sign featuring white letters shining brightly. Yes, this is the old shop of Pastéis de Belém, a tourist hotspot in the Belém district, where locals and tourists alike line up at all times to buy Portuguese egg tarts.
In Portugal, the streets are filled with the delightful aroma of milk. Although many pastry shops in every corner sell freshly baked egg tarts, only the egg tarts produced at this shop in Belém are entitled to be called Pastéis de Belém, which has become a famous trademark that cannot be infringed upon. Just like only champagne produced in the Champagne region of France can be called by that name.
On the mosaic floor, the large number 1837 proudly announces the long history of Pastéis de Belém to the world.
This place attracts not only tourists; many locals from Lisbon are willing to spend time patiently waiting for freshly baked Pastéis de Belém.
Don’t think that this century-old shop has only a small storefront; in fact, it operates with a front shop and a back kitchen. Passing through a narrow corridor, you will be surprised to find a large dining area inside, with soft lighting, blue azulejos, elegant wall lamps, and arches... It makes you want to sit down immediately to enjoy coffee with your egg tart, not to waste such a wonderful environment.
The best partner for an egg tart is a cup of Portuguese black coffee. Although Italian coffee is world-renowned, Portuguese coffee is also very popular in Europe. Throughout my journey from Portugal to Spain, my favorite cup was the black coffee I had with my Pastéis de Belém.
Please note, it must be black, without sugar or milk. The coffee beans have a rich aroma, are not acidic, and have a slight bitterness that better complements the sweetness and creaminess of the egg tart. Just as a suitable red wine must accompany a steak, egg tarts and black coffee are inseparable best friends!
