Pastel de Nata: Portugal’s World Famous Pastry in Istanbul

One of the most popular desserts of Portugal “Pastel de Nata”, shortly called nata, is an egg custard tart pastry that can be served with dusted cinnamon or powdered sugar on top. Originally associated with Portuguese bakeries and cafés, it has spread all over the world as a light and delicious dessert.

The desert has also established a strong presence in Istanbul. There are two well-known places in Istanbul dedicated to nata: Nata Lisboa Istanbul near Galata Tower and Moda Da Nata in Moda. While traditional pastel de nata remains the centerpiece of their menus, you can find an extensive nata menu containing a variety of flavors like blueberry, nutella, pistachio, coconut, hazelnut, lemon, and apple cinnamon, which is mostly not available even in Portugal.

In Portugal, there are many patisseries dedicated to nata production, but there are two famous nata shops competing with each other: Pasteis de Belem and Manteigaria Fabrica de Pasteis de Nata. Pasteis de Belem is the oldest nata shop that occupies a tremendous place and even contains a backyard. The size does not always mean there will be space available to dine-in, as there is always a queue in this shop, especially in peak seasons, since a large number of tourists come there to try the renowned nata.

The menu includes classic nata (no other types are available), and the shop itself reflects Portuguese architecture due to the adornment of every wall in the shop with blue-white ceramics. Natas in Pasteis de Belem are crispy, hot, and its custard is generously filled, which enhances the overall flavor according to the visitors. After eating your nata, you can go and see the manufacturing area, and even purchase souvenir items from the shop. Visitors are also encouraged to refer to the pastry as “Pastéis de Belém” rather than “pastel de nata” when ordering at the bakery, as the special recipe of the establishment differs slightly from the original version, remaining a closely guarded secret for generations.

Manteigaria is another famous shop, which has eleven shops in total in Lisbon. Manteigaria is not like Pasteis de Belem as the stores are considered on the smaller size with a takeaway concept, so there are only a few tables to sit. Also, unlike the Pasteis de Belem, this store is a global chain, having many other stores globally. However, visitors report a small difference between the Nata shops, as it is often described that Natas in Pasteis de Belem are more generously filled and served hotter, while the natas in Manteigaria are not that heavily filled.

If you want to feel the nostalgic Portuguese atmosphere, rest and take a delicious break after roaming all over Lisbon and taking ten thousands of steps, it is strongly recommended that you visit both of these places as they are must-visit spots when you are in Lisbon. While Pastéis de Belém and Manteigaria remain iconic destinations in Portugal, similar interpretations of the famous pastry that even include wider interpretaions, can also be found in Istanbul’s continously growing pastry culture.