App co-founder Kat spent time in Lisbon Portugal. The cheapest capital of Western Europe and one of the warmest with Latin roots, what’s not to love! Here is one of Kat’s top WunderWalks ode to foodies everywhere: a bakery crawl of the famous ‘pastel de nata’ or egg custard tartlet. Tiny crispy-based tarts filled with comforting egg custard, small enough to pop in your mouth, or for the daintier, at least polish off in a few bites. These recipes are strongly guarded secrets, originally made by monks hundreds of years ago. So which will be the tastiest tart?
1. Confeitaria Nacional (National Confectioner) is the oldest sweets shop in Lisbon, almost 200 years old, has baked for royalty, still remains family owned, and bakes onsite. It is in pride of place on Figueira Square within an impressive building that is a glorious example of 19th century architecture and interiors. If you are a traveller pursuing the most renowned food in the world you can’t get any better than this.
2. Casa Brasileira (Brazilian House) is on Lisbon’s main pedestrian street Rua Augusta leading down to the riverfront with its black and white mosaic pavements and huge stone arch leading onto Commercio square. This bakery is what most Portuguese bakeries look like. Functional, standing room only, and huge windows of baked goods.
3. A Padaria Portuguesa (The Portuguese Bakery) is Lisbon’s most well-known chain bakery restaurant, quite a feat in a country who cherishes small family-run hospitalities. You are always guaranteed good prices and good consistency. Signage says proud to be 100% Portuguese owned. There are 40 bakeries across Lisbon and production is local too.
4. Cafe A Brasileira (Brazilian Café) is one of the oldest cafes in Lisbon and claims to have introduced Brazilian coffee at the beginning of the 20th century. The café became famous as a place for intellectuals and artists. The most famous is poet Fernando Pessoa whose bronze statue sits outside at his very own table. You can sit outside and take in the Old Town, or sit in the high-ceilinged mirrored long bar that will have your mouth falling open before you even beginning eating.
The great thing about this foodie expedition is traditional custard tarts are so petite that you’ll still have space for more Portuguese cuisine afterwards, and there is so much to sample!
(Excerpt from original WunderWalk Facebook post 28 June 2016.)
Images: Kat McArthur and Confeitaria Nacional.