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THE DOURO HOUSE
Anyone who’s been lucky enough to visit Portugal knows that
the simple thought of a pastel de nata is enough to bring back
a lot of nostalgia. Each Portuguese region and baker will have a
slightly different twist on the recipe, but the expectation is always
a flaky pastry with a touch of custardy and sugary delight.
The original recipe dates back 300 years to the Jerónimos
Monastery in Belém, where everything started. Back then,
Portugal was going through a period of political and religious
instability, which led to the closure of many monasteries
and convents. To overcome their precarious situation, the
monks relied on their culinary skills. The success of Pastel de
Natal turned this dessert into a national treasure, a symbol of
Portuguese cuisine and a testament to the Jerónimos Monastery
monks’ resilience.
Pastel de Nata:
A symbol of resilience
