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Desserts from Lisbon

Lisbon runs on coffee and custard tarts. Every neighborhood has a pastelaria with a glass case of golden sweets, and most of them are made with eggs, sugar and a lot of patience.

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Portugal

Pastéis de Nata

Portugal's custard tarts: shatter-crisp pastry, a silky middle and a few proud scorch marks on top.

Local flavor

Where the sweet things are in Lisbon

Lisbon is the home of the pastel de nata, and the city takes its custard tarts seriously.

Locals eat them standing at the counter with a small, strong coffee, often before work. Beyond the tarts, look for sweet rice pudding with cinnamon and sponge cakes so light they barely hold their shape.

Nearby

SintraCascaisSetúbal

Questions about desserts from Lisbon

What dessert is Lisbon most famous for?

The pastel de nata, a custard tart with crisp pastry and a scorched top.

When do people in Lisbon eat sweets?

Any time, but a tart with a coffee in the morning or mid-afternoon is a very local habit.