Pastéis de Belém | Lisboa Cool
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Pastéis de Belém

A Portuguese specialty

In the early 19th century, in Belém, right next to the Jerónimos Monastery, there existed a sugar cane refinery associated to a small shop. Because of the 1820 Liberal Revolution, all Portuguese convents and monasteries were closed years later and, consequently, all workers and clergy were expelled from the premises. In an attempt to survive, someone from the Monastery placed sweet pastries for sale at the small shop, which quickly became known as "Pastéis de Belém" given the location where they were sold.

The confection of these "Pastéis de Belém" began in 1837 and the recipe remains a secret to this day in the mysterious “Oficina do Segredo” ("Secret Shop"). Master confectioners create them by hand, carefully choosing each ingredient in order to provide the taste of traditional Portuguese sweets, perfectly combining the cream and puff pastry that compose them.

Across the country there are many versions of this pastry, but the original recipe is in Belém and isn’t shared with any other place. You don’t want to miss the chance to taste the original one, right?

Cool Tip: If you’re not a fan of Belém’s traditional pastries, be sure to taste the pound cake, the sweet or savory assortments and, during the holiday season, treat yourself to a slice of king or queen’s cake.

Hours

Oct – Jun: 8 am – 11 pm I Jul – Sep: 8 am – 12 am
24, 25, 31 Dec and 1 Jan closed at 7 pm