Taste of Portugal: Essential Pastries You Can't Miss (and Where to Find Them)

Ronda McKnight
Jul 19
3 min read

Portugal may be famous for its wine, coastline, and charming cities, but let’s not overlook one of its greatest treasures: pastries...sweet, flaky, custard-filled pastries. Whether you’re a dessert lover or just someone who can’t resist the smell of fresh-baked treats, Portugal’s pastry scene is next-level.

From iconic egg custards to regional surprises, here are the Portuguese pastries you absolutely need to try—plus the best places to find them.

1. Pastel de Nata (Custard Tart)

If you try only one pastry in Portugal, make it this one. The pastel de nata is the crown jewel of Portuguese sweets: flaky, caramelized pastry filled with creamy, slightly eggy custard. Served warm with a dusting of cinnamon or powdered sugar, it’s pure magic.

🔎 Where to Find It:

Pastéis de Belém (Lisbon) The OG! They’ve been baking these since 1837. It gets crowded, but it’s worth it. Also try Manteigaria (Lisbon & Porto) Many locals say these rival Belém’s—watch them being made behind the glass.

2. Queijada

Don’t let the name fool you—this isn’t a cheesecake in the way you might expect. A queijada is a small, round pastry made with cheese, sugar, eggs, and cinnamon. It's chewy, slightly dense, and totally addictive.

🔎 Where to Find It:

Sintra Head to Piriquita, a bakery that’s been making these for generations. Bonus: try their Travesseiro (see below) while you’re there.

3. Travesseiro

Also from Sintra, the travesseiro (which means “pillow”) lives up to its name—light, buttery puff pastry filled with almond cream. Eat one warm with coffee, and you’ll be hooked.

🔎 Where to Find It:

Casa Piriquita (Sintra) Legendary. Expect a line, but trust me—it moves fast and it’s worth every bite.

4. Bola de Berlim

Portugal’s version of a Berliner (think jelly doughnut), but better. These are round, sugar-dusted doughnuts typically filled with a rich egg-yolk cream (instead of jam). They’re especially popular at the beach!

🔎 Where to Find It:

Padaria Ribeiro (Porto) A classic bakery serving some of the best around. Bonus: You can also find them with any beach vendor along the coast. There’s something extra delicious about eating one sandy and barefoot.

5. Pão de Ló

This deceptively simple sponge cake is ultra light and often slightly underbaked in the center for a gooey texture. It’s not overly sweet, which makes it perfect with coffee or tea.

🔎 Where to Find It:

Ovar (north of Porto) Home to the gooey version known as Pão de Ló de Ovar. Also try Lisbon and Porto. Pastry shops will often carry it, especially around holidays.

6. Ovos Moles

Unique to Aveiro, these little sweets are made from egg yolks and sugar, wrapped in delicate rice paper shaped like fish, shells, or barrels. They’re intensely sweet, but if you love eggy desserts, this one’s for you.

🔎 Where to Find It:

Aveiro Stop by Confeitaria Peixinho, the oldest ovos moles bakery in town.

7. Folar

A spiced bread-like cake often eaten around Easter, sometimes filled with cinnamon and sugar or even savory versions with meat. It's not exactly a pastry, but it’s still a must-try if you're visiting during the spring.

🔎 Where to Find It:

Try any regional bakeries across Portugal especially in the north around Easter

Final Tips for Your Pastry Tour:

Walk it off: Luckily, Portugal is full of hills—so you can indulge guilt-free.
Pair it with a coffee: Order a bica (espresso) in Lisbon or a cimbalino in Porto.
Try something new: Many pastries are regional and won’t even show up on Google. If it looks good, try it—you might discover a new favorite.

Whether you're grabbing a pastel de nata on your way to the tram or sitting down for ovos moles in Aveiro, Portugal’s pastry game is strong. It’s rich in tradition, endlessly creative, and, honestly, reason enough to book a trip. Just don’t forget to pack your stretchy pants!