Learn to Make the Most Famous Portuguese Pastry (aka The Glorious Pastel de Nata)
Let’s talk about Portugal’s national treasure. No, not Cristiano Ronaldo. We’re talking about the real MVP: the pastel de nata, that little, golden, custardy hug in a tart that has seduced tourists, locals and anyone with functioning taste buds.
You’ve probably devoured one (or twelve) while wandering Lisbon’s cobblestone streets, thinking, How is this flaky miracle even legal? But here’s the twist: instead of just eating them, what if you could make them yourself?
Welcome to your new obsession: Pastel de Nata Workshops, now available on Hands On, your go-to marketplace for delightfully hands-on classes and experiences in Portugal.
What even ss a Pastel de Nata?
If you’re not familiar (hi, welcome to Earth), a pastel de nata is a small custard tart that combines crispy, buttery puff pastry with creamy, slightly caramelized custard filling. It’s like crème brûlée and a croissant had a very talented baby.
And while many bakeries have tried to replicate it, nothing compares to the OG Portuguese version. Except maybe… your version. If you take the right class, that is.
Yes, you can learn to make these. No, you don’t need a pastry degree.
We know what you’re thinking: “That pastry looks like it took three generations of secret knowledge and a pact with a dessert wizard to create.”
Relax. That’s what our workshops are for.
At Hands On, our Pastel de Nata classes are led by pastry magicians (read: very friendly professionals) who will guide you step-by-step. And don’t worry, you don’t need to know what a bain-marie is. (Though we’ll teach you. And you’ll pronounce it with flair.)
Why take a workshop instead of watching yet another YouTube video?
Because a video can’t tell you when your custard has the perfect jiggle.
Sure, you could try following some questionable online recipe while flour covers every square inch of your kitchen. OR, you could join a cozy in-person class, meet fellow pastry enthusiasts, get real-time tips from experts, and actually enjoy the process instead of ending it covered in stress and sadness.
Plus, there’s the smell. Good luck getting your screen to emit that warm, vanilla-cinnamon-sugar perfume. (Spoiler alert: it can’t.)
What you’ll actually learn
In our workshops, you’ll learn:
- How to make puff pastry from scratch
- How to whip up the custard filling to that golden, silky perfection.
- How to bake them just right so you get that signature charred top without setting off your smoke alarm.
And best of all? You’ll get to eat everything you make.
The best souvenir you can take home
Sure, Portugal has tiles, cork bags and questionable fridge magnets, but how many tourists can say they brought home the power to create pastéis de nata at will?
It’s a party trick, a love language, and a breakfast food. All in one.
So whether you’re a foodie, a curious traveler or someone who just likes showing off at brunch, book a workshop on Hands On. Your taste buds (and your friends) will thank you.
