Pastéis de Belém and Lisbon Love
When in Lisbon on our honeymoon, I discovered something rather delicious. Something delicate and dreamy. A beautiful bite. Well, I'll tell you the truth...I didn't truly discover it. Monks did. Or rather, they created these bites. And then the world discovered them.
So I may be a little late to the party, but this does not make my discovery any less significant. Or less delicious.
The delicate beauties I speek of are Pastéis de Belém, otherwise known as Pastéis de Nata, otherwise known as Portuguese tarts. I was not familiar with these lovelies prior to visiting Lisbon. Oh yes, I had eaten a few dan tats at yum cha in my time, but they're not the same. Dan Tats are, in my opinion, rather disgusting. Moving on...
There really is only one place to taste Portuguese tarts in Lisbon, and that is the famed Pastéis de Belém. This shop has been making and selling their heavenly tarts since 1837, and the recipe remains unchanged. Why mess with historic perfection?
The base of these tarts are insanely crisp...
...with deliriously flaky pastry layers encasing a light, sweet custard puddle. They were, without a doubt, one of the most delicious, most glorious, favoured bites I have ever eaten. Ben agreed. And then promptly ate three.
Next door to is a stunning Monastery, which we explored before losing ourselves in the city for the rest of the day.
A little
Lisbon love
for you right now...
Oh, and cocktails seem to cost only a few euro in Lisbon. Yes, please. Until next time... I'm off to mix myself a drink and reminisce about those tarts.
Those. Tarts.