pastel de nata
/pasˈtɛw d͡ʒi ˈna.tɐ/
The English phrase "custard tart" is pastel de nata in Portuguese.
The term refers to an iconic Portuguese pastry consisting of a small crust filled with a creamy egg custard. In some locations, this custard tart may also be referred to as pastel de Belém.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Portugal, pastel de nata specifically refers to the iconic Portuguese custard tart, distinguishing it from similar pastries that may exist in other parts of the world.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /pasˈtɛw dʒi ˈna.tɐ/. The word has 4 syllables and the stress is on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- The recipe for these tarts was created by monks at the Jerónimos Monastery. They used egg whites to starch their clothes, leaving a surplus of yolks that led to the creation of the custard.
- The word nata, meaning 'cream', has an unexpected linguistic ancestor in the Punic or Phoenician word for 'bed' or 'couch'.
- While pastel de nata is the general name, pastel de Belém is a protected designation. Only the original bakery in the Belém district of Lisbon is legally allowed to use the name pastel de Belém.
Examples in context
- Moço, me dá um pastel de nata, por favor?Hey, can I have a custard tart, please?
- Olá, gostaria de um pastel de nata, por favor!Hello, I would like a custard tart, please!
- Muito obrigada pelo pastel de nata!Thank you very much for the custard tart!
- Eu quero um pastel de nata.I want a custard tart.
- Este pastel de nata está delicioso.This custard tart is delicious.
- Podes comprar um pastel de nata para mim?Can you buy a custard tart for me?
Example conversation
Camila and Rodrigo are at a traditional bakery in Lisbon.
- CamilaRodrigo, você já provou o pastel de nata daqui?Rodrigo, have you already tried the custard tart from here?
- RodrigoAinda não, Camila. Eles parecem ótimos.Not yet, Camila. They look great.
- CamilaVamos comprar dois pastéis de nata agora.Let's buy two custard tarts now.
- RodrigoBoa ideia, eu aceito um!Good idea, I'll have one!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry pastel de nata, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, nata, pastel, CC BY-SA 4.0.
