pastel de nata
/pasˈtɛw d͡ʒi ˈna.tɐ/
pastel de nata is the Portuguese term for Portuguese egg tart pastry.
This term refers specifically to the custard-filled egg tart. Note that while pastel de nata describes this specific dessert, the word pastel on its own can refer to many different types of sweet or savory pastries depending on the context.
Meaning: Portuguese egg tart pastry (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /pasˈtɛw dʒi ˈna.tɐ/. It has 4 syllables, and the stress is on the 2nd syllable.
When do people say it?
A quintessential Portuguese pastry, the pastel de nata is most famously associated with the Belém district in Lisbon.
Did you know?
- The recipe for the original pastel de nata was created by monks in the 18th century using egg whites to starch their clothes.
- The word nata in pastel de nata refers to the cream or heavy cream used in the custard, though its ancient roots may actually trace back to the Phoenician word for 'bed'.
- The most famous version is called pastel de Belém, a protected name that can only be used by the original bakery in the Belém district.
Examples in context
- Eu quero um pastel de nata.I want a pastel de nata.
- Este pastel de nata está delicioso.This pastel de nata is delicious.
- Vou comprar um pastel de nata na padaria.I am going to buy a pastel de nata at the bakery.
Example conversation
Felipe and Mariana are at a cafe in Lisbon.
- FelipeMariana, queres um pastel de nata?Mariana, do you want a pastel de nata?
- MarianaSim, por favor, eu adoro!Yes, please, I love them!
- FelipeEu também vou pedir um.I am going to order one too.
- MarianaEles são sempre muito frescos aqui.They are always very fresh here.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pastel de nata” translations and entries 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.
