The Myth behind Pasteis de Belem

The myth or legend associated with Pastéis de Belém adds a touch of intrigue to the history of these delicious custard tarts.

According to the story, the recipe for the custard filling was created by the monks of the Jerónimos Monastery in the 18th century. The monks were known for their culinary skills, and they created a special custard tart recipe using the yolks leftover from the egg whites, which were used to starch the monks’ habits.

In 1837, after the Liberal Revolution of 1834 resulted in the closure of many convents and monasteries in Portugal, the monks of the Jerónimos Monastery faced a challenge. With the monastery shut down, they needed to find a source of income. To make ends meet, the monks began selling a sweet pastry known as "Pastel de Nata" to the public at the local sugar refinery.

At the time, the Belém area was considered remote from the city of Lisbon and could be reached mainly by steamboat. At the same time, the grandeur of the monastery and the Belém Tower attracted visitors who quickly got used to savouring the delicious pastries from the monastery's pastry shop.

In 1837, the sugar refinery transformed into a pastry shop called Antiga Confeitaria de Belém (now known as Pastéis de Belém), and the delicious custard tarts became a popular treat.

What makes Pastéis de Belém distinct is not just the custard tart itself but also the custard filling's secret recipe, which is said to have been passed down through generations. The recipe supposedly includes a precise combination of ingredients and a meticulous preparation process that only a select few know.

Find below the Ingredients

For the Pastry

• 1 sheet of puff pastry

For the Custard Filling

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 strip of lemon zest
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 6 large egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Dusting (Optional)

• Powdered sugar
• Ground cinnamon

The precise details of the myth may vary, but the general idea is that the recipe originated within the walls of the monastery, and its secret was preserved and later commercialized, giving rise to the iconic Pastéis de Belém. Today, Pastéis de Belém remains a famous and iconic pastry shop, attracting locals and tourists alike who flock to enjoy the traditional Portuguese custard tarts in the place where they originated. While similar custard tarts, known as Pastel de Nata, can be found throughout Portugal and beyond, Pastéis de Belém continues to maintain its unique status and