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Pastel de nata cooking class experiences in Portugal
Want to bake Portugal’s most famous pastry like a local? A pastel de nata cooking workshop is the best way to experience this sweet tradition, and you don’t need to be in Lisbon to join one.
After living in the country for 4 years, I decided it was time to learn how to make it myself! So, whisk in hand, I signed up for a pastel de nata cooking class in Lisbon. I’ve tasted countless pasteis in Lisbon’s bakeries, but nothing compared to pulling my own golden tarts from the oven.
In this guide, I will tell you more about the pastel de nata masterclass I took, but you don’t have to be in Lisbon to book one! They happen in all major cities, so I’ve compiled a list to make it easier for you to choose a session you like. Afterwards, you can replicate making pastéis de nata on your own at home. How cool is that?
Whether you’re a foodie on a Portugal getaway, a family travelling with kids, or just someone who loves baking, a pastel de nata class is a hands-on experience you’ll never forget. Plus, it’s a perfect activity on a rainy day!
From learning the secret behind that flaky crust to discovering which city runs the quirkiest classes, here’s your guide to pastel de nata workshops in Portugal.
What is a pastel de nata?
A pastel de nata is a traditional Portuguese egg custard tart with a flaky, buttery crust and creamy centre. These golden pastries originated at the Jerónimos Monastery in Belém (Monastery Santa Maria de Belém), Lisbon, where monks needed to use up leftover egg yolks. (They used the whites to starch their habits, the monks’ clothing.)
With those yolks, the monks created a variety of desserts, but the pastel de nata became the most iconic.
👉 Fun fact: You can still taste the original secret recipe today at the famous Pastéis de Belém Bakery in Lisbon. And just so you know, pastéis is simply the plural of pastel!
Over time, the Portuguese custard tart gained worldwide fame. According to TasteAtlas, the pastel de nata often ranks as the best pastry in the world. A title that locals and visitors alike would definitely agree with once they’ve had their first bite.
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Why join a pastel de nata cooking class in Portugal?
Sure, tasting a pastel de nata in a café is unforgettable, but rolling up your sleeves and baking them yourself is next-level fun. In a lesson, you’ll learn the secrets behind two key elements: how to layer the buttery puff pastry until it flakes perfectly, and how to whisk up that silky-smooth custard filling.
But it’s not just about baking the perfect pastel de nata and learning a new skill. These classes also give you a slice of Portuguese culture and history. Many instructors weave in stories about the monks who created the tart, the role of egg yolks in convent sweets, and how pastéis became Portugal’s most beloved treat.
Best of all? You’ll leave class with your very own authentic pastel de nata recipe so you can recreate the magic back home, whether you’re in New York, Sydney, or anywhere in between. Imagine surprising friends and family with a taste of Portugal fresh from your oven!
Where can you book pastel de nata workshops in Portugal?
Thankfully, there are several masterclasses all over Portugal! So whether you holiday in the Algarve, Lisbon or Porto, there will be a baking class near you! These are some of the best ones I have seen or experienced.
Best pastel de nata workshop in Porto
A rainy day in Porto was the perfect excuse to book a cooking class and learn to make pastel de nata. The glass of Port wine caught my eye, and I joined a class as Little Bird, but there are other options where you can enjoy pastry making with a professional.
Porto pastel de nata cooking class options:
- 1.5-hour class at Little Bird – including Port wine, and a maximum of 9 people. For children older than 10.
- A 2-hour cooking class at a local Porto home. Grandma’s recipe, up to 10 participants. Children aged 9 years and older.
- 1.5-hour workshop at Bainharia – for all ages, including complementary local wine.
- 2.5 hours baking at C D Porto Tours – you will also make the dough, and you can taste a regional wine. Max 12 participants, children older than 15. Private classes are available for families with younger children.
- 1.5-hour experience at Berta Faria – max 8 participants, including a glass of Port wine. Suitable for children older than 10.
Top pastel de nata workshop in Lisbon
I joined a Lisbon pastel de nata cooking class at Homecooking. The group consisted of approximately 16 people, and we learned how to make the sweets in pairs. We started by making the puff pastry from scratch and learned tips and tricks on how to perfect this flaky crust!
Then we worked on the custard and added it to the delicacy. The egg tarts went into the oven for a few minutes, and before we knew it, we were nibbling away! (Don’t burn your mouth….. goodness that hurts!). There are, however, many pastel de nata cooking workshops in Lisbon.
Here is an overview for those who visit Lisbon:
- The 2-hour class I took at Homecooking Lisbon– Suitable for children 6 years and older.
- 2-hour class at Compadre Cooking School – all ages are welcome
- 2-hour class at Lisboa Food Studio – small groups up to 8 participants (all ages)
- 2-hour workshop at Nat’elier, located inside a real bakery – suitable for all ages – near Baixa-Chiado station at the bakery of chef João Batalha. Private experiences are also available.
Tip: Lisbon Cooking Academy offers a vegan pastel de nata pastry class.
Baking pastel de nata in the Algarve
There are more opportunities to learn about pastry making in Lisbon and Porto, but you can enjoy baking lessons in other parts of the country. In the Algarve, you can visit Lagos and bake the iconic pastry.
Book a 2-hour experience at The Kitchen by Eat at a Local’s. Groups consist of a maximum of 10 participants, and children are welcome. You will make the pastry and filling, and you can taste your own creation once cooked!
Demonstration of pastel de nata in Madeira
If you’re holidaying in Madeira, you can join a group in Funchal! The session is hosted by a skilled chef.
Enjoy a 2-hour experience with Madeira Exquisite Food on Foot Tours, where a maximum of 8 participants is allowed, and children of all ages are welcome.
Things to look out for when booking a session
Not all classes are the same, so it’s worth checking the details before you book. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Length of the session: Shorter classes often skip making the pastry from scratch. Instead, you’ll just prepare the custard filling and assemble the tarts. If you want the full hands-on experience, look for lessons that include the dough process.
- Group size: Classes can range from big tourist groups to intimate sessions with just a handful of people. I personally preferred smaller groups, where the atmosphere felt cosier and the pastry chef had more time to answer questions and guide each participant.
- How many tarts will you take home? Most workshops let you bring your fresh-baked pastéis de nata home, but the number can vary. Some give you just a couple, while others send you off with a whole box (a delicious problem to have if you’re travelling with friends!).
- Who the class is for: Some tutorials are designed with families and kids in mind, while others are more technical and appeal to serious foodies. Double-check before booking so the experience matches what you’re looking for.
- Language of instruction: Most classes are offered in English, but not all. If you don’t speak Portuguese, make sure your chosen lesson has an English-speaking instructor. Sometimes other languages are offered, such as Spanish and French.
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FAQ
Are pastel de natas hard to make?
They can be tricky because of the flaky pastry, but with a guided lesson, even beginners can master the basics.
Which city is best for a pastel de nata class?
Lisbon is the most popular choice, but you’ll find excellent opportunities in Porto, and even in the Algarve and Madeira.
How long do pastel de nata take to cook?
Once prepared, they usually bake in a hot oven for about 10–15 minutes until the tops are perfectly caramelised. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning!
How long does an experience usually take?
Most workshops last between 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on whether you make the dough from scratch.
Was the session worth the money?
Yes, besides the hands-on baking, you also get cultural insights, recipes to take home, and plenty of tarts to enjoy.
Do I need baking experience for a class?
Not at all! These experiences are designed for all levels, and the chefs guide you through every step.
Can kids join a pastel de nata workshop?
Yes, many classes welcome children and even make the process extra fun for them. It’s a great family activity, but do check during booking.
Are you ready to make your own pasteís de nata?
I have done a couple of the experiences now, and I loved it! It’s great to learn to bake Portuguese pastries, but also the hear more about the history of pastel de nata.
And the best thing is, is that you can make more at home! It’s not all that difficult, and the ingredients are readily accessible. You might just want to purchase some pastel de nata tins that will help you master the art of baking pastéis de nata.
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