I was just posting some information on a pilgrim-friendly place to stay near the Lisbon cathedral and added some info on the importance of trying a pastel de nata or two while you are in Lisbon. There is a family run place right across the street from the Pensao Prata that makes them on site.
Paco Real (Rua da Conceição, 55-57) in front of Pensão Prata.
The owner (Carlos) is a friend of pilgrims and stamp the pilgrim credentials.
This reminded me of the forum's debate on hot vs. room temperature pasteis de nata.
For the serious pastry eaters who have not yet been to Lisbon, you should know that there is a great debate over whether these luscious little flaky, creamy pastries should be eaten hot or cold. The place highest on most tourist lists is the pastel de nata place out in Belem, near the Jeronimos monastery. The lines are huge, the pastries are delicious, and they are served hot. I have been out there many times and stood in those impossible lines.
A few years ago, in Lisbon, Aurelio and Rita took me to Paco Real and we had some at room temperature. Same flaky crust, same creamy inside, but no heat. Delicious. Aurelio insists that it is easier to "cover up" a bad pastel de nata by heating it, and that the best way to savor it is at room temp. And to make sure to go to a place that makes them on site, like Paco Real.
I don't think we ever did a forum vote on which is better, but I think we can all agree they are absolutely delicious.
Hoping that all pilgrims starting in Lisbon get the chance to try some of these (and the many other) delicious Portuguese pastries. It is not a good place to be if you want to limit sweet intake. Bom caminho, Laurie
Paco Real (Rua da Conceição, 55-57) in front of Pensão Prata.
The owner (Carlos) is a friend of pilgrims and stamp the pilgrim credentials.
This reminded me of the forum's debate on hot vs. room temperature pasteis de nata.
For the serious pastry eaters who have not yet been to Lisbon, you should know that there is a great debate over whether these luscious little flaky, creamy pastries should be eaten hot or cold. The place highest on most tourist lists is the pastel de nata place out in Belem, near the Jeronimos monastery. The lines are huge, the pastries are delicious, and they are served hot. I have been out there many times and stood in those impossible lines.
A few years ago, in Lisbon, Aurelio and Rita took me to Paco Real and we had some at room temperature. Same flaky crust, same creamy inside, but no heat. Delicious. Aurelio insists that it is easier to "cover up" a bad pastel de nata by heating it, and that the best way to savor it is at room temp. And to make sure to go to a place that makes them on site, like Paco Real.
I don't think we ever did a forum vote on which is better, but I think we can all agree they are absolutely delicious.
Hoping that all pilgrims starting in Lisbon get the chance to try some of these (and the many other) delicious Portuguese pastries. It is not a good place to be if you want to limit sweet intake. Bom caminho, Laurie