Portugal may be a small country in size, but its mark on the world is deep and lasting. Over centuries of history, the Portuguese presence spread across all continents, leaving visible traces in language, architecture, religion and, of course, gastronomy. In many of the territories that were once colonized, echoes of this heritage can still be felt today, with habits and traditions that continue to reflect Portuguese influence, even after several generations. In this article, we will tell you about a traditional Portuguese sweet that has won over Asians, in particular Macau.
We are talking about pastel de nata, which Asians call Macau pastel. This emblematic sweet is one of the most popular Portuguese confectionery products. But outside of Portugal, there is a place where it has gained special prominence: Macau. Inspired by the traditional Pastel de Belém, the Macanese custard tart has become part of local daily life and is now consumed by thousands of people daily, reports the lifestyle and gastronomy blog Nas Bocas do Mundo.
An inheritance that arrived at the table
Macau was under Portuguese administration for more than four centuries. This connection left its mark on architecture, language and, especially, gastronomy. Several typical Portuguese dishes have been adjusted to local tastes, and pastel de nata is one of the most representative examples of this fusion.
Despite being born in the cloisters of the Jerónimos Monastery, in Lisbon, the pastel de nata traveled a lot until reaching Asia. In Macau, it was reinterpreted with a particular touch, but remained faithful to the crispy puff pastry and creamy egg filling.
Macau version
The Macau custard tart is distinguished by its more burnt and caramelized top. This variant became popular in the 90s, mainly through Lord Stow’s Bakery, founded by Andrew Stow. The British resident in Macau was inspired by the Portuguese pastry and adapted the recipe to the Asian palate.
As a result, it was a less sweet treat, with a toasted topping, which became a huge success. The smooth texture and balanced flavor won over both Chinese and international residents and tourists, according to the previously cited source.
Daily presence in pastry shops
Nowadays, pastel de nata is sold in practically all pastry shops in Macau, says the same source. The traditional Portuguese sweet also appears in cafes, shopping center bakeries and even international chains such as KFC.
It is usually served for breakfast, as a dessert or as a snack. Its versatility and flavor have made it a permanent element in local food, far beyond the Portuguese community.
Macau continues to ‘taste’ Portugal
Although Macau passed to Chinese administration in 1999, the cultural connection to Portugal remains alive. It is estimated that there are currently between 1,000 and 1,200 Portuguese people with legal status in the territory, a number that could grow to 4,000 or 5,000 if Portuguese descendants are included.
The pastel de nata is one of the most visible expressions of this heritage. More than a traditional Portuguese sweet, it has become a symbol of a shared identity between two cultures that coexist in a very particular space.
Lisbon inspiration
Pastel de Belém, manufactured since 1837 in Lisbon, continues to be the original reference. The recipe, kept completely secret, is considered unique. However, its essence served as the basis for the Macanese version, which adjusted flavors and techniques without losing the conventual spirit, according to .
The burnt top of the Macau pastry distinguishes it visually, but the inside preserves the creaminess and aroma that made the sweet famous in Portugal. The inspiration is evident, even if the result presents subtle differences.
Pastel de nata’s notoriety
Also know, as a curiosity, that the pastel de nata was chosen as one of the 50 best pastry recipes in the world by CNN Travel, reinforcing its international notoriety. In Macau, some pastry shops sell more than 20,000 custard tarts per day during times of greater tourist arrival.
Also read:
