The Pastel de Belém, Portugal’s most famous sweet specialty, are custard tarts of puff pastry, egg, milk, and sugar sprinkled with cinnamon created by the monks of Belém’s Jerónimos Monastery in 1837. Now for more than 100 years Fábrica Pastéis de Belém continues to serve these tasty treats with the secret original recipe (the name is even patented, other bakeries can only serve Pastel de Nata).

Besides its delicious pastries Belém is a Lisboa district with a rich seafaring history, several richly ornate Manueline monuments, and lots of green spaces. It’s the perfect escape from the hustle of the capital. 

Just as no trip to Lisboa would be complete without spending time in Belém + no trip to Portugal would be complete without trying a Pastel de Belém.

Size: 5x7
Materials: watercolor + pen on watercolor paper