Page 46 - WINE DINE AND TRAVEL MAGAZINE SUMMER 2023 LISBON EDITION

he’s away. But since his flag was flapping in the credentials to skip the line, emerging with a box
breeze, showing he was at home, we moved on. of three still warm from the oven pastels. They
Next up was the birthplace of Pastel de Natas, were worth the dirty looks we got… and the
rich custard tarts nestled in puff pastry and calories (about 300 each!). The crisp buttery
showered with cinnamon. Here at the original crust and decadent creamy filling are a marvel -
bakery, Pasteis de Belem, staff follow the recipe not to be missed.
- still secret - created in 1837 by monks at the Even our guide couldn’t skip the line, already
nearby Jeronimos Monastery who were looking two football fields long on this hot sunny day,
to use an abundance of egg yolks. (They used for entry to Jeronimos Monastery. We returned
egg whites for starching habits.) another day and instead opted for the shorter,
There’s no doubt, Pastel de Natas are Portu- faster moving line to the imposing Santa Maria
gal’s most popular sweet: On this hot day, a line church.
of hungry customers stretched for blocks from The monastery and church built in1502 are
the entrance to the bakery, which has a takeout among Lisbon’s top attractions. Both also were
window and sit-down cafe. They sell over once the home of monks in the Order of Saint
20,000 treats on weekdays and double that Jerome. Their spiritual mission was to give guid-
number on weekends. Joao used his tour-guide ance to sailors and pray for the king’s soul.

46 WINE DINE & TRAVEL MAGAZINE SUMMER 2023