The Portuguese tart may be small but it packs a hearty punch. The handheld dessert has made a serious impression in Melbourne. The traditional dessert or ‘Pasteis de Nata’, are golden and crunchy on the outside with a soft and silky custard on the inside. They originate from Belem, Portugal inside a monastery where in the 18th-century, monks used egg whites to starch their clothing and with the remaining egg yolk crafted tarts, pastries and cakes.
There are quite a few operators around town specialising in the delicacy, so to ensure you only get the very best consult the below guide to find the Portuguese tarts in Melbourne:
Casa Nata
THORNBURY & WINDSOR
One of the biggest operators in town, Casa Nata have their Portuguese tarts absolutely dialled, with stores on both sides of the river in Thornbury and Windsor, they’ve got all bases covered. Helmed by Ruben Bertolo and Nelson Coutinho, the pair started their tart adventure with a pop-up at the Queen Vic Market and have since worked tirelessly perfect their craft which you can watch come to life at either location. They’ve also got an event cart which you can hire for your own private soiree, wedding or tart party.
Sweet Canteen
CBD
Right at home on Driver Lane in the city, Sweet Canteen is home to an assortment of baked goods, cakes, and pastries. The quaint little hole-in-the-wall also happens to have one hell of a Portuguese tart, expertly layered pastry that flakes at each bite reveal a rich egg custard centre that’s been blackened on top to perfection in the baking process.
Belem Bakery
MILL PARK
One with plenty of lineages, Belem Bakery has seen two generations devote their life to baking Portuguese Tarts, with several different venues over the year specialising in the dessert. The now Mill Park located bakery is one of the foremost Portuguese-centric wholesalers, and whose namesake harks back to the original location of the famed custard tart.
Hot Poppy
NORTH MELBOURNE
An Errol Street staple, Hot Poppy has been quietly ticking away on the main street of North Melbourne for 20 years, keeping locals fed and proud of their little hidden secret. Well, the news is out, Hot Poppy absolutely slaps and their Portuguese tarts are an absolute revelation; they’re baked fresh daily and the golden topped tarts go down just terrifically with a long black from the bar.
Prefer a vanilla slice? Find out where to get the best in the state here.
Image credit: Kate Shanasy - Casa Nata (supplied)