SWEETS AND PASTRY
Understand the difference between the general name pastel de nata and Pastéis de Belém®, the product from the historic house in Belém, without confusing category, tradition, and brand.
Context
Pastel de nata is the sweet of puff pastry and cream that has spread throughout Portugal and the world.
Pastéis de Belém® identifies the product from the historic house located in Belém, Lisbon. The name should not be used as a general designation for homemade versions or those produced by other pastry shops.
In practice
When publishing, cooking, or selling your own versions, use the name ‘pastel de nata’. Use ‘Pastéis de Belém®’ only when mentioning the product or the corresponding historic house.
Pastéis de Belém® is the name used by the historic house in Belém. This page has an editorial purpose and has no commercial ties, sponsorship, or affiliation with the brand.
Method
Use ‘pastel de nata’ for homemade versions, editorial recipes, and products from other pastry shops.
Use ‘Pastéis de Belém®’ only when mentioning the product or the historic house in Belém.
Do not present a homemade version as the official, authorized, or exclusive recipe of the historic house.
Recipes for pastel de nata can vary in dough, cream, and preparation method.
Empório Portugal
Use ‘pastel de nata’ as a general name for recipes and products that are not from the historic house in Belém.
Do not present your own recipe as Pastéis de Belém®, official recipe, or authorized reproduction.
Common questions
‘Pastel de nata’ is the general name used for this type of sweet. ‘Pastéis de Belém®’ identifies the product from the historic house located in Belém, Lisbon.
The house states that its recipe is secret and known only to the master pastry chefs responsible for production. Public or homemade recipes should be presented as versions of pastel de nata, not as the official recipe of Pastéis de Belém®.
To avoid confusion with the historic house and its identity, use ‘pastel de nata’ for products made by other establishments.
Recipes for pastel de nata may typically include wheat, milk, and eggs. Ingredients and allergens vary according to the recipe and the manufacturer. Always check the label or the information from the product's responsible party.
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