Lagos: Pastel de Nata Baking Class with Recipe & Tasting

Summary

Learn to bake Portugal’s pastel de nata in Lagos with locals

You’ll roll up your sleeves in Lagos and learn how to make Portugal’s famous pastel de nata from scratch, guided by a local baker. Taste your own warm tarts straight from the oven, share laughs with fellow travelers, and take home the recipe so you can relive those buttery bites back home.

What’s the experience like?

“You have to pinch the dough like this,” Ana said, her fingers moving so quickly I almost missed it. I was standing at a flour-dusted table in Lagos, sleeves rolled up, trying not to laugh at my lopsided attempt. The kitchen smelled like sweet vanilla and something buttery — honestly, I’d never thought much about how custard tarts were made before this. There were six of us around the table, trading stories about where we’d come from and how many pastéis de nata we’d already eaten since landing in Portugal (my count was embarrassingly high). Ana just grinned and handed me another bit of dough to try again.

The best part? Nobody pretended to be an expert — not even Ana, who’s probably made thousands of these things. She told us little stories about her grandmother’s kitchen in Porto while we whisked eggs and sugar together. The sun outside was bright but the kitchen felt cozy, with bursts of laughter every time someone splashed custard or tried (and failed) to pronounce “nata” properly. Li laughed when I tried to say it in Mandarin — probably butchered it. But that’s kind of the point of a pastel de nata baking class: you mess up, you learn something new, and then you get to eat what you made.

When the tarts finally came out of the oven, everyone went quiet for a second because they looked so golden and perfect (even mine). The smell — warm pastry and caramelized sugar — hit first. We let them cool for about thirty seconds (nobody could wait longer), then bit into that flaky crust and creamy center. It was honestly better than any bakery version I’d tried before. Maybe it’s just because we’d done it ourselves? Or maybe everything tastes better when you’re surrounded by floury strangers who suddenly feel like friends.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Learn to bake Pastel de Nata

• Prepare puff pastry
• Make creamy custard
• Combine pastry and custard
• Bake the custard tarts
• Enjoy freshly baked Pastéis de Nata
• Meet fellow participants

Top questions

How long does the pastel de nata baking class last?

The class typically lasts around 2-3 hours.

Is the class suitable for beginners?

Yes, no previous baking experience is needed.

Are all ingredients provided during the class?

Yes, all ingredients and tools are included.

Will I get the recipe after the class?

Yes, you'll receive a PDF recipe by email after the experience.

Where is the class located in Lagos?

The class takes place in central Lagos; details are given after booking.

Is there food included besides pastel de nata?

The main focus is on making and eating pastel de nata; no other dishes are included.

Are service animals allowed at this activity?

Yes, service animals are allowed during the class.

Can I reach the location by public transportation?

Yes, there are public transportation options nearby.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes all ingredients and baking tools for making pastel de nata from scratch, hands-on guidance throughout from a local baker, plenty of chances to chat with fellow travelers over coffee-scented air, plus tasting your own freshly baked tarts at the end — with a digital recipe sent afterwards so you can try again at home.