Lisbon: Pastel de Nata Baking Class in Real Bakery Kitchen

Summary

Lisbon pastry class hands-on in real bakery kitchen with chef

You’ll step right into a real Lisbon bakery kitchen to make pastel de nata from scratch with local chefs guiding every move. Shape your own dough, fill tins by hand, then taste your fresh tarts warm from the oven with coffee or tea. You’ll leave smelling like sugar and butter — plus you get the recipe so you can chase that flavor back home.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the smell — sweet, eggy, something almost caramelized hanging in the air as we stepped behind the counter at Nat'elier. João, our chef (he’s won awards but doesn’t act like it), handed us aprons and grinned, “Ready for flour everywhere?” I laughed but he wasn’t kidding. The kitchen was buzzing — trays clattering, someone shouting softly in Portuguese about butter. It felt like being let into a secret, not just another pastel de nata class in Lisbon.

We started by talking about the history of pastel de nata — João told us how monks invented it centuries ago, which somehow made my hands shake a bit when I touched the dough. The rolling pin felt heavier than I expected. Laminating puff pastry is weirdly satisfying; you can feel when it’s right, kind of springy and cold at the same time. My circles weren’t perfect (João winked and said “No one’s first batch is”), but shaping them into tins was fun — sticky fingers and all.

The best part? Pulling our tarts out of the oven while they were still bubbling and golden around the edges. We ate them warm, dusted with cinnamon if you wanted (I did). Someone tried to say “pastel” properly and Silvia, one of the bakers, burst out laughing — turns out we were all saying it wrong. Coffee tasted sharper after all that sugar. I still think about that first bite: flaky shell, soft custard, just barely too hot on my tongue.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Pastel de Nata baking masterclass

• Arrive at Nat'elier bakery
• Introduction to Pastel de Nata history
• Gear up for baking session
• Learn to make puff pastry from scratch
• Prepare custard filling
• Shape and fill tarts by hand
• Bake tarts in professional oven
• Taste fresh Pastéis de Nata with drinks
• Receive recipe and ongoing support

Top questions

Is this pastel de nata class really held in a working bakery?

Yes, the masterclass takes place inside Nat'elier's real professional kitchen in downtown Lisbon.

Do I need baking experience to join this workshop?

No previous cooking experience is required; adults and kids over 8 are welcome.

How many pastéis de nata do we make during the class?

You’ll make at least 3 tarts by hand during the session.

Are drinks included with the pastel de nata baking class?

Yes, water plus your choice of coffee, tea or soft drink are included; other drinks cost extra.

Who teaches this pastel de nata masterclass?

The class is led by award-winning chef João Batalha or other experienced Nat'elier pastry chefs like Silvia Sousa or Adriano Cardoso.

Is there a recipe provided after the class?

Yes, you’ll receive a detailed step-by-step recipe by email after your workshop.

Can children join this baking workshop?

Children aged 8 and up can join but must be accompanied by an adult.

How long does this Lisbon pastel de nata class last?

The hands-on baking workshop lasts about two hours.

What’s included

Your day includes all equipment and ingredients for baking pastel de nata inside Nat'elier’s professional kitchen in Lisbon; you’ll make at least three tarts yourself with guidance from a local chef, enjoy water plus your choice of coffee or tea alongside your pastries fresh from the oven, get a certificate of achievement and receive a full recipe sent to your email after class.