Porto: Pastel de Nata Cooking Class & Porto Wine Tasting

Summary

Learn to bake pastel de nata in Porto’s historic heart with wine

You’ll roll up your sleeves in downtown Porto for a hands-on pastel de nata class guided by a local teacher who shares stories as you bake. Taste your creations fresh from the oven alongside coffee or juice—or sip Porto wine if you’re feeling it. You’ll leave with new friends, a recipe tucked away, and maybe a bit of flour on your shirt.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t know what to expect when I walked into Domus Arte, right off one of those narrow stone streets near Sé do Porto. There was this faint smell — butter and cinnamon, I think — already drifting from the kitchen. Our teacher, Ana, greeted us with that quick Portuguese smile and a “Bom dia!” that made it feel like we’d just stepped into someone’s home instead of a workshop. I fumbled with my apron (why are those ties always so short?) and tried to repeat the pastry’s name back to her. She laughed gently — apparently my “nata” sounded more like “nada.”

Making Pastel de Nata is messier than I thought. The dough was already prepared (Ana said it takes hours otherwise), but rolling it out and cutting those little circles felt oddly meditative. The custard filling — warm, eggy, sweet — stuck to my fingers and there was this moment where everything went quiet except for the clink of spoons on metal bowls. Ana told us stories about how these pastries started in Lisbon’s convents but somehow became everyone’s favorite snack in Porto too. She poured us tiny glasses of Porto wine while we waited for the pastries to brown; honestly, that first sip hit different after all the mixing and laughing.

When they finally came out of the oven, golden and wobbly in their tins, I almost burned my tongue because I couldn’t wait. The crust shattered just right. We sat around a big wooden table with our still-warm pastel de nata and coffee or juice if you wanted it (I stuck with wine). There were people from Germany and Brazil at my table — somehow everyone got quieter as we ate, which probably says something about how good they were.

I left with flour on my shirt and the recipe folded up in my pocket. It’s funny how one afternoon can make you feel like you’ve actually lived somewhere for a minute, not just passed through. I still think about that smell every time I see custard tarts now.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Pastel de Nata Cooking Class Experience

• Arrive at Domus Arte workshop
• Learn custard filling preparation
• Use pre-prepared dough
• Bake Pastel de Nata pastries
• Taste pastries with Porto wine
• Receive recipe and tips

Top questions

Where is the pastel de nata cooking class held in Porto?

The class takes place at Domus Arte, near Sé do Porto in downtown Porto.

Is Porto wine included during the cooking class?

Yes, you’ll be offered Porto wine to enjoy with your freshly baked pastel de nata.

Are drinks other than wine available during the workshop?

Coffee, juice, or water are also included if you prefer something non-alcoholic.

Do I need baking experience to join this pastel de nata class?

No experience is needed; the teacher guides everyone step by step.

Is this workshop suitable for children or families?

Yes—infants and small children can attend with prams or strollers.

Are all ingredients provided for making pastel de nata?

Yes—all ingredients are included in your booking.

Will I get a recipe to take home after the class?

You’ll receive the recipe so you can make pastel de nata at home later.

Is there public transportation nearby Domus Arte?

Yes—public transportation options are available close to the venue.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes all ingredients for making pastel de nata from scratch, hands-on guidance from a local teacher at Domus Arte near Sé do Porto, plus coffee, juice or water—and a glass of Porto wine to enjoy with your pastries before heading back out into downtown Porto.