If you’re eager to master the art of making Portugal’s iconic pastel de nata, this 3.5-hour workshop in Lisbon offers an engaging and authentic experience led by a chef trained at Le Cordon Bleu. Located at the Kitchen Studio in Alcântara, near Lx Factory, this class provides all necessary equipment and a chance to create your own custard tarts from scratch, including buttery puff pastry and smooth custard filling. At the end, you’ll enjoy tasting your freshly baked pastel de nata, paired with coffee or tea, and leave with the recipe to try on your own back home.

This experience suits those interested in hands-on cooking classes, especially pastry lovers or anyone wanting a practical souvenir from Lisbon. While the activity is wheelchair accessible and suitable for participants over 14, children under 14 are not recommended. Keep in mind that the class is in Portuguese, and there are some restrictions on bringing tripods, alcohol, or recording devices.

Key Points

Duration: 3.5 hours in a professional, fully equipped kitchen in Lisbon.
Expert Instructor: Led by Chef André Freire, trained at Le Cordon Bleu.
All-Inclusive: Equipment, aprons, and tasting of Christmas pastries included.
Hands-On Cooking: Prepare puff pastry and custard filling from scratch.
Takeaway: Receive the recipe to make pastel de nata at home.
Location: Starts and ends at the Kitchen Studio in Alcântara.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Authentic Lisbon Pastry Workshop in Alcântara

This pastel de nata workshop takes place at the Kitchen Studio, a comfortable and modern kitchen space in Lisbon’s Alcântara district, close to Lx Factory. The central location makes it easy to reach and ideal for combining with other sightseeing plans in the city.

The experience begins with a casual coffee as the guide introduces the history of pastel de nata. This pastry, famous especially during Lisbon’s Christmas season, is steeped in tradition. The chef explains what makes the traditional recipe so special, setting the stage for a hands-on baking session.

Participants then learn the art of making flaky puff pastry, focusing on creating the perfect buttery layers. Next, they prepare the velvety custard cream that fills these delicate shells. Shaping the dough into tins is part of the process, requiring some skill and attention to detail. After baking until golden brown, everyone gets to enjoy their creations right out of the oven.

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Creating Traditional Puff Pastry from Scratch

The highlight of this workshop is the step-by-step process of making puff pastry from scratch, a skill that elevates the final pastel de nata beyond store-bought versions. The chef demonstrates how to create buttery, crispy layers, explaining the importance of proper folding and chilling.

Participants shape the dough into small tins, ensuring each tart has the perfect crust. The custard filling is prepared with a smooth, velvety texture, and filling the shells is both fun and satisfying. Watching the pastries bake until they have a golden, crispy top is a rewarding moment.

Learning the Art of the Custard Cream

The custard used in the traditional pastel de nata is velvety and rich, made with a recipe that the chef has carefully selected. The process involves preparing the cream until it is smooth and flavorful, then filling the pastry shells with precision.

This step ensures that each tart has the perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess. The baking process is straightforward, with the pastries baked until golden brown and the custard slightly caramelized on top.

Tasting Your Homemade Pastries and Local Drinks

Once baked, the pastel de nata are ready for tasting. The workshop packages the experience with a coffee or tea, allowing participants to enjoy their freshly made pastries while reflecting on their work.

Included in the experience is a glass of port wine, which pairs nicely with the sweet treats. The tasting session offers a relaxed opportunity to savor the fruits of your labor and appreciate the flavors of this iconic Portuguese pastry.

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All Equipment and Materials Provided

The Kitchen Studio supplies all the necessary tools and equipment, so no prior experience is needed. Each participant receives a kitchen apron to keep clean during the hands-on process.

The workstations are fully equipped with everything needed for preparing, shaping, and baking the pastel de nata. The professional kitchen ensures a comfortable environment for both beginners and more experienced cooks.

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Meeting Point and End Location in Lisbon

The class begins at the Kitchen Studio in Alcântara, conveniently close to Lx Factory. After approximately 3.5 hours, the activity concludes where it started, making it easy to incorporate into your day of exploring Lisbon.

The central location allows for flexible planning, whether you’re heading back to your accommodation or continuing your sightseeing in Lisbon.

Accessibility and Practical Info

This workshop is wheelchair accessible and suitable for those over 14 years old. However, children under 14 and individuals over 95 years old are not recommended.

Participants should note that audio recording is not permitted, and tripods or alcohol are not allowed inside the venue. The class is conducted in Portuguese.

Flexible Booking and Cancellation Policy

The tour offers the ease of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing peace of mind. You can also reserve now and pay later, allowing you to plan your trip flexibly without upfront payment.

Making the Most of a Pastel de Nata Workshop in Lisbon

This experience offers a thorough introduction to Portuguese pastry-making under the guidance of a skilled chef. It’s ideal for culinary enthusiasts, holidaymakers looking for a cultural activity, or anyone interested in learning authentic recipes.

The all-inclusive setup ensures you don’t need to bring anything except your enthusiasm. Plus, leaving with the recipe means you’ll be able to recreate the pastel de nata whenever you want, long after your Lisbon trip.

The central location and the professional kitchen environment make this a practical and enjoyable way to spend part of your day. While it’s not suitable for children under 14, the class’s focus on traditional techniques makes it a memorable and educational activity for those looking to take a piece of Lisbon home.

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Lisbon: Pastel de Nata: Workshop with a Chef

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the workshop?
The class lasts approximately 3.5 hours, from start to finish.

Where does the activity take place?
It begins and ends at the Kitchen Studio in Alcântara, near Lx Factory in Lisbon.

Is there an age restriction?
Yes, the activity is not suitable for children under 14 or people over 95 years old.

Are all equipment and ingredients provided?
Yes, all necessary equipment and ingredients are supplied, including a kitchen apron.

What’s included in the experience?
Participants enjoy a hands-on workshop, a tasting of Christmas pastries, and a glass of port wine.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time.

Is the workshop available in English?
The class is conducted in Portuguese, so some language skills are helpful.

Will I get a recipe to take home?
Yes, the recipe for making pastel de nata is provided at the end.

Is the workshop accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, the Kitchen Studio is wheelchair accessible.

Can I book now and pay later?
Absolutely, you can reserve now and pay later, offering flexible planning options.

This pastel de nata workshop in Lisbon offers a genuine chance to learn and enjoy one of Portugal’s most beloved treats. With a skilled instructor, all-inclusive setup, and a cozy central location, it’s a practical choice for anyone eager to bring a piece of Lisbon’s culinary tradition into their own kitchen.