Porto: Pastel De Nata Cooking Class From Scratch

Tucked away in the charming city of Porto, a delightful Pastel de Nata Cooking Class awaits aspiring bakers. Over 2.5 hours, participants can learn the art of crafting Portugal’s iconic custard tarts from scratch. Led by an expert English-speaking instructor, this hands-on experience immerses guests in the traditional techniques of dough preparation and custard making. With wine tastings and a maximum of 12 attendees, it promises an engaging and personalized culinary adventure. For those eager to indulge in a true Portuguese delicacy, this class offers a unique opportunity.

Key Points

• Learn to make authentic Portuguese custard tarts (pastel de nata) from scratch under the guidance of an English-speaking local instructor.
• Engaging 2.5-hour hands-on baking experience that includes preparing dough, lining tins, and making the custard.
• Class size limited to 12 participants for personalized attention and a 4.9/5 rating based on 149 reviews.
• Opportunity to taste local wines and download recipes for future reference.
• Class not recommended for those with gluten or lactose intolerance, and minors must be accompanied by an adult.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Class Overview and Details

The Pastel de Nata Cooking Class from Scratch in Porto is a 2.5-hour experience that costs $43.52 per person.

It’s likely to sell out, so guests are advised to reserve their spot and pay later.

The class allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Groups are limited to 12 participants, ensuring personalized attention from the English-speaking guide.

The class covers the full process of making the popular Portuguese custard tarts, from preparing the dough to creating the custard filling.

Guests can also enjoy local wine and learn about Portuguese culture during the session.

Class Structure and Activities

During the Pastel de Nata Cooking Class, participants engage in various baking stages to create the popular Portuguese custard tarts from scratch.

They’ll learn to prepare the dough, line the tins, and make the sugar syrup and custard. Along the way, they’ll taste local wine while learning about Portuguese culture and history.

The class offers the opportunity to record the stages and download recipes and instructions for future reference. Participants can expect a hands-on experience under the guidance of an English-speaking, knowledgeable local guide.

Instructor and Experience Quality

Guided by an English-speaking, knowledgeable local, the Pastel de Nata Cooking Class receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants.

The overall rating stands at an impressive 4.9/5 based on 149 reviews. Participants highlight the class as fun, educational, and instructive, praising the personalized attention and clean venue.

The experience offers:

1. A live tour guide with expertise in Portuguese culture and history.

2. Opportunities to engage in various baking stages, from dough preparation to custard making.

3. The chance to taste local wine while learning.

4. Downloadable recipes and instructions for recreating the Pastel de Nata at home.

Age Restrictions and Participation Guidelines

Although the Pastel de Nata Cooking Class is suitable for most participants, there are some age restrictions and guidelines to consider.

The class isn’t recommended for children under 12 years old, nor for individuals with gluten or lactose intolerance. Minors must be accompanied by an adult, and children aged 12 and above require a separate seat reservation.

No entry is allowed once the class starts, and strict adherence to the schedule is enforced.

Pets, intoxication, smoking indoors, and unaccompanied minors are also not permitted in the workshop.

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Location and Access Information

The workshop’s meeting point is at the closest metro stop, Jardim do Morro, specifically at door number 80.

The venue opens 15 minutes before and closes 5 minutes after the scheduled start time.

Starting May 1st, the class will have a new location in central Porto near the train station, and advance notice will be provided for reservations after this date.

Participants aren’t allowed to bring pets, be intoxicated, smoke indoors, or attend without an accompanying adult if they’re minors.

Preparing the Pastel De Nata Dough

After becoming familiar with the class location and schedule, you will move on to the main event – preparing the Pastel de Nata dough from scratch.

Under the guidance of the instructor, they’ll learn the proper techniques for mixing the ingredients, kneading the dough, and rolling it out into thin sheets.

Under the watchful eye of the instructor, participants master the art of mixing, kneading, and rolling Pastel de Nata dough to perfection.

Attention to detail is crucial, as the flakiness and texture of the pastry depend on the careful execution of this process.

Participants will have the opportunity to actively engage in each step, gaining hands-on experience in the art of Pastel de Nata dough preparation.

Creating the Sugar Syrup and Custard Filling

Next, you will turn their attention to creating the sugar syrup and custard filling, the hallmark components of the Pastel de Nata. They will:

1. Prepare a simple sugar syrup by boiling water and sugar until dissolved.

2. Make a rich custard by whisking eggs, milk, and vanilla extract over low heat until thickened.

3. Carefully pour the custard into the pre-baked tart shells.

4. Finish by drizzling the sugar syrup over the top, creating the distinct sheen and caramelized texture.

With these final steps, the Pastel de Nata are ready for the oven, where they’ll bake to golden perfection.

Baking and Tasting the Freshly Made Pastries

With the sugar syrup and custard prepared, participants eagerly await the final stage – baking the Pastel de Nata and enjoying the fresh, warm pastries.

The instructor guides them through lining the tins, pouring in the custard, and carefully placing the pastries in the oven.

The class fills with the heavenly aroma as the Pastéis de Nata bake to golden perfection. Participants keenly observe the process, snapping photos to document their creations.

Once cooled, the instructor serves the flaky, custard-filled treats alongside a glass of local port wine.

Smiles and satisfied nods fill the room as everyone savors the fruits of their labor.

The Sum Up

The Pastel de Nata Cooking Class in Porto offers a unique opportunity to learn the traditional art of making Portugal’s iconic custard tarts. With hands-on instruction and a maximum of 12 participants, you’ll create the flaky dough and rich custard filling, then savor the freshly baked pastries alongside local wine. This engaging 2.5-hour experience is a must for any food lover visiting Porto.

You can check availability for your dates here: