Pastel de Nata: A Little Custard Tart with a Big Following
There is something about a good pastel de nata belfast bakers have been slow to offer that makes it an almost unreasonably satisfying pastry. The contrast of the flaky, slightly caramelised shell and the silky, just-set custard inside. The dark scorched spots on top. The way it is small enough to eat in two bites but rich enough to make you slow down and appreciate it. We make ours at Krumb every morning, and we are quite devoted to getting them right.
What Is a Pastel de Nata?
A pastel de nata is a Portuguese custard tart. The pastry is a laminated dough, flaky and crisp, pressed into small tins and filled with a custard made from egg yolks, cream or milk, sugar, and a little vanilla or cinnamon. They are baked in a very hot oven until the custard is set but still has a slight wobble, and until those characteristic dark caramelised patches appear on the surface.
Originally from the monasteries of Lisbon, they became the signature of the famous Pastéis de Belém and then spread across the world because, quite simply, they are wonderful. A great custard tart belfast deserves should have that caramelised top, that molten-adjacent centre, and a pastry that crumbles just so.
That is what we have been working toward, and what we bake every day we open.
Our Pastel de Nata, Made the Proper Way
We make our own pastry for the nata cases. It is a laminated dough, rolled thin and pressed into the tins by hand so it climbs the sides and forms that characteristically slightly uneven, ruffled edge at the top. That edge gets the most colour and becomes the crispest part, a good contrast to the set custard below it.
The custard is made fresh. Egg yolks, cream, sugar, a warm note of vanilla. We get the consistency right before it goes in the oven and then we trust the heat to finish the job. Very high temperature, relatively short bake, and you have to pull them at exactly the right moment. Too early and the custard is still liquid. Too late and the wobble is gone and the magic with it.
Every last krumb of the process matters, and we have spent real time perfecting ours.
Why Pastel de Nata Has Such a Big Following
There is an argument that the pastel de nata is one of the world's great pastries, and we would not argue against it. It is small but it delivers a lot. The textures contrast beautifully. The flavour is rich but not heavy. The caramelisation on top adds a slight bitterness that balances the sweetness of the custard. And somehow, despite being a fairly simple thing, it is one of those pastry classics that rewards care and skill at every step.
People come in and buy one and then immediately buy another. We consider this one of the finest compliments a bakery can receive.
Pair one (or two) with a coffee from our Lucid Coffee Roasters beans and a seat by the window and that is a very fine morning indeed. A little bakery magic on the Ormeau Road.
Part of Our Full Pastry and Tart Range
The pastel de nata sits in our wider tart and sweet pastry range alongside our Cutie Pies (mini tarts in rotating flavours), lemon meringue tart, strawberry tart with peak-season local strawberries, and rotating seasonal offerings. All made from scratch, all baked daily, all finishing when they finish.
We also do salted caramel brownies, scones, tiramisu, financiers in rotating flavours, and our full viennoiserie range. There is a lot happening in a small bakery, and all of it gets our full attention every morning.
Questions We Get Asked
What is the difference between a pastel de nata and a regular custard tart?
The main differences are the laminated pastry shell (flaky and crisp rather than a shortcrust), the very high baking temperature that creates those dark caramelised spots, and the texture of the custard, which is silkier and richer than a standard custard tart filling.
Do you sell pastel de nata every day?
We bake pastel de nata as a regular part of our daily offering, Wednesday to Sunday. We bake in small batches so they do sell out. Come early or order on click and collect.
Can I order pastel de nata in bulk?
Yes. If you want a box for an event or office, get in touch through our website or pop in to discuss your order. We are happy to help with notice.
Order online: Pastel de Nata and more on click and collect.
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Visit us at 258 Ormeau Road, Belfast, BT7 2FZ, open Wednesday to Sunday, 9am to 4pm. Or use click and collect to order ahead and make sure yours is waiting. Warm, glossy, and well worth every bite.