Pastéis de Belém

Visiting Lisbon without coming to Pastéis de Belém is like leaving Paris without seeing the Eiffel Tower. But there’s some confusion out there: Is a pastel de Belém a pastel de nata (custard tart)? Yes, it is — a special version. It’s said to have come from the nearby Monastery, and has been produced by this pastry shop since it opened in 1837. Expect queues, even in the early morning, and especially in the summer. But have faith — the tarts are worth the wait. Eat it warm with cinnamon or powdered sugar — and please, don’t order one to split.