3 Best Gluten-Free Pastel de Nata in Lisbon(+ Recipe)

Finding the best gluten-free Pastel de Nata in Lisbon can be challenging for a celiac disease traveler, especially in the national pastry 🥧.

Rest assured, this perception is far from accurate. While a significant portion of Portuguese cuisine is inherently gluten-free, many eateries and producers actively embrace the evolving needs of dinners without gluten, providing an extensive menu.

Let this guide inspire you to confidently book those flights you’ve been contemplating!

What is Gluten-Free?

Before we get to the best gluten-free pastel de nata Lisbon cafes, let’s first find out what it is.

The diet does not include the protein gluten commonly found in wheat, barley, or rye. This dietary choice is essential for individuals with celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, or wheat allergies.

Gluten is crucial in giving dough its elasticity and contributes to the texture of many baked goods.

Some alternatives include a variety of grains and flour, such as rice, corn, quinoa, and almond flour. Additionally, numerous gluten-free products are available in the market, from bread and pasta to snacks and desserts.

It’s essential for those adhering to such a diet to carefully read food labels, as gluten can hide in unexpected sources like sauces, dressings, and processed foods.

Adopting a celiac disease lifestyle requires careful meal planning to ensure a balanced and nutritious diet. Naturally, gluten-free foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and dairy products can be incorporated into such a regimen.

Many restaurants now offer options catering to the growing demand for diverse dietary choices.

Ultimately, this diet can be a healthy and necessary choice for those managing specific medical conditions related to gluten consumption.

Hot Tip🔥: If you have no dietary requirements, you can always enjoy the best pastel de nata in Lisbon with gluten. Check out some of the best places to enjoy this treat.  

Best Gluten-Free Pastel de Nata Custard Tarts

Luckily, I have sampled some tremendous Portuguese dishes that are naturally gluten-free, including the Pastéis de Nata. Here are some iconic pastry shops selling safe gluten Portuguese food and sweet treats if you have a gluten intolerance.

Pastelaria Zarzuela 

If you need a hearty breakfast, a satisfying lunch, or a delectable sweet treat, make Pastelaria Zarzuela your top choice.

Nestled in the historic Bairro Alto district, this bar and bakery stands out as Lisbon’s premier gluten-free spot. It is renowned for its commitment to providing a haven for gluten-sensitive individuals. With them, you can enjoy the best Portuguese food.

Indulge in the must-try delicacy, the best gluten-free Pastel de Nata! Zarzuela offers a diverse selection of cakes, pastries, and sweets and ensures a gluten-free haven with a meticulous separation of gluten-filled treats in clearly marked display cases.

Whether you opt for a gluten-free toasted or fresh sandwich, pasta dishes, or homemade gluten-free pizzas, each bite is a flavorful experience.

Complement your meal with a refreshing bottle of Daura Damm beer and unwind in this cozy establishment. They also make some great traditional recipes.

Note that Zarzuela is closed on Tuesdays.

Where? R. Barnadino Costa 21-23 1200-052 Lisbon

Batardas

Embark on a gluten-free culinary journey at Batardas, a haven located a short drive from Lisbon. With them, you can get traditional recipes for Portuguese food. 

While I regret not experiencing it firsthand, this establishment promises a delightful assortment of gluten-free treats. They have some famous pastries, from doughnuts and pastries to pizza and the national pastry Pastel de Nata.

Unveiling a haven for those with discerning dietary preferences, Batardas stands out as a true gem for gluten-free enthusiasts.

Explore the diverse and satisfying menu at Batardas and savor a culinary experience that caters to your gluten-free lifestyle.

Where? Praceta Lagoa de Óbidos 38, 2775-722 Parede, Portugal

Hot Tip🔥: Why not kickstart your day at one of the coffee cafes in Lisbon paired with a Portuguese custard tart?

Com Cuore, Porto

Com Cuore in Porto is a charming café that deserves a spot on your must-visit list.

You will not only enjoy the best gluten-free pastel de nata in Lisbon but can also enjoy traditional recipes for someone with Celiac Disease. 

With its silky and smooth texture, the custard will perfectly meet all your expectations, capturing this iconic treat’s essence. Yet, some people observed that the pastry leaned towards being a bit chewy.

Despite this, it remains a must-buy, especially when navigating a sea of gluten-filled options with your travel companions.

Com Cuore is a go-to destination for the best gluten-free food, ensuring a satisfying treat for those seeking a gluten-free indulgence.

Where? Rua Trindade Coelho entrada 10 loja 11, 4050-618 Porto, Portugal

Hot Tip🔥: If you prefer a vegan pastel de nata in Lisbon, check out some of the best places to find them. 

Best Gluten-Free Pastel de Nata Recipe

As you can see, few options exist for enjoying the safe gluten-free pastel de nata. Here, I have included a recipe that you can try at home. 

Ingredients:

For the Pastry:

• 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup water
• A pinch of salt

For the Custard Filling:

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup granulated sugar (replace with caster sugar if preferred for a finer texture)
• 1/3 cup gluten-free cornstarch
• Six large egg yolks
• 1 tsp vanilla essence
• Ground cinnamon for dusting

Instructions:

Pastry:

1. Combine the flour, softened butter, water, and a pinch of salt in a mixing bowl. Mix until a smooth dough forms.
2. Divide the dough into small balls, around 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
3. Place each ball into the cups of a muffin tin and use your fingers to press the dough evenly, covering the bottom and sides to form the pastry shells.
4. Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C).
5. Bake the pastry shells for about 10 minutes or until golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking.

Custard Filling:

1. Heat the milk over medium heat in a saucepan until it’s warm but not boiling.
2. Whisk together the caster sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks in a separate bowl until well combined. Some people also use sugar syrup. 
3. Gradually pour the warm milk into the egg mixture, stirring continuously to avoid curdling.
4. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens to a custard consistency.
5. Remove from heat, stir in the vanilla extract, and let the custard cool slightly.

Assembling:

1. Spoon the custard into the pre-baked pastry shells.
2. Place the filled pastries in the oven for 5-7 minutes or until the custard tops become light golden.
3. Allow the pastries to cool to room temperature on a wire rack.
4. Dust the tops with ground cinnamon before serving.

Enjoy your homemade pastel de nata! Adjustments can be made based on your gluten-free flour blend, dietary requirements, and personal taste preferences. Please keep them in an airtight container. 

Wrap-Up: Finding the Best Gluten-Free Pastel de Nata

Lisbon and Porto beckon with delightful options for those seeking a diverse culinary experience.

Pastelaria Zarzuela, nestled in Lisbon’s historic Bairro Alto, shines with its varied treats, notably the exquisite pastel de nata.

A short drive away, Batardas presents a haven for those with discerning tastes. The charming Com Cuore leaves a lasting impression in Porto with its delightful brunch and a memorable pastel de nata.

These establishments showcase the richness of gluten-conscious choices, ensuring a flavorful journey for those savoring alternatives in these vibrant Portuguese cities.

Frequently Asked Questions