I don’t even want to begin to admit how many pasteis de nata I’ve eaten in Portugal. But it turns out pastel de nata is just the tip of the delicious Portugese pastry iceberg.

Confeitaria Nacional

On our walking food tour of Lisbon, our guide took as to Confeitaria Nacional. This is an absolute must when you visit Lisbon. As Portugal’s oldest pastry shop, it may seem like a touristy destination, but it’s actually still very popular with locals. The interior of the building is gorgeous, and the pastries are heavenly. It also seem crowded, but the line moves fast! This is where we sampled most of the following desserts.

Bola de Berlim: The Portuguese Doughnut

You’ve probably heard of Berliners, the German jelly-filled doughnuts, but did you know that Portugal has its own take on this classic? The Bola de Berlim is a fluffy, golden doughnut lightly dusted with sugar and typically filled with a rich, silky custard (crème pasteleiro) rather than jam. It’s a popular treat to take to the beach and can be found at beachside cafés. Some variations come with chocolate or other fillings, but the classic custard version is truly unbeatable.

Pão de Deus: The Heavenly Bread

The name literally means “Bread of God,” and one bite will tell you why. This light, slightly sweet brioche roll is topped with a crunchy coconut crust. It’s fluffy on the inside and just sweet enough on the outside to make it a versatile treat – perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack.

Pão de Deus is often served plain, but you might also find it split open and stuffed with ham and cheese for a sweet-savory combo that actually works surprisingly well. It’s a staple in many Portuguese bakeries and a must-try if you love coconut.

Toucinho do Céu: A Taste of Heaven

If you’re craving something a bit more decadent, Toucinho do Céu is the way to go. Originally from convent kitchens, this dense, almond-based cake is rich, moist, and just the right amount of sweet. Despite the name (which translates to “Bacon from Heaven”), there’s no bacon involved. The name actually comes from the cake’s smooth, almost silky texture that melts in your mouth.

Typically made with egg yolks, sugar, and ground almonds, it’s topped with a dusting of powdered sugar and sometimes a hint of lemon zest to cut through the richness. Pair it with a small glass of Port for an indulgent finish to your meal.

Queijada: The Little Cheese Tart

These bite-sized, cheese-filled pastries are a staple in Sintra, but you can find variations throughout Portugal. Made with fresh cheese (similar to ricotta), sugar, flour, and a touch of cinnamon, queijadas are soft and slightly chewy with a caramelized top. The flavor is surprisingly light and not overly cheesy, which makes them dangerously easy to eat in multiples.

Trouxas de Ovos: Egg Delicacies

If you’re into egg-based desserts, these little rolls of sweetened egg threads will be right up your alley. They’re usually made by gently poaching the egg yolk threads in a sugar syrup and then carefully rolling them up. They’re light, delicate, and have a hint of caramel from the syrup – an intricate dessert that feels like a taste of old-world Portugal.

Have you tried any of these? Let me know which one you’d go back for – I’m definitely on team Pão de Deus.