Pastel de Nata | Workshop from scratch

If you’re visiting Porto and have even a slight sweet tooth or curiosity about Portuguese cuisine, a Pastel de Nata workshop might just be the highlight of your trip. We’ve looked into this experience offered by CD Porto Tours, and it seems to hit the sweet spot for anyone wanting more than just tasting — you get to actually make this iconic pastry from scratch, along with a touch of regional wine and some lively conversation about Portuguese culture.

Two things we really appreciate about this workshop: First, the fact that you learn to prepare the dough and the pastry from scratch, which is rare. Most classes only focus on the filling, so this hands-on approach means you leave with a real skill. Second, the small group setting (max 12 participants) ensures you’ll get plenty of attention, making the experience more personal and engaging.

A potential concern? It’s worth noting that this is a group activity for adults only, so it’s not suitable if you’re traveling with very young children or looking for a family-friendly experience. Also, because the session starts promptly at the scheduled time, punctuality is key. Besides that, if gluten or lactose are issues, this might not be the best fit.

This workshop seems ideal for curious food lovers, anyone wanting a genuine hands-on experience, or those who simply want to savor some freshly made pastel de nata at the end.

Key Points

• Authentic from-scratch baking: You make both dough and pastry, not just the filling.
• Small group setting: Up to 12 participants, ensuring individual attention.
• Cultural immersion: Sip regional wine and discuss Portuguese traditions.
• Interactive and fun: Engaging hosts and shared participation make it lively.
• Tasty reward: Finish with warm, freshly baked pastel de nata.
• Price point: About $46.50 per person offers solid value for an authentic experience.

What to Expect in the Workshop

The core of this experience is learning to create the pastel de nata in the way it’s traditionally made in Portugal. Unlike many other classes, this is the only one where you’ll actually make the dough from scratch, which is crucial for that flaky, tender pastry everyone loves.

You’ll start by mixing and kneading the dough, then roll it out, and prepare the custard filling — all hands-on steps that take you from dough to dessert. It’s a process that’s both fun and educational, especially if you’re into baking or want to bring a taste of Portugal home.

Throughout the session, your hosts will keep it lively, with some fun and informative commentary on Portuguese culture, history, and regional ingredients. As you work, you’ll be served local wine — a smart touch that keeps the atmosphere relaxed and adds a genuine regional flavor.

Once the pastries are filled and ready, you’ll get to enjoy them warm and freshly baked. The sense of accomplishment is real, and the taste is, according to many reviews, often the best pastel de nata they’ve ever had.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The workshop lasts around 2.5 hours — a good length for a hands-on activity that keeps you engaged without feeling rushed. You meet at one of two locations (Porto or Gaia), depending on your accommodation, and the experience is designed for adult participants. The two spaces are conveniently close to public transportation, making it easy to find.

The session begins promptly at the preset time. Once inside, you’re welcomed into a cozy, well-equipped kitchen. The host introduces themselves and explains the process, setting a friendly tone. Then, it’s all about rolling up your sleeves: you’ll cut, roll, and fill the pastry shells with custard, all with expert guidance.

Participants take turns in different phases of the process, ensuring everyone gets a chance to participate. The class size means plenty of one-on-one help — as one reviewer put it, “the class was intimate and everyone had a chance to participate,” which makes the experience more meaningful.

By the end, you’ll have a batch of pastel de nata ready to enjoy, along with the recipe to replicate the process at home later. Many say the pastries are delicious, and some even call the experience “fun from start to finish.”

Quality of Instruction and Atmosphere

The reviews highlight how friendly, engaging, and knowledgeable the instructors are. One reviewer mentioned that their hostess, Mariah, made the experience both fun and informative. Others appreciated the personable nature of the hosts, who kept the atmosphere lively and inclusive.

The kitchen setup is described as casual but well-appointed, making it feel like a relaxed cooking session rather than a formal class. The small group size—up to 12 travelers—keeps the environment cozy and interactive, allowing for plenty of questions and individual attention.

Participants also value the cultural connection, with discussions about Portuguese history and regional ingredients sprinkled throughout. The included regional wine and coffee add to the convivial vibe, making it more than just a cooking class — it’s a mini cultural tour in culinary form.

The Food: Is It Worth It?

Absolutely. The main draw is, of course, the pastel de nata, and reviews confirm that they’re absolutely delicious. Many comment that these pastries are the best they’ve had during their trip — crispy, flaky, with a warm, custardy center. Plus, you get to make them yourself, which makes tasting them even more satisfying.

The fact that you’re baking with fresh, homemade dough elevates the experience. It’s a step above just buying pastries from a bakery or trying to make them at home using pre-made sheets. Many reviews mention they now feel confident enough to recreate the recipe back home, which is quite a bonus.

Price and Value

At $46.50 per person, the workshop offers good value. This includes the hands-on baking, the drinks, and the shared cultural insights. Considering the personalized attention, the quality of instruction, and the opportunity to make your own pastries, it feels like a worthwhile splurge for food lovers or curious travelers.

You’re not just getting a snack — you’re learning a skill and enjoyingto a piece of Portuguese tradition. Plus, the final product, warm and fresh, is often described as “the best pastel de nata” people have tasted.

Who Is This Experience Best For?

This workshop suits adults who enjoy cooking, baking, or trying regional specialties. It’s perfect if you want an authentic, hands-on experience that teaches you a skill to take home. It’s also ideal for those who appreciate good food paired with regional wine and lively conversation.

If you’re traveling with children under 15, or if you prefer free-form sightseeing, this might not be the best fit. Also, travelers who need gluten or lactose-free options might find this experience limiting.

Final Thoughts

This pasta de nata workshop in Porto offers a genuine culinary experience that combines hands-on baking, local wine, and cultural stories. The small group setting creates a friendly, engaging atmosphere where everyone feels included. The quality of the pastries and the instruction is consistently praised, making this a memorable activity for food lovers and cultural explorers alike.

While it’s not a quick, casual tasting, the effort you put into making these pastries is rewarded with flavors that many reviews say are the best pastel de nata they’ve ever had. It’s a fun, tasty way to learn about Portuguese cuisine and bring home a skill that will surprise your friends.

Overall, if you’re in Porto and want a meaningful, delicious, and interactive experience, this workshop is a solid choice. Just remember to be punctual, as the class starts promptly, and leave some extra time afterward to explore the city or enjoy your homemade treats.

FAQs

Is this experience suitable for children?
No, this workshop is designed for adults only. Children under 15 are not permitted, mainly due to safety and logistical reasons.

What’s included in the price?
The fee covers the baking class, the ingredients (dough and custard), regional wine, and coffee or tea. It’s a hands-on experience with plenty of participation.

Where does the workshop take place?
You can meet either at R. do Souto 67, Porto, or at the Gaia location, depending on the booking details.

How long does the workshop last?
It runs approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, giving enough time for instruction, participation, and tasting.

Can I join late or get a refund if I miss the start?
No, the session starts promptly at the scheduled time, and late arrivals cannot be accommodated. Refunds are only available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.

Is it possible to get the recipe to make pastel de nata at home?
Yes, many participants leave with the recipe and their own freshly baked pastries, so you can try making them again later.

If you’re after an authentic, fun, and tasty way to connect with Portuguese culture, this pastry workshop in Porto is worth considering. It’s more than just a cooking class — it’s a memorable cultural moment that ends with warm, flaky pastries you’ll want to recreate for friends and family.