The egg tart—a buttery, flaky crust with smooth, rich custard filling—is a treat beloved by many. Whether it’s the famous Portuguese Pastel de Nata or the Hong Kong-style version, egg tarts evoke warmth, simplicity, and indulgence in every bite.
This guide is for Lykkers who want to explore the world of egg tarts, from trying recipes at home to discovering the best cafes serving this delightful pastry.
The History of the Egg Tart
The origins of the egg tart can be traced back to 18th-century Portugal, where monks and nuns used egg yolks, leftover from the wine-making process, to create desserts. Over time, this small custard tart made its way to Macau through Portuguese settlers, and eventually, Hong Kong developed its own style, creating the internationally loved dessert we know today.
Easy Egg Tart Recipes
Lykkers, if you’re looking to bake your own egg tarts at home, it’s easier than you think. Here’s a simple recipe for making Hong Kong-style egg tarts:
Ingredients:
1 pack of pre-made puff pastry
4 large egg yolks
100 ml whole milk
100 ml water
100 g sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Roll out the puff pastry and cut it into small circles to fit your tart molds.
Press the pastry into the molds and refrigerate while you prepare the filling.
In a saucepan, mix the water and sugar, heating until the sugar dissolves completely. Let cool.
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks, milk, and vanilla extract. Slowly add the cooled sugar syrup and mix well.
Pour the mixture into the chilled tart shells and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the custard is set but still wobbly in the center.
This recipe is budget-friendly, with ingredients costing around $10-15, depending on your location. These homemade egg tarts are perfect for a weekend treat or impressing guests at a gathering.
No.1!! The Best Portuguese Egg Tart┃Pastel de Nata
Video by MoLaLa Cook
Best Egg Tart Cafes to Visit
For Lykkers who prefer to indulge in ready-made egg tarts, there are plenty of renowned spots worldwide to satisfy your cravings.
Lord Stow’s Bakery, Macau: Famous for its Portuguese-style egg tarts, Lord Stow’s Bakery is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Macau. These tarts are slightly caramelized on top, with a creamy custard center that melts in your mouth. Expect to pay around MOP $10-12 (approx. $1.50 USD) per tart.
Tai Cheong Bakery, Hong Kong: Known for their smooth custard and buttery crust, Tai Cheong Bakery is a favorite for Hong Kong locals and tourists alike. The bakery has been serving up its iconic egg tarts since 1954, and each tart costs around HKD $8 (approx. $1 USD).
Margaret’s Café e Nata, Macau: Another iconic spot in Macau, Margaret’s Café serves some of the best Portuguese egg tarts with a perfect blend of crispy pastry and sweet custard. Priced at around MOP $9-11 (approx. $1.20 USD), they’re worth every bite.
Food Tours Featuring Egg Tarts
For Lykkers who love culinary adventures, food tours are a great way to explore the world of egg tarts and more. Several food tours in cities like Hong Kong, Macau, and Lisbon include stops at historic bakeries to taste their legendary tarts.
Macau Egg Tart and Pastry Tour: This tour takes you through the historic streets of Macau, with stops at popular bakeries like Lord Stow’s and Margaret’s Café. Along the way, you’ll learn about the city’s unique blend of Portuguese and Chinese culinary traditions. Tours start at around $50 USD per person.
Lisbon Pastry and Culture Tour: Explore Lisbon’s famous Pastéis de Nata at Pastéis de Belém, where the original recipe dates back to the 1830s. The tour also includes other Portuguese pastries and costs around €45 per person.
Fun Facts About Egg Tarts
The Signature Caramelization: The golden-brown top of Portuguese-style egg tarts is due to the caramelization of the sugar during baking, which adds a slight crunch and depth of flavor.
Hong Kong Style vs. Portuguese Style: While both styles feature a custard filling, Hong Kong-style egg tarts tend to have a smoother, less sweet filling, and the pastry is typically lighter.
Perfect as a Snack or Dessert: Egg tarts are often enjoyed with tea in the afternoon or as a light dessert after dinner, making them incredibly versatile.
Wrapping Up
The egg tart, with its flaky crust and smooth custard filling, is a beloved pastry enjoyed by many across the world. Whether you’re whipping up a batch at home or indulging in a bakery classic, there’s no doubt that this humble tart delivers a memorable experience with each bite. Lykkers, make sure to add egg tarts to your next food adventure—whether in the kitchen or on a food tour!
