Workshops Pasteis de Nata in Porto, Portugal

Pastel de nata is more than a sweet stop in Porto. In this 90-minute workshop, you make the custard tarts yourself with Berta Faria, using homemade puff pastry and a recipe you can take home. The class is held at Pensão Favorita, a restored 19th-century building with a garden in Porto’s arts district.

I like two things here: the class is small, with no more than eight people, so Berta can give each person a turn; and the setting offers a welcome change from a standard kitchen classroom, with a garden as an alternative to the indoor space. One consideration: the session is short, and you may want more time to practice shaping the pastry dough.

• Make the pastry, not just the filling: The workshop uses homemade puff pastry, and you take part in the process.
• Meet Berta Faria: She teaches in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, and shares advice about Porto along with the recipe.
• Taste three tarts with Port: The finished pastries and a glass of Port are included.
• Work in a small group: Places are limited to eight participants, which makes it easier to get involved.
• Bake in a historic setting: The class takes place indoors or in the garden at a renovated 19th-century building.
• Plan for 90 minutes: It is a compact activity, not a long baking course, and children under nine are not eligible.

Making Pastel de Nata With Berta

The heart of the class is learning to make Portugal’s best-known custard tart, rather than simply watching someone else bake. Berta Faria guides the group through the process, demonstrating each step and inviting participants to help. The recipe uses homemade puff pastry, a useful detail for anyone who wants to recreate the tart at home instead of relying on ready-made dough.

You should expect a social, shared lesson more than a formal pastry-school course. Berta explains why each stage matters, then gives people a chance to take part. Her approach is patient and clear, and she makes an effort to involve everyone. That is especially helpful if you are a beginner or feel unsure about handling pastry.

The class also brings a little Portuguese food culture into the kitchen. You learn about the pastry while making it, and Berta may share stories and tips about Porto as the group works. That mix of cooking and local conversation is what makes the experience more personal than a recipe demonstration.

One point to keep in mind: the 90-minute schedule means the class has a natural pace to maintain. One participant wished for more time to practice working with the dough. If your main goal is to master pastry technique in detail, you may find the hands-on portion a little brief. If you want a friendly introduction, a recipe, and a good taste of the city’s food culture, the time is likely to feel well spent.

From Dough to Three Warm Tarts

The practical sequence is straightforward: Berta demonstrates the method, explains the stages, and gets the group involved in making the pastries. You work with homemade puff pastry and learn the steps that turn it into a pastel de nata. The details provided do not set out a minute-by-minute schedule, so do not expect a technical syllabus or a long list of separate baking lessons.

A small group changes the feel of this process. With a maximum of eight participants, you are not lost at the back of a large demonstration. Berta is described as making sure each person understands what is happening and gets a chance to participate. That does not mean you will have a private workstation or unlimited practice time, but it does point to a class that aims for shared participation rather than passive watching.

At the end, you get three pasteis de nata and a glass of Port. The tasting is part of the activity, not an extra meal, so plan it as a snack and experience rather than a substitute for lunch or dinner. You also leave with the recipe, giving the class a useful afterlife once the holiday is over.

The best payoff may be that familiar moment when a recipe stops being a mystery. At home, you can try the method again and adjust as you learn. The class gives you a starting point and some practical tips, though repeating the recipe is the way to build confidence.

A Garden Pause in Porto’s Arts District

The workshop takes place at Pensão Favorita, at Rua Miguel Bombarda 267. The building dates to the 19th century and has been renovated, with a garden that offers a quieter setting than a typical indoor class. Depending on the session, the workshop is held inside the building or out in the garden.

That setting adds character without changing the basic nature of the activity. You are there to cook, not to tour the property, but the garden and historic building give the class a sense of place. The address is in Porto’s arts district, an area known for its galleries, so you could pair the workshop with time exploring the neighborhood.

The meeting point is listed as Pensão Favorita, near Livraria Lello, and the activity ends back there. Transportation is not included. Allow time to reach Rua Miguel Bombarda on your own, and check the precise meeting instructions when you book rather than assuming the class will meet at a separate landmark.

What the Small Group Means for You

The eight-person limit is one of the most practical features of the workshop. A compact group gives Berta a better chance to remember names, answer questions, and guide people through the recipe. It also makes conversation easier. The class can feel like a shared afternoon activity, rather than a lecture delivered to a crowd.

That social side matters if you are traveling alone, with a partner, or with friends. The format works for a mixed group, and the cooking gives people something to do together even if they arrive as strangers. Berta also shares recommendations for places to eat and things to see in Porto, which can make the class useful beyond the kitchen.

The experience is offered in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. Confirm the language you need when checking availability, since the information provides several options but does not state that every session is multilingual. Children under nine are not suitable for the activity, so families with younger children will need to choose another plan.

Is €35 or $40 the Right Price?

The supplied price details do not match: one summary gives $40 per person, while the included-items information lists €35. Treat the amount shown for your chosen date as the current price and confirm it before booking. The listed inclusions are consistent: materials, three pasteis de nata, and a glass of Port.

For a 90-minute class, the value comes from more than the food. You get instruction from Berta, the chance to make the tarts yourself, a recipe to take home, and a small-group setting in a historic building with a garden. If you enjoy cooking and want an activity with a local food focus, that is a fair bundle for a short Porto experience.

The value is less clear if you only want to eat a pastel de nata. Porto has plenty of places to buy pastries, and this class takes time and participation. Book it because you want to learn and enjoy the group experience, not because three pastries are the cheapest way to satisfy a craving.

The flexible booking terms may also help with planning: you can reserve now and pay later, and cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Check the exact terms displayed at checkout, since those are the ones that apply to your booking.

Who Will Enjoy This Workshop Most

I would recommend this for food-minded visitors who like to take part rather than watch. It is a good fit for couples, friends, and solo visitors who are happy to share a kitchen activity with a small group. You do not need to arrive with baking experience; Berta demonstrates the steps and offers guidance as you work.

It is especially appealing if you want to carry a practical souvenir home. A recipe is more lasting than a pastry box, and the class gives you a clearer idea of how the tarts are made. Berta’s Porto tips are a useful bonus if you are still planning meals and sightseeing.

If you are an experienced baker seeking intensive pastry training, be realistic about the format. The class is designed as a welcoming introduction and cultural exchange, not an advanced course. The schedule is short, and you may not get as much time to practice the dough as you would in a longer workshop.

Should You Book It?

Book this if you want to make pastel de nata with Berta, enjoy a small-group cooking lesson, and bring a recipe home. The homemade pastry, three finished tarts, Port tasting, and garden setting make the experience feel distinctly tied to Porto.

Skip it if you would rather spend the time sightseeing, or if you want a long, technique-heavy baking class. For most visitors who enjoy food and conversation, though, this is a compact and memorable way to spend part of an afternoon. Check the current price, language, and start time before reserving.

FAQ

How long does the pastel de nata workshop last?

The workshop lasts 1.5 hours.

Where does the class take place?

It takes place at Pensão Favorita, Rua Miguel Bombarda 267, 4050-381 Porto.

What languages are available?

The instructor teaches in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.

How many people can join?

The group is limited to eight participants.

What is included in the price?

Materials, three pasteis de nata, and a glass of Port are included.

Is transportation included?

No. Transportation is not included.

Where does the activity end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is the workshop suitable for children?

It is not suitable for children under nine.

Can I cancel my booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

How much does the workshop cost?

The supplied information lists both $40 and €35 per person. Check the price shown for your selected date when booking.