We always say, “One of the best ways to experience a country’s culture is through its food,” and in Portugal, no dessert is more iconic than the pastel de nata. So instead of just tasting one (or taking a few home), why not learn how to make a pastel de nata using a traditional recipe—right here in Porto?
If that sounds like a fun idea, we agree! Even though we’re Portuguese and have eaten hundreds of pastéis de nata, we decided to join a Pastel de Nata Cooking Class in Porto!
First, because it sounded like an entertaining activity, but also so we could explain, first-hand, exactly how the experience went—what we learned, what we liked (and what could be improved), and whether or not this cooking workshop is worth doing, whether you’re a tourist or a local.
So, if you love pastéis de nata, want a unique experience in Porto, or are looking for an original gift idea, keep reading. It might be much more fun (and delicious!) than you expect.
Details of the Pastel de Nata Cooking Class Tour
This workshop is a fun, hands-on experience where you’ll learn, step by step, how to make pastéis de nata using a traditional Portuguese recipe—Grandma’s recipe, passed down from the host!
- Official name: Porto: Pastel de Nata Cooking Class with Grandma’s Recipe
- Rating: 4.9/5 with over 1,200 reviews on GetYourGuide
- Hosted by: The Porto Cooking Class team, via GetYourGuide
- Price: Check the price [here]
- Duration: About 2 hours
- Language: The class is in English, as it’s mainly designed for international visitors
- Group size: Up to 10 people
- Location: 📍A house just outside Porto’s city center (accessible via Bolt/Uber and public transport – see full details below)
- Includes: All ingredients and utensils, apron, tasting of the freshly baked pastéis, and non-alcoholic drinks (coffee, tea, orange juice)
- Not included: Transportation
- Booking: Through GetYourGuide. Click this link to check availability and book directly
- Free cancellation: Up to 24h before + option to “reserve now and pay later”
👉 Want to know the difference between Pastel de Nata and Pastel de Belém? Check out our article!
How Was Our Experience at the Pastel de Nata Workshop in Porto?
This is one of the most popular workshops in Porto—and it’s easy to see why! The pastel de nata is Portugal’s most iconic pastry, and this hands-on class doesn’t just teach you how to make it; it offers a fun, tasty, and culturally rich experience.
As soon as we arrived, we were asked to change into indoor slippers, put on our aprons, and wash our hands.
The class takes place in a relaxed, homey atmosphere—right in the host’s house. She greeted us with a warm smile and a friendly vibe that made us instantly feel at home. The entire setting is informal and relaxed, perfect for those who want to learn in a laid-back environment without pressure.
The experience can be divided into four main parts:
- Introduction and recipe explanation
- Making the dough
- Preparing the filling
- Tasting!
The intro was short and sweet. Our group had nine people from different countries and age groups, all with one thing in common: the goal of learning how to make (and eat!) a good pastel de nata.
We were first shown around the room, as the entire class takes place in the host’s living and dining space. All the ingredients and tools were already laid out and neatly organized. Each of us had our workstation, although we rotated tasks throughout the class.
We started by making the puff pastry from scratch, mixing flour and water, then folding it to create the flaky, signature layers of the pastel de nata. Everything was clearly explained and demonstrated. It felt pretty simple!
At the same time, we prepared the filling using eggs, sugar, milk, and lemon. It’s gently cooked and whisked until it reaches the right consistency.
Then came one of the most fun and curious parts—dividing the dough and shaping it into the tins. Finally, we poured in the filling and popped them into the oven.
You don’t need to memorize the recipe on the spot—it’s emailed to you after the class, which is super helpful.
And of course, the best part came at the end! While the pastéis were baking, we had time to chat with the other participants, sip on coffee or juice, and take lots of photos.
The pastéis came out hot, golden, and smelling amazing. They were served with cinnamon and powdered sugar on the side, as tradition dictates. And they were delicious! Crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside… and homemade by us!
👉 Learn how to make delicious pastéis de nata here!
What We Loved Most
- The host was warm and welcoming
- Friendly, homey atmosphere
- Making the puff pastry from scratch
- Well-explained traditional recipe
- Fully hands-on workshop
- Tasting at the end with coffee, juice, and good conversation
- Recipe sent by email afterward
- Great activity for groups, couples, or even solo travelers
What Could Be Improved
- No wheelchair access—but it’s understandable due to the location
- Slightly outside the city center, though easily reachable via Uber/Bolt
- It would be nice to have the option to take home any extra pastéis
Who Is This Workshop For?
These cooking classes are primarily designed for international visitors, so they’re held in English only—you’ll rarely find Portuguese people attending. That said, if you’re part of a larger group and reach out to the host, we’re sure she’d be happy to run the class in Portuguese too.
As Portuguese locals, we still found the class super interesting and even learned a few techniques we can use in our own pastel de nata (and other) recipes.
Since it’s such a fun and interactive activity, we think it’s perfect for almost any type of traveler, especially those with a passion for food. Whether you’re a family, a couple, or a group of friends, you’ll have a great time. During our session, we had a group of friends, a couple (including us), and two solo travelers.
Location & How to Get There
The host’s house is located about 10 minutes by car from downtown Porto. The easiest and most convenient way to get there is by Bolt or Uber—especially if you’re traveling with at least one other person. It’s usually cheaper and much more comfortable. If you have a car, there’s free street parking. [Google Maps location📍]
For those using public transportation, you can catch bus 800 or 801 from Bolhão. Both stop right in front of the house (about a 20-minute direct ride). Note: Tickets are sold onboard and you’ll need coins to pay.
Alternatively, you can take the Orange metro line (Linha Laranja) from Trindade Station (around 30 minutes, direct ride). Get off at Fânzeres Station and walk about 700 meters (roughly 10 minutes) to the house.
Upon arrival, the host will be waiting for you inside. Just ring the bell labeled “2º Andar” (2nd floor).
Final Thoughts
This is honestly one of our favorite tours in Porto. It’s fun, interactive, and you learn how to make one of Portugal’s most iconic desserts. There are other similar workshops available, but since we haven’t tried those, we picked this one because it had the most and best reviews on GetYourGuide—and after doing it ourselves, we definitely recommend it too!
Below is the link to book. We recommend booking in advance, as spots are limited (only 10 per class) and the class tends to sell out during peak season.
👉 Book the Pastel de Nata Cooking Class in Porto here
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