Santa Nata bakeries have hit a 10 million milestone, having recorded their 10 millionth Pasta de Nata sale this May.
Santa Nata is a celebration of Portugal’s most famed tart – the Pastel de Nata. What started in a monastery in Lisbon over three hundred years ago is now a collection of six bakeries across London, one in Oxford and one is soon to open in Hong Kong. Made to the traditional recipe, this edible piece of history is an unrivalled sweet treat.
Founded by Francisco Oliviera in 2019, he wanted to bring a taste of Lisbon to the capital. Unable to find an authentic Pastel de Nata anywhere in London, he decided to make his own. Made on site in small batches throughout the day, each tart honours the original recipe – a secret Francisco will never share.
Perfected in three careful steps; the dough, the custard and the oven – these are key to making an authentic Pastel de Nata. The dough must first be created, laminated and moulded to deliver a light and crispy texture. The custard must be smooth and creamy and once poured into the dough, cooked at a high temperature which browns it while ensuring it doesn’t burn.
Like all good food, freshness is central to the taste of any great Pastel de Nata and true to tradition, at Santa Nata each new batch is welcomed with the ringing of the bell, inviting eager customers to get them whilst they’re fresh.
Owner Francisco Oliveira has said; ‘Reaching our 10 millionth Pastel de Nata sale is an important milestone for us and something I’m very grateful for, especially considering Santa Nata started with one small shop and a simple idea, to bring an authentic taste of Lisbon to and I still think there is a long way to go in terms of what we want to build, improve and achieve. We’re proud of what we’ve done so far, but we stay focused on getting better every day and continuing to grow the brand the right way.’
Each Santa Nata store makes all its own tarts on site where a skilled Master Baker carefully cooks several batches throughout the day. Perfectly paired with a coffee, Santa Nata bakery serves Allpress coffee along with a small section of soft drinks.
Available to buy in single batches but also in boxes of four or eight, Pastéis de Nata can be collected in store and delivered direct to your door too. An ideal desert, office pick me up or celebratory sweet treat, the Pastel de Nata befits all occasions.
Famed for their creamy custard, new for spring 26 is Santa Nata’s custard doughnuts and soft serve ‘custard’ ice cream with bespoke toppings which are now available across all stores.
Voted by The Guardian as one of the best things to eat, and with Bloomberg predicting them to be as ubiquitous as the croissant, Pastéis de Nata have been given a warm welcome by the UK, and none taste better than Santa Nata.