Porto Egg Tart Showdown: Manteigaria Nata vs. Fabrica da Nata

If you're visiting Portugal, the birthplace of the delicious Pastel de Nata (egg tart), not indulging in these sweet treats would be a missed opportunity!

While I've also explored the original egg tart 'sanctuary' in Lisbon, I decided to dive into Porto's Nata scene first.

Wandering through the charming streets of Porto, I stumbled upon Manteigaria.

The irresistible aroma guided me right to its doorstep!

Manteigaria Nata is easy to spot with its transparent wall at the entrance, offering a peek inside.

The ivory pillars and walls give the place a sophisticated, high-end feel.

Step inside, and you'll find a glass partition allowing you to watch the fascinating process of egg tarts being made.

The impeccably clean kitchen reassures you that Manteigaria Nata is a reliable spot for these delightful pastries.

Freshly baked egg tarts (Natas) are beautifully displayed in the center of the store, so you can simply pick how many you desire.

For a taste test, we each ordered one, making it two in total.

If you opt to eat in, they'll serve them on a plate. For takeout, they come in a neat little box.

There aren't traditional chairs inside, but a wide ledge along the wall serves as a convenient spot to stand and enjoy your treat.

Enticed by the rich, savory scent of egg yolk, I took a bite. The crispy pastry perfectly balanced with the sweet filling – an absolute delight!

Unlike frozen or other egg tarts I've had, the flavor here was profoundly rich and would pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee.

Manteigaria Nata truly excels in sweetness!

When you talk about egg tarts (Natas) in Porto, Fábrica da Nata is another essential stop!

It's conveniently located not far from Manteigaria Nata.

Situated on a bustling street filled with Porto's cafes and shops, it's easily accessible.

Since it also operates as a cafe, you can enjoy not just egg tarts but also a delicious brunch.

With both indoor and outdoor tables, you have the flexibility to dine however you prefer.

Befitting its cafe status, Fábrica da Nata prominently features freshly squeezed orange juice, a must-try in Porto.

They also offer a variety of other beverages.

The displayed egg tarts at Fábrica da Nata were meticulously maintained, which was very satisfying.

Looking at the photos now, they appear to have more charring on the surface compared to Manteigaria, but that's perfectly normal for a good egg tart!

Opposite the order and pickup counter, there's a small standing table for quick bites.

You'll also find various condiments like cinnamon powder to customize your Nata to your liking.

The establishment also boasts a second floor and restrooms.

As you can see in the photo, Fábrica da Nata packages its takeout orders in a long, elegant box.

Just a heads-up: takeout is available for orders of six Natas or more, so plan accordingly!

To compare, we each ordered one egg tart.

We chose an outdoor table to soak in the vibrant street atmosphere.

After tasting Fábrica da Nata, I found it to be oilier and less sweet than Manteigaria.

It really comes down to personal preference:

If you love a sweeter treat, Manteigaria Nata is your pick.

If you prefer a richer, more buttery flavor, then Fábrica da Nata is the one for you!

Coincidentally, there was a busker performing right outside Fábrica da Nata, so we enjoyed the music while savoring our egg tarts.

Eating delicious food and enjoying the street vibe with live music was pure bliss and a truly healing experience.

I highly recommend visiting at least one of these fantastic egg tart spots – they're an absolute must-try when you're in Portugal!