Pastel de Nata or Portuguese Cooking Class in Sintra with Locals
Active
3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Join Maggie, Romain, and their two cats in their Sintra apartment, just a short walk from the Portela de Sintra train station, for a 2-hour hands-on Portuguese cooking class. By default, you'll learn to make the famous Pastel de Nata from scratch - including the puff pastry and custard. You may also opt for a traditional Portuguese meal like bacalhau à brás (salt cod with eggs and potatoes) or arroz de polvo (octopus rice), please let your hosts know your preference in advance. You’ll roll up your sleeves, cook alongside your hosts, and enjoy stories about Portuguese culinary traditions and their journey as home chefs. After cooking, sit down to enjoy the delicious dishes you’ve helped prepare.
If you prefer the traditional meal, please include it in the "Specific Requirements" field when booking. This is more than just a cooking class, it is an authentic culinary and cultural experience with hospitable locals in their home.
Available options
Cook+Din Margarida and Romain
Cook+lunch Margarida and Romai
What's included
Private cooking class with your host Margarida and Romain
Alcoholic Beverages
Homecooked meal
Detailed itinerary
1
Be welcomed by Maggie, Romain and their two kitties (Newton and Penny), to their apartment in Sintra, close to Portela de Sintra train station. In your 2 hour Portuguese cooking class in Sintra learn to make the iconic Pastel de Nata from scratch, like a local. Maggie and Romain will teach you how to make the puff pastry and the traditional custard. Get ready to roll your sleeves and help Romain to make the puff pastry dough. While that sets, help Maggie make the custard, shape and fill the tarts before you bake them. While baking together, they will share fun stories on how they met, learned to bake and some interesting facts about Portuguese culture and culinary traditions. After your Portuguese custard tarts are ready, join Maggie and Romain at the table to share the dish you helped prepare.
In case you prefer learning to cook something else and not Pastel de Nata, Romain and Maggie can teach you to cook a traditional Portuguese meal. Please let them know your preference in advance
Available languages
Guide guide
PT
EN
FR
Reviews breakdown
Tripadvisor
5.0
1 reviews
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Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Maggie and Romain can accommodate a vegetarian and lactose free diet on request. So please let them know if you have any dietary restrictions in advance, while booking your Pastel de Nata class in Sintra online
In case you prefer learning to cook something else and not Pastel de Nata, Romain and Maggie can teach you to cook a traditional Portuguese meal. Please let them know your preference in advance.
Private, personalized experience
Please note Maggie and Romain prefer not to host children below 12 years of age, for safety reasons.
Meeting point
Please meet your hosts directly at their apartment in Algueirão-Mem Martins. Exact address can be found in your ticket upon booking confirmation. The closest train station is Portela de Sintra. Please check the 'before you go' section in your voucher for exact details on the meeting location.
Important notes
Host Name: Margarida and Romain Medina and Warion
Host Phone: +33 787 240 920 (Romain has a French number)
Host Email: romain.warion@gmail.com or margaridamedina.costa@gmail.com
Address: Rua Adelino Amaro da Costa n5, Sintra, Portugal, 2725-209.
Meeting location: Please meet your hosts directly at their apartment. Here is a Google Maps link to their location: https://goo.gl/maps/F7tPSaB6HBi4BjRdA The closest train station is Portela de Sintra
Please contact your host directly if you have dietary requests or need help with directions.
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Traveling Spoon is a supplier of Viator and TripAdvisor. We offer travelers authentic food experiences with locals, in their homes. Founded by two travelers and food lovers, Traveling Spoon helps others make meaningful cultural connections through food. Contact us at reservations@travelingspoon.com if you have general questions about our services. For specific questions related to your booking please contact your host directly with the contact information provided above.
We hope you have a meaningful experience and look forward to hearing about it!
About Sintra
Sintra is a picturesque town on the Portuguese Riviera, known for its 19th-century Romanticist castles, palaces, and lush gardens. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a fairytale-like atmosphere with its unique blend of history, architecture, and natural beauty.
Top Attractions
Pena Palace
A 19th-century Romanticist palace perched on a hilltop, known for its vibrant colors and eclectic architectural styles.
Historical/Architecture
2-3 hours
€14 (adult ticket)
Quinta da Regaleira
A mystical estate with lush gardens, hidden tunnels, and the famous Initiation Well.
Historical/Architecture
1-2 hours
€10 (adult ticket)
Moorish Castle
A medieval castle with origins dating back to the 8th century, offering stunning views and a glimpse into Sintra's past.
Historical
1-2 hours
€8 (adult ticket)
Praia da Adraga
A beautiful beach with golden sand and dramatic cliffs, perfect for a relaxing day by the sea.
Beach
Half-day
Free
Monserrate Palace
A stunning 19th-century palace set in a lush, romantic garden, showcasing a blend of Gothic, Moorish, and Indian architectural styles.
Historical/Architecture
1-2 hours
€8 (adult ticket)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Trajana
A traditional pastry filled with various ingredients like meat, cheese, or sweets.
Snack
Can be vegetarian or vegan depending on filling.
Bacalhau à Brás
A classic Portuguese dish made with shredded cod, eggs, and thinly fried potatoes.
Main course
Contains fish and eggs.
Pastel de Nata
A famous Portuguese custard tart with a flaky pastry crust.
Dessert
Contains dairy and eggs.
Sardinhas Assadas
Grilled sardines, a popular dish in coastal regions.
Main course
Contains fish.
Popular Activities
Hiking in the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park
Surfing at Praia da Adraga
Beach relaxation
Wine tasting
Visiting historic palaces and castles
Exploring local markets
Swimming and sunbathing at local beaches
Visiting museums and indoor attractions
Best Time to Visit
April to June, September to October
These months offer the best weather with pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists compared to the summer peak.
15°C to 25°C
59°F to 77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Portuguese
- Widely spoken: English, Spanish, French
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
GMT+1 (WET), GMT+2 (WEST during daylight saving time)
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Sintra is a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure in crowded areas
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps
- • Be cautious when using ATMs at night
Getting there
By air
- Lisbon Portela Airport • 28 km
By train
Sintra Station
By bus
Lisbon Sete Rios Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
Trains are the most efficient way to get around Sintra and its attractions.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Bolt
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Town Center
Park of Pena
Colares
Day trips
Cascais
20 km • Half day
A charming coastal town known for its beaches, historic center, and vibrant atmosphere.
Lisbon
30 km • Full day
Portugal's capital city offers a rich history, vibrant culture, and diverse attractions.
Cabo da Roca
25 km • Half day
The westernmost point of mainland Europe, offering stunning coastal views and dramatic cliffs.
Festivals
Sintra Music Festival • June to September
Sintra Halloween • October
Sintra Christmas Market • December
Pro tips
- Visit Pena Palace early in the morning to avoid crowds.
- Explore the town on foot to discover hidden gems and charming streets.
- Try local pastries like Pastel de Nata and Trajана for an authentic taste of Sintra.
- Use the Viva Viagem card for convenient and discounted public transportation.
- Book tickets for popular attractions in advance to avoid long queues.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
