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Food & Travel Blog

N'ice Cream Review - Armacao de Pera Algarve

5/19/2025

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​Is anything sweeter than an ice cream cone after a day at the beach in Portugal? 

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Ice Cream With a View | Armacao de Pera Food Blog

​After a leisurely stroll through  Armacao de Pera  with our parents, an ice cream cone seemed the perfect choice to end the outing on a sweet note. 

We stopped in at N'ice Cream in  Armacao de Pera. N'ice cream has several locations across central algarve including Albufeira, Portimao, and  Armacao de Pera . 
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N'ice Cream Flavors

Wondering what ice cream flavors are popular in Portugal?

You'll find a combination of classic standbys like Chocolate, Coffee Ice Cream, and even Oreo Ice Cream. 
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Ice Cream Flavors at Armacao De Pera Beach

​N'ice cream has a lot of candy bar flavored ice creams too like Bounty, Snickers, After Eight and M&Ms. 

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Gelados Saborosos Praia de Armacao de Pera
In Portugal, you will almost always find Nutella flavored treats as well. 
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Uniquely Portuguese Ice Cream Flavors

One fun thing about N'ice Cream in Algarve is they tend to have some uniquely Portuguese Ice Cream flavors. 
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Figo c/ Amêndoa Gelado (Fig and Almond)

For example, the Algarve is an agricultural region known for delicious juicy figs and bountiful crops of almonds. So a fig and almond ice cream is spot on! 

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Gelado com sabor Figo com amêndoa

Dom Rodrigo Ice Cream (Egg Yarn and Almond)

Dom Rodrigo is a traditional dessert from the Algarvian town of Lagos. It's made with "egg yarn"which sounds so weird, but it's egg yolks and sugar so think sweet and rich with the texture of thin coconut shreds. 
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Gelado com sabor Dom Rodrigo
In addition to these ice cream flavors you can find Pastel de Nata (famous custard tart of Portugal), and Perna de Pau. (Meaning wooden leg in Portuguese). 

Perna de Pau is an ice cream on a stick you can buy in grocery stores across Portugal featuring a pirate on the package with, you guessed it, a wooden leg.  It's vanilla ice cream with stripes of strawberry 'jelly' and the outside is dipped in chocolate. 
​

--> Recommended: Tap here To Make Pastel de Nata at Home! <-- 


N'ice Cream Armacao de Pera

Where We Went:
N'Ice Cream in Armação de Pêra is located at ​R. Sra. dos Navegantes 13, 8365-184 Armação de Pêra, Portugal
​
There is an outdoor counter to walk up to and order your ice cream. Around the side there is outdoor seating. There is also a spacious indoor seating area. Bathrooms are available, but located down a number of stairs. 
​

Armacao de Pera Beach Ice Cream

It really is hard to beat ice cream with this view, isn't it? 
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N'ice Cream Cone | Gelado com visto lindo | Praia de Armação de Pêra

We opted for the very Portuguese (and very sweet!) Dom Rodrigo and Fig & Almond flavors in a waffle cone. 

Which flavors will you try?
​

Explore: The Best Ice Cream Flavors Delivered To Your Door


Best Restaurants and cafes in Armacao de Pera:

Algarve Restaurant Reviews: 
  • The Waterdog Bar Review with Photos
  • N'ice Cream Armacao de Pera Ice Cream Review with Photos - You are here!
  • Recanto do Zé Portuguese Restaurant Review with Photos
  • Sam's Bar + Kitchen Beachfront Restaurant Review with Photos
  • ​Sapori da Giovanni Pizza Review with Photos
  • Restaurante da Pino Pizza Review with Photos
  • Alma Lusa Brunch in Armacao de Pera Review with Photos
  • Restaurante Chines Long Xing Chinese Food in Armacao Review with Photos
  • Shahi Darbar Indian Cruisine Armacao Indian Restaurant Review with Photos
  • Algarve Happy Hour 

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Do You Make Delicious Food? ❤︎ Want to collaborate?

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Vitasia Asia Style Gyoza Spicy Pork and Kimchi Filling - Lidl Review

1/23/2025

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Lidl Review: VITASIA ASIA STYLE GYOZA SPICY PORK AND KIMCHI FILLING 

Carrying on from the Meat and Ginger Dim Sum Review, we also snagged these frozen Gyoza from Lidl.
​ 

Cooking Instructions: VITASIA ASIA STYLE GYOZA SPICY PORK AND KIMCHI FILLING 

Okay so the package gave loads of ways to cook these gyoza, but I was looking for the most hands off version which for me was the oven option. The instructions were to put the sauce of your choice on the gyoza (I guess with a brush like this) and put them in the oven at 200 celsius for 15 minutes. 

Btw, 200 C is approximately 400 degrees F. 

Tap to order some gluten free pork dumplings!
Vitasia Gyoza Lidl Portugal
Vitasia Gyoza Lidl Portugal Ingredients

Modo de preparação:

Não descongelar o produto antes da preparação.
  • Na frigideira: adicionar um pouco de óleo à frigideia, juntar o produto e fritar em lume médio durante 2 minutos até que a parte de baixo atinja uma tonalidade dourada. Acrescentar um pouco de água e cozinhar o produto durante mais 3 minutos.
  • Na panela a vapor: adicionar um pouco de água à panela e aquecer. Assim que a água começar a ferver, colocar o produto na panela a vapor e cozinhar durante 6-10 minutos.
  • Na fritadeira: aquecer a quantidade necessária de óleo, de forma a que o produto fique coberto ao fritar. Aquecer o óleo a 160°C, colocar o produto congelado e fritar durante aprox. 3 minutos.
  • No forno: pincelar o produto com um molho à escolha e cozinhar a 200 °C durante 15 minutos.
  • Na fritadeira de ar quente: cozinhar o produto durante 8-12 minutos a 180 °C. Virar a meio do tempo.
  • Na panela: cozer o produto durante 3 minutos em água.

I really didn't have any sauce in mind so I just laid them in a single layer on a Nordic Ware quarter sheet tray and spritzed them with some spray oil and popped them in. 


Which would you get? 

 Electric Dumpling Maker or Hand Press Dumpling Maker
While I didn't find the Kimchi flavor to be as pronounced as expected, overall I thought these were super tasty and I would definitely get them again. I believe the package had about 20 gyoza inside.

Between these Gyoza and the Dim Sum at Lidl, the Gyoza were the clear winner for us! 

COST: 3.29 EURO

WHAT DO YOU THINK?
WOULD YOU TRY THESE Gyoza?
​DO YOU THINK THEY WERE A GOOD VALUE?


These Gyoza were purchased at Lidl, a grocery store in Portugal. If you're looking for information on current Cost of Living in Portugal and opinions of Americans in Portugal, check out these posts: 

Cost of Living in Portugal:


  • ​Cost of Donuts in Portugal
  • Grocery Store Costs in Portugal - Frozen Dim Sum 
  • Mango Lassi Lidl Review


​MORe Lidl Portugal Reviews:

Click here for all Lidl Reviews
  • Lidl Donut Review
  • Lidl Fresh Pasta Review - Dim Sum​
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Lidl Donut Taste Test

1/23/2025

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We've decided to try all the donuts at Lidl. We will refresh this post as new donuts become available... It's a trial, but we are willing to do it for you ;) 
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Glazed Donut .39 

Let's start with the classic glazed donut. The Glazed Donut at Lidl is called an "argola". Well, all the donuts I saw today were called argolas. Other stores call them "dots", for example. :) 
​
Learn Portuguese: Argola is a Portuguese word meaning "ring". ​

Quick take on the glazed donut:  "I liked it."

How would you describe it? "Good fluffy texture, nice fried donut-y taste. The glaze wasn't too sticky. It was a good price - pretty good for a donut I think!" 

Tap here if you want to try making donuts at home
Glazed Donut as seen from the top
Glazed Donut side view with a bite taken out
I would tend to agree. To be honest there are a lot of really tasty donuts in America and during our time in Portugal not every donut has been in the game, but I think they are steadily improving. The glazed donut was fluffy and the glaze had just the right thin-shell sweet sturdiness that you're looking for. Flavorful, but not overly greasy. A nice sweet treat that you don't regret afterward! 

Sprinkle Donut .59

Sprinkle Donut seen from the top
Tap for sprinkles!
Quick take on the sprinkle donut:  "Less good (compared to the glazed), a little gummier. The donut taste wasn't as good as the glazed. Maybe the sprinkles detract, I'm not sure. Just get the glazed." 

Did you dislike it? "No."

So ​overall decent, just not as good as the glazed? "Exactly." 
Coming in at a whopping 20 euro-cents more than the plain glazed, the sprinkle donut may not be the best bang for your buck, however listen... when you want a sprinkle donut, you want a sprinkle donut. I tried the sprinkle donut first and I was like "Wow this is a good Portugal donut!"  

When I followed up with the first bite of the glazed donut I was surprised how airy it was, as you could see in the photo. The donut sprung back up whereas with the sprinkle donut it stayed squished down, hence the "gummier" description. I assumed the base donut experience would be identical on these, but actually no! 

Unfortunately I missed a cross section pic of the sprinkle donut (or "argola party" as the sign says in Portuguese lol) so this can only mean one thing: I will have to try another one and add the photo so you can see the difference ;) 
​

More donuts to come. Stay tuned! ;) 

More Lidl Reviews:

Read all Lidl Reviews Here
  • Spicy Pork and Kimchi Gyoza Review - Vitasia Lidl
  • Chinese Style Dim Sum with Meat and Ginger Review - Vitasia Lidl​
  • Indian Lassi Yogurt Drinks at Lidl Portugal

​These Donuts were purchased at 
Lidl, a grocery store in Portugal. If you're looking for information on current Cost of Living in Portugal and opinions of Americans in Portugal, check out some of the posts above! 
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Bitoque - A very typical portuguese dish at Cantinho da villa

10/7/2024

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Cantinho da Villa is a very local Portuguese restaurant in Texugueiras - inland from Albufeira, between Ferreiras and Paderne. 

These local spots are just the best because they have classic Portuguese dishes, a lively buzz since everyone in the neighborhood stops by regularly, and you just feel part of the community when you're here. 
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Portuguese Dish - Bitoque

This plate is a perfect rendition of a classic Portuguese dish - bitoque. You can have beef bitoque or pork bitoque and either way you're getting thin cuts of meat. When prepared properly they are very tender and flavorful. 
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Comida Portuguesa - A Bitoque Dish Classically Presented

​As you can see the dish also comes with rice and French fries.
Why do Portuguese people eat rice and French fries in the same dish? you may ask. Isn't that double carbs? you add.

​Well, yes it is. But why do they do it? I suppose because it's delicious! :) 

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Sweet roasted garlic and a perfectly fried egg top thin slices of tender meat - Bitoque at Cantinho da Villa

The addition of a small, simple salad is common here - green lettuce, sliced onion and tomato, and sometimes cucumbers. Oil (Portuguese olive oil, of course) and vinegar are on the table if you need a dressing. 

Please note the lovely pan sauce on this bitoque including whole roasted garlic cloves. This is the mark of a meal made with love. 
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French Fries, Rice, and a Salad are classic sides in Portuguese Home Cooking

And one of the most beautiful details of this dish is that perfectly fried egg (ovo estrelado) . It takes real skill to get the edges crispy and brown while maintaining a perfectly dippy yolk as shown here. That runny yolk will combine with the pan sauce and add richness to the plain rice. It's so good you'll use your french fries to mop up the leftovers. :) 
​

Where to eat in Algarve:

  • A Bifana at Boema da Villa
  • Sushi & Pizza at Maloca Tuttapanna
  • Sorbetto Gelateria Review Portimao

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Boemia da Vila - Ferreiras

10/7/2024

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Boema da Vila is located in the main roundabout of Ferreiras and is known for their hamburgers. But sometimes you just want a bifana, you know?

While the night-time lighting makes for a truly sub-par glow, we figured we would still share the two bifanas. ​
Remember, bifanas are sandwiches made of thinly sliced, marinated pork. We got one plain bifana (pork slices on a nice roll) and one with cheese and a side of batatas fritas (French fries). 

Very often in Portugal when you order French fries they will come with a side of garlicky mayonnaise (aioli) for you to dip the fries in. 
​

Where to eat in Algarve:

  • Gusto'zza Pizzeria Quarteira
  • 20age Ferreiras
  • Snack Bar Petunia Vilamoura

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Rei do Churrasco Quarteira

10/7/2024

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Rei do Churrasco is a classic Portuguese Churrasco (barbecue/grill restaurant) in Quarteira - a beach town in Southern Portugal's Algarve. 
​
Learn Portuguese: Rei do Churrasco means King of the Barbecue :)

PSA to Americans, note that when we are talking barbecue in this context, we are not talking about grilled meats lathered in thick sweet, spicy, tangy sauces, we are focused on the grilling cooking method. 
​
Filed Under: Algarve Restaurant Reviews • Quarteira 
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Rei do Churrasco - Traditional Madeiran Restaurant in Quarteira, Portugal


Too good to go app - takeaway
​


​We used the food waste prevention app Too Good To Go to get takeaway frango piri-piri (portuguese style grilled chicken with spicy piri-piri peppers). 

TooGoodToGo is a great way to save money whether you live in Portugal or are traveling to Portugal (and elsewhere!) as restaurants will list their leftovers at a discounted rate. 
​


​2x frango piri piri lunch with fries - €4.99

• Round Aluminum Food Containers
​
Using the Too Good To Go App in Portugal, we got 2 servings of piri piri chicken and fries for about 5 euros. This was essentially a whole chicken and lots of fries! It was a great value and we enjoyed a nice walk from Vilamoura to pick up this lunch! 
​

Rei do Churrasco Review

A take-away review is rarely a full and fair review of a restaurant, but seeing as we enjoyed our takeaway, it's safe to say we would happily return to Rei do Churrasco in Quarteira - particularly to try their Madeiran specialities! 
​

Where to Eat in the Algarve: Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

  • Algarve Food Blog
  • Searching For The Best Indian Food in Vilamoura
  • A Top Pizza Place in Ohlos d'Agua Beach
  • O Melhor Frango Piri-Piri em Vilamoura? 

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Lisbon Pizzeria Ranks In Prestigious Best Pizza In The World List

10/7/2024

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The results are in.. 50 Top Pizza has released their list of best pizzas in the world and guess which pizzeria is representing Portugal on the list again?

More Like This: Pizza in Portugal • Lisbon Restaurants

One of our favorites - Forno d'Oro! :) 
​
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Burrata Pizza at Forno d'Oro in Lisbon, Portugal

In this post:

  • Who owns Forno d'Oro?
  • 2024 Top Pizza in the World Ranking
  • What we ordered
    • Diavola
    • 4 Formaggi
    • Burrata, Prosciutto, e Rucola
    • Gordons Finest Scotch Ale
    • Panna Cotta ai Frutti di Bosco
  • Forno d Oro Menus in English​
  • Forno d Oro Review
  • ​More of the best places to eat in Lisbon
 

who owns forno d'oro?


​Forno d'oro is owned by Tanka Sapkota, who was born in Nepal and brought his passion for Neapolitan pizza to Lisbon. He trained under the Gombero Rosso Master Course and his wood-fired pizzas have ranked him in the top pizzas in the world list multiple times. 
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Above you can see just a few of the many prestigious awards Forno d'Oro (Golden Oven) has received for their delicious pizzas. They are receiving Fiori di Latte cheese fresh from Italy multiple times per week!
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Where did forno d'oro rank in the 2024 top pizza in the world list?

Forno d Oro is the ONLY pizzeria in Portugal to rank on the top pizza in the world list, so it's quite an accomplishment! For 2024 they ranked 73rd in the world and the 12th best pizzeria in Europe. 

Parabéns! (congratulations in Portuguese)
​
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What we ordered. 

Are you hungry yet? Let's try a few of the best pizzas in Lisbon together! 
 

Diavola - €13.25

San Marzano tomatoes DOP, fior di latte, spicy salami, basil, and chili
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Where to stay in Lisbon:

  • All Lisbon Hotel Reviews
  • Turim Saldanha Lisbon Hotel Review
  • Lagoas Park Lisbon Hotel Review
 

4 Formaggi - €13.95

San Marzano tomatoes DOP, fior di latte, Gorgonzola, smoked Provola cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano DOP 24 mesi.
​
We were with some dear friends who were moving away and we all decided that in order to mark the occasion properly there was another pizza we just had to try and we could only do it if we worked together as a team lol. 
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Burrata, prosciutto e Rucola - €15.50

San Marzano tomatoes DOP, burrata, Parma ham and rocket (arugula)
This pizza was so unbelievably delicious and a perfect example of how it takes just a few high quality ingredients to make a dish really shine!

Light and fresh yet highly engaging - we were surprised that this was our favorite pizza of the night! Good thing we ordered it at the last second, right?! ;)

It may even top the fig, prosciutto, and gorgonzola pizza.

We'll probably have to visit another time to know for sure, though. ;)
​

Pizza in Portugal

  • See all Pizza in Portugal
  • Fratelli Top Pizza in Ohlos d'Agua
  • Forno do Fraser Best Pizza in Carvoeiro 
  • Forno d'Oro Lisbon Original Review
  • Mourapao - Best Pizza in Vilamoura?
 
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Gordon FInest Scotch Ale, Scotland - €8.95

And what's a visit to one of the top pizzerias in the world without trying a new brew? 
​Gordon Finest Scotch Ale Review
Gordon Finest Scotch Ale - Strong and smooth dark beer flavored with malt whiskey. 8,0% - 33cl

"​Born in Scotland, Crafted in Belgium"

For those interested in the ingredients and bottling details of Gordon Scotch Ale, see the photos below! 
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Panna Cotta ai Frutti di Bosco - €4.95

Panna cotta flavored with Madagascan vanilla pods served with a wild berries sauce
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Panna Cotta ai Frutti di Bosco | Dessert at Top Pizzeria in Europe
At the end of your meal at Forno d'Oro you always have the opportunity to enjoy the parting hospitality of limoncello or grappa. If you've never tried grappa (it's potent), maybe you should give it a try. After that you'll almost certainly always pick limoncello! haha :) 

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Pizza in Italy

  • See all Pizza in Italy
  • Pizza e Passione Naples
 

English Menu - forno d' oro pizzeria 

Curious what the prices are like at a top pizza place in Lisbon? Here is a recent menu. You can find English descriptions beneath each menu item.

Couvert/Antipasti (appetizers) and Pizze (Pizza) Menu

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Forno d'Oro Lisbon English Menu - Appetizers
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Pizze (Pizza) Menu

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Forno d'Oro Lisbon English Menu - Pizza

Mediterranean Cruise 

  • See all Mediterranean Cruise Review Blogs
  • One Day in Naples Cruise Port - DIY
  • ​Sun Princess Mediterranean Cruise - American Diner
  • One Day in Crete Cruise Port (Chania) Greece
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Seasonal Pizza Menu

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Forno d'Oro Lisbon English Menu - Seasonal Pizza
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Pasta & Dessert (Dolci) Menu

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Forno d'Oro Lisbon English Menu - Pasta and Dessert

Southern Caribbean Cruise

  • See all Southern Caribbean Cruise Reviews
  • Oceanview Stateroom Photo Tour (Royal Caribbean)
  • What to expect on a Sea Day on Symphony of the Seas Cruise Ship
  • Embarking on a Southern Caribbean Cruise from Fort Lauderdale Port Everglades
  • ​Dinner on a Southern Caribbean Cruise (With Photos!)
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Wine Menu

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Forno d'Oro Lisbon English Menu - Wine
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Craft Beer Menu

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Forno d'Oro Lisbon English Menu - Craft Beer

Gin Menu

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Forno d'Oro Lisbon English Menu - Gin

Virgin Voyages Cruise Deals

A no-kids (unless they are 18+), adults-only, all inclusive cruise line 
  • Check current Virgin Voyages Deals, Discounts, and Sales!
  • Can you get an extra discount if you pay a cruise in full? Virgin Voyages
  • How to make a celebration extra special on a Virgin Cruise
  • How to get 0% financing on a Virgin Voyages Cruise
  • Virgin Voyages Drink Package - How to save money on alcohol, specialty coffees, and fresh juices on virgin
 
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Forno d'Oro Review

We love Forno d'Oro! When you have such a great experience at a restaurant the first time that you want to bring your friends who are also pizza lovers you know it's the real deal.

Still, there is a smidge of apprehension that a second visit to a place won't be as good as the first, you know what I mean?

As you can tell from our photo review, forno d'oro is living up to our expectations and we won't hesitate to come back and bring more friends the next time we are in Lisbon! 

Highly recommend you stop in for some amazing Neapolitan pizza in Lisbon! 
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Best Places To eat in Lisbon:

  • Lisbon Foodie Blog - See all Lisbon Restaurant Reviews
  • Bandalho Meat and Wine - Burgers, Sangria, and one of the fudgiest brownies in Portugal​
  • Bubble Time Expo Review - Bubble tea & Bubble Waffles on the Riverfront
  • Han Table Korean BBQ Review - Grill at the table with your friends! 
  • ​Where to get unlimited sushi in Lisbon - Sushi Fixe in Miraflores Review 
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Churrasqueira o piri piri | vilamoura Restaurant Review

9/9/2024

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Piri piri is a must-eat in Portugal. But what is Piri-Piri, you ask?

Well, technically piri-piri (or peri-peri) is a type of spicy pepper that is said to have made its way to Portugal from Africa.

Colloquially, however, piri-piri refers to traditional portuguese grilled chicken and you can order it spicy (with piri-piri pepper oil) or not spicy. 

For our first frango piri piri (chicken piri-piri) in Portugal we visited O Piri Piri in Vilamoura. 

In this post

  • What we ordered
    • Piri Piri Chicken
    • Pork Ribs
    • Algarvian Carrots​
  • O Piri Piri Review
 

What we ordered. 

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O Piri Piri - Vilamoura Restaurant Review
 

Piri Piri Chicken. 

The first thing you'll notice if you're an American is that this chicken is tiny! The second thing you'll notice is how flavorful and delicious this chicken is! You can see the piri piri oil pooled at the bottom of the bowl. Be sure to wipe it up with the chicken as you go. It's spicy and glorious! 
 
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Pork Ribs


Again, I have to laugh, because as an American you will probably be thinking.. this must have been the skinniest pig in all the land - there is no meat on those bones!

It's true, these ribs don't have a bounty of meat, but what they do have is a bounty of flavor. I'm not sure what they are marinating these in or if it's just the grilling technique, but on our visit the pork was muito saboroso.

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Algarvian Carrots. 


On an absolute whim we ordered the Algarvian carrots and boy were they intriguing! This carrot dish is cold. But the carrots seemed soft, as if they were first boiled. They are marinated in what I assume is a combination of olive oil, a touch of vinegar, rough chopped garlic, and cilantro. 

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o piri piri review 


O Piri Piri is a churrasqueira in the heart of Vilamoura, an area of the algarve known for prosperity. The prices reflect the location. The food quality was high. To date their piri piri chicken is one of my favorites that I've had in Portugal (it's all in the spicy oil guysss) and the same is true with the cenouras algarvias (algarvian carrots). We've had them other places and they just weren't nearly as flavorful as at O Piri Piri. 

The algarvian carrot saladinha (little salad) is so unique that it's something I would like to learn to make well and feature in Cooking Inspired by Travel.  I am thankful that the first place I tried it was O Piri Piri, so that I knew how absolutely delightful this seemingly simple dish could be! 
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Vilamoura Restaurants

  • All Vilamoura Restaurant Reviews
  • Pao & Pao Boutique
  • Tips for Eating Out in Portugal
  • Mourapao Vilamoura Review

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Inspired By Travel: Making Pastéis de Nata  Portuguese Custard Tarts

11/10/2023

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​In the Summer of 2018 we had a special opportunity to visit friends and get a taste of a wonderful place - Portugal!  No list of "top foods to try in Portugal" is complete without the glorious little Portuguese custard tart known as Pastel de Nata! 
originally post date 11/12/20
Pastéis de Nata Portuguese Custard Tarts Recipe is filed under:
Desserts • Snacks • Europe • Portugal • Inspired by Travel • Pastry • Egg

​Our first Pastéis de Nata came from Portela Cafe on Rua da Graça in Lisbon. It was a short stroll from our airbnb and we wanted to get our Portugal trip off to a good start with cafe and pastries for breakfast! ;) 
From there we enjoyed Pastéis de Nata just about everywhere we went - Lisbon, up the Silver Coast, Porto, and even the airport lounge on the way home. 
​

So what exactly is a Pastel de Nata?

Pastéis de Nata are a delightful little treat consisting of a flaky crust filled with  custard. Most people enjoy their Pastéis de Nata with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and cinnamon on top! Some people prefer just cinnamon or just powdered sugar while others enjoy a Pastel de Nata as is!
​

How do you eat a Pastel de Nata?

Easy. Just take a bite for optimal enjoyment of the creamy custard together with the crispy crust. There is a segment of society, however, who prefer to use a spoon to eat the custard first and then eat the crust. Posh. ;p No matter how you eat your pastel de nata, it's going to be delicious! 
​

Portugal Travel Blog:


​History of Pastel de Nata

The popular origin story of the Pastel de Nata goes back over 300 years ago to Jerónimos Monastery in Belém. The nuns and monks used egg whites to starch the clothing, leaving a huge amount of egg yolks needing used up. To prevent waste and simultaneously generate income to support the monetary, the custard tart was born. The recipe was later sold when the monastery closed in 1833.  Today you can try the original Portuguese custard tart at Pastéis de Belém. 
​

Wait. I'm Confused. Is it Pastéis de Nata, Pastel de Nata or Pastéis de Belém?

Pastel de Nata - one Portuguese custard tart
Pastéis de Nata - multiple Portuguese custard tarts
Pastéis de Belém - Portuguese custard tarts made from the original secret recipe.
The original Pastéis de Belém is only available at Fábrica Pastéis de Belém

It makes me think of how some people say Kleenex any time they mean "tissue" whether it's Kleenex brand or not. Technically, a Kleenex is a tissue, but all tissues are not Kleenex. So all Pastéis de Belém are Pastéis de Nata (albiet branded with the perception of superiority), but not all Pastéis de Nata are Pastéis de Belém. Hope I got that right and hope it makes more sense now!
​
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One last Pastel de Nata in Porto, Portugal
Flash Forward to December 2018 and we were already in withdrawal! On a weekend trip to Toronto we looked up Carousel Bakery in St. Lawrence Market so we could relieve the custard tart experience 
​
Pastéis de Nata from Carousel Bakery in St. Lawrence Market Toronto, Canada | Traveling Through Food
Pastéis de Nata from Carousel Bakery in St. Lawrence Market Toronto, Canada | Traveling Through Food
Pastéis de Nata from Carousel Bakery in St. Lawrence Market Toronto, Canada | Traveling Through Food
Pastéis de Nata from Carousel Bakery in St. Lawrence Market Toronto, Canada | Traveling Through Food

Flash Forward to summer 2019 when family brought back some Pastéis de Nata after attending the Love Never Fails International Convention in Lisbon! And later when we sought out Azores Cafe in Pittsburgh so we could have some more Nata. 
​

Basically, it was high time we tried to make Pastéis de Nata at home...

A Pastel de Nata has two main elements to master: 
  1. Flaky Crust
  2. Creamy Custard

Which begs the question....
​

Can you make Pastéis De Nata with frozen puff pastry?

The answer is yes! If you don't want to go through the effort of making your own puff pastry, you can definitely take the short cut and use frozen puff pastry. I used Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry Sheets and it worked like a dream. In the future, I would like to do it 100% from scratch, but it's nice to lower the barrier of entry. ANYONE can make this!
​

How To Make Pastéis de Nata Custard Step-by-step

I followed LeitesCulinaria's recipe found here
  1. Whisk 3 tablespoons of flour with 1/4 cup of milk until smooth
  2. Bring  1 1/3 cups granulated sugar, 1 cinnamon stick, and 2/3 cup of water to boil. Do not stir this, but let it boil until 220F or 100C
  3. Scald 1 cup of milk (237ml) in a separate small sauce pan. Whisk scalded milk into the milk/flour mixture.
  4. Take the cinnamon stick out from the syrup and pour it into the milk/flour mixture, whisking the whole time. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla.
  5. Whisk the yolks from 6 large eggs in a bowl. Then whisk them into the milk/flour/syrup mixture.
  6. Strain this thin mixture into a bowl.
    ​

How long will Pastéis de Nata uncooked custard mixture last?


​Uncooked custard mixture can last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days according to 
LeitesCulinaria.

At what temperature does milk scald? Why do you scald milk

Milk scalds once it is heated above 180F or 83C. Scalding milk can kill bacteria and enzymes that may interfere with thickening in recipes. (sources here and here)
​

Tips for using Frozen Puff Pastry to Make Pastéis de Nata

You will want to take the pastry out of the freezer well in advance. 

How long does it take for frozen puff pastry to defrost/thaw from frozen?
In general, thaw at room temperature for 2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator. 

It's important to let the pastry thaw or else you will break it when you try unroll it from the package.

Once the pastry is thawed, you are going to lay it flat on your work space (I used this large cutting board) and then roll it tightly into a log. Wrap it in plastic and refrigerate until you are ready to assembly your Portuguese custard tarts!

See this CupcakeJemma video below for the technique:
​

Assembling Pastéis de Nata

  1. Take the puff pastry log out of the refrigerator and slice it into pieces around 3/4 inches or 18mm.  

  2. I used what looks like a vintage mini muffin tin and sprayed with oil to prevent sticking. Place a piece of dough into the pan and use your thumb to press the dough flat into the bottom of the muffin pan and then up around the sides. 

  3. Fill each about 3/4 full of the custard mixture.
    ​
  4. Bake 8-9 minutes for mini muffin tins at as high as you can get your oven. The recipe recommended 550F or 290C, but our convection oven only goes to 480. 
Making Pastéis de Nata with Frozen Puff Pastry | Traveling Through Food
Making Pastéis de Nata with Frozen Puff Pastry | Traveling Through Food
The final product was quite adorable and delicious! This one has a very light dusting of powdered sugar and cinnamon on top. 
​
Mini Pastel de Nata made with Frozen Puff Pastry | Traveling Through Food
Mini Pastel de Nata made with Frozen Puff Pastry | Traveling Through Food

​I also tried to make them in normal sized cupcake tins, but I filled them up too high, causing the custard to run down the side and caramelize way before the pastry was fully cooked. You can tell below that the pastry at the bottom is still soft. I definitely recommend taking seriously the recommendation to fill just 3/4 full! 
Mini Pastel de Nata made with undercooked Frozen Puff Pastry | Traveling Through Food
Tip: Fill 3/4 full with custard to prevent overflowing, over caramelization, and undercooked pastry

When do you eat a Pastel de Nata?

According to Eater, "locals ​eat Pastéis de Nata at breakfast, in the midmorning, after lunch, or in the evening — any time they're craving a snack"
​

Should you eat Portuguese custard tarts hot or cold?

There's no wrong way! Some people love them warm, others like the texture of the custard better when it is at room temperature. Still others like them cold! The only way to decide is to try them all three ways, don't you agree? ;-) 
​

Do Pastéis de Nata need refrigerated?

In most instances, there won't be any left over since they are so tasty! But on the off chance that you do have left overs it is recommended that you store them in the fridge.
​ 

How do you reheat Pasteis de Nata?

Reheating a pastry like this is best done in an oven or toaster oven over a microwave, for sure. 350F around 7 minutes should do the job! 
​

​How long do Pasteis de Natas last?

In an airtight box they may last up to 2 days. If refrigerated around 5 days. But seriously, just eat them today. :)
​
Take a food journey around the world

Is there lemon in Pastéis de Nata?

Although this particular recipe did not call for it, many recipes do infuse lemon flavor into the simple syrup by adding lemon rind to the water, sugar, and cinnamon stick! I will definitely try this next time because I love a bit of lemon in a custard. 
​

Tools That Make It Easier To Make Pastéis de Nata at Home:

Pastel de Nata Tools Pepperidge Farm, Puff Pastry Sheets, 17.3 oz (Frozen)
Pastel de Nata Tools 25 Pack Egg Tart Molds Tiny Pie Tartlets Dessert Mold Pans Tin Puto Cup Bakeware Muffin Cupcake Cake Cookie Mold Baking Tool, Round
Pastel De Nata Tools Silpat Premium Non-Stick Silicone Baking Mat, Half Sheet Size, 11-5/8 x 16-1/2
Pastel De Nata Organic Korintje Cinnamon Sticks | Perfect for Baking, Cooking & Beverages | 100+ Sticks | 2 3/4" Length | 100% Raw From Indonesia | by FGO

For That Friend Who is Obsessed With Pastéis de Nata: 

Gifts For Pastel De Nata Lovers | Traveling Through Food Pasteis De Nata Recipe
Gifts For Pastel De Nata Lovers | Traveling Through Food Pasteis De Nata Recipe
Gifts For Pastel De Nata Lovers | Traveling Through Food Pasteis De Nata Recipe
Gifts For Pastel De Nata Lovers | Traveling Through Food Pasteis De Nata Recipe
Gifts For Pastel De Nata Lovers | Traveling Through Food Pasteis De Nata Recipe
Gifts For Pastel De Nata Lovers | Traveling Through Food Pasteis De Nata Recipe
Gifts For Pastel De Nata Lovers | Traveling Through Food Pasteis De Nata Recipe
Gifts For Pastel De Nata Lovers | Traveling Through Food Pasteis De Nata Recipe
Gifts For Pastel De Nata Lovers | Traveling Through Food Pasteis De Nata Recipe
Gifts For Pastel De Nata Lovers | Traveling Through Food Pasteis De Nata Recipe
Gifts For Pastel De Nata Lovers | Traveling Through Food Pasteis De Nata Recipe
Gifts For Pastel De Nata Lovers | Traveling Through Food Pasteis De Nata Recipe

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Pastéis de Nata Portuguese Custard Tarts Recipe is filed under:
Desserts • Snacks • Europe • Portugal • Inspired by Travel • Pastry • Egg

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