Sintra, with its romantic hills, mist-shrouded palaces, and timeless charm, is not only a haven for history and nature lovers but also a paradise for those with a sweet tooth. Beyond the stunning landscapes, the town is famed for its delectable pastries that have become as iconic as its castles. Two irresistible confections stand out above the rest: the Travesseiro and the Queijada. Both delicately crafted, these pastries are steeped in tradition and reflect the rich culinary heritage of Sintra.
1. Travesseiro: The Pillowy Pastry That Steals Hearts
If you ask any local in Sintra about the town’s most beloved treat, chances are they’ll point you toward the Travesseiro. The name itself—travesseiro—means pillow in Portuguese, a fitting description for this light, flaky pastry that is as soft as a dream.
The Travesseiro was first created by Casa Piriquita, a historic pastry shop in the heart of Sintra that has been operating since 1862. This renowned bakery, originally famous for its queijadas, introduced the Travesseiro to its menu in the 1940s, and it quickly became a favorite among both locals and visitors. Today, Casa Piriquita remains the go-to place for anyone seeking an authentic taste of this famous pastry.
The Travesseiro is made from layers of buttery puff pastry, filled with a rich and indulgent almond cream (known as doce de ovos, a classic Portuguese custard made from egg yolks and sugar) and finished with a light dusting of sugar. When baked, the pastry becomes golden and crispy on the outside, while the inside remains soft, sweet, and decadent.
Biting into a Travesseiro is an experience like no other. The flaky exterior gives way to the smooth, slightly warm almond filling, creating a perfect harmony of textures. It’s no wonder that visitors make a beeline for Casa Piriquita to get their hands on this pillow-shaped delight. Pair it with a strong coffee or a cup of tea, and you’ve got yourself the perfect afternoon treat.
Where to Try It:
- Casa Piriquita
Rua das Padarias 1/7, Sintra
www.piriquita.pt
Although Casa Piriquita is the birthplace of the Travesseiro, many other bakeries in Sintra have taken up the tradition, so you’ll find excellent versions of this pastry throughout the town.
2. Queijada: A Centuries-Old Cheese Tart with a Sweet Twist
While the Travesseiro may have captured the hearts of many in recent times, the Queijada de Sintra has been delighting palates for centuries. This small, unassuming pastry has deep roots in Sintra’s culinary history, dating back to the 13th century.
The Queijada is a bite-sized tart made from a mixture of fresh cheese, sugar, eggs, and a touch of cinnamon, all encased in a thin, slightly crispy dough. Despite its simple ingredients, the flavor of the queijada is anything but ordinary. The rich, creamy cheese filling is perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the sugar and the warmth of the cinnamon, while the crust provides a satisfying crunch.
Historically, Queijadas were baked by local farmers as a way to use up surplus cheese and eggs. Over time, these humble tarts gained popularity, eventually becoming a symbol of Sintra’s culinary identity. Today, they’re a must-try for anyone visiting the town.
While many bakeries produce queijadas, Fábrica das Verdadeiras Queijadas da Sapa is one of the most famous and oldest producers, dating back to 1756. The bakery’s time-honored recipe has been passed down through generations, ensuring that each queijada retains the same flavor and quality as the originals.
One of the joys of queijadas is their versatility. They’re just as perfect for breakfast with a cup of coffee as they are for an afternoon snack or dessert. Their small size also makes them a convenient treat to take away, so many visitors leave Sintra with a box of queijadas to share (or not) with friends and family.
Where to Try It:
- Fábrica das Verdadeiras Queijadas da Sapa
Volta do Duche 12, Sintra
The Queijada can be found in many of Sintra’s pastry shops, so no matter where you are in town, you’re never far from one of these sweet cheese tarts.
The Sweet Essence of Sintra
Whether you’re savoring the flaky perfection of a Travesseiro or enjoying the creamy richness of a Queijada, these pastries encapsulate the soul of Sintra—elegant, timeless, and unforgettable. Both treats offer a delicious journey through the town’s culinary history, one that is intertwined with its romantic landscapes and storied past.
As you wander through Sintra’s cobbled streets, visiting its famous castles and palaces, be sure to make time for these local delicacies. The Travesseiro and the Queijada are more than just sweets—they’re part of the town’s heritage, each bite connecting you to centuries of tradition and the flavors that have been cherished by generations.
So, next time you find yourself in Sintra, allow these pastries to be a part of your experience. Indulge in the buttery layers of a Travesseiro or the smooth, cinnamon-kissed filling of a Queijada—and discover a side of Sintra that is as delicious as it is enchanting.
