These sanctuaries craft the most recognizable cakes, pastries, and sweets with passion and exactitude. Lisbon’s Pasteis de Belém, established in 1837, exemplifies this dedication, having become a beacon for pastel-making that captivates both locals and tourists. Istanbul’s Hafız Mustafa, birthed by Hadji İsmail Hakkı Bey in Bahçekapı during Sultan Abdulaziz Khan’s reign in 1864, showcases the timeless allure of Turkish desserts. Vienna’s Café Central, frequented since the 19th century, is not just celebrated for its Apfelstrudel, but also for its diverse range of patrons like Freud, Trotsky, and even Hitler – their presence underscoring the café’s historical resonance rather than endorsing their beliefs.
AND THE WINNER IS…
1. Pastéis de Belém
Lisbon, Portugal 🇵🇹
Restaurant founded in: 1837
Iconic pastry: Pastel de Belém
Pastéis de Belém is a famed bakery in Lisbon’s Belém district, renowned for its traditional pastel de Belém pastry. Since 1837, this delicacy has been made with a secret recipe, creating a creamy custard encased in flaky puff pastry.
Often enjoyed warm with a sprinkle of sugar and cinnamon, it’s a beloved symbol of Portuguese cuisine. Both tourists and locals frequently queue at the bakery, eager to taste the freshly baked treats. A visit to Pastéis de Belém offers a taste of Portuguese culinary history and is a must for anyone in Lisbon.
NR 50. Trigona Elenidi!!!
Thessaloniki, Greece 🇬🇷
Restaurant founded in: 1960
Iconic pastry: Trigona panoramatos
Trigona Elenidi is a celebrated patisserie located in Thessaloniki, and is famous for a particular delicacy known as trigona panoramatos. This pastry is a local specialty that consists of crispy phyllo dough shaped into a triangle and filled with luscious custard cream. Once filled, the trigona is soaked in syrup, giving it a sweet and juicy finish.
Trigona Elenidi has become synonymous with this treat, attracting both locals and tourists to experience the unique flavor combination. A visit to the patisserie provides an opportunity to witness the skilled artisans crafting the trigona by hand, a tradition that has been maintained over the years. / TASTE ATLAS
