Creative ways to serve frozen custard tarts in summer menus

Pretty girl eating a pastel de nata Nata Pura

Make the most of summer menus with a versatile, premium dessert

Summer brings lighter meals, seasonal menus, and a constant demand for creative, feel-good food. But that doesn’t mean you need to reinvent your dessert offer from scratch. Sometimes, all it takes is a twist on a classic.

Frozen custard tarts – like the iconic Portuguese custard tart – offer the perfect balance of tradition, convenience, and versatility. Whether you’re a hotel, coffee shop, or catering business, here are fresh ideas to make this product shine all summer long.

1. Brunch boards & boutique breakfasts

Brunch is one of the most photographed and shared meals of the day, and adding a pastel de nata to the table makes the moment even more memorable.

  • Serve mini frozen custard tarts with seasonal fruit and Greek yogurt as part of a breakfast platter.
  • Add them to a Portuguese-inspired brunch board, alongside cheeses, jams, crusty bread, and coffee.
  • Pair with iced coffee, kombucha, or sparkling water for a light, modern twist.

Tip: Opt for bite-size tarts for easy plating and better cost control.

2. Reinvented summer desserts

Tarts are a natural canvas for creativity. Elevate your frozen custard tart with seasonal toppings or unexpected combinations.

  • Top with fresh berries or a spoonful of passion fruit pulp for a vibrant look.
  • Serve à la mode: warm custard tart + vanilla gelato = instant summer hit.
  • Get gourmet: deconstruct the tart with pastry shards, custard quenelle, and crumble for a plated dessert.

Tip: Pair with sparkling rosé or cold-brew coffee to balance sweetness.

3. For events, catering and outdoor service

If you’re managing events, pop-ups, food trucks, or even rooftop bars, the frozen custard tart offers flexibility and wow-factor without requiring a full kitchen.

  • Tart skewers with strawberries, mint, and a drizzle of chocolate.
  • Tarts in a cup: crumble base + baked custard tart + whipped cream – perfect for standing events.
  • Customise with local flavours: matcha, yuzu, cardamom, salted caramel.

Tip: Frozen pastries mean zero prep stress – bake, top, and serve.

Why frozen works for business

Nata Pura’s frozen Portuguese tarts are crafted with quality ingredients and deep respect for tradition, but designed for modern kitchens.

You get:

  • Consistent results every time;
  • Less waste, better stock control;
  • Short bake times and no prep needed;
  • A product that adapts to your creativity and seasonality.

Whether you run a boutique hotel or a busy coffee shop chain, like Starbucks, frozen custard tarts offer a simple way to elevate your dessert experience.

Summer is the perfect time to explore new ways of serving old favourites. With a high-quality frozen custard tart, you’re not just offering dessert – you’re offering a moment your customers will remember (and maybe even post about).

Want to bring these ideas to life?

We work with professionals in 35+ countries, providing frozen tarts that are ready to bake, serve, and impress.

Let’s build your summer menu together.
Contact us today

Pastel de nata: a must-try travel experience from Portuguese bakery tradition

A pastel de nata and a sangria

Why food tourism is embracing the Portuguese custard tart

Summer is the season of travel, discovery, and unforgettable tastes. And when it comes to authentic culinary experiences, the pastel de nata – also known as the Portuguese custard tart or eggtart – is rising as one of the most iconic travel bites in the world. Originating from the heart of Portuguese bakery tradition, this small tart is now found far beyond Portugal’s borders, turning heads and winning hearts.

The pastel de nata: more than just a pastry

Originally created by monks over 300 years ago, the pastel de nata has become a symbol of Portuguese culture. With its flaky crust and creamy egg custard filling, it’s not just a dessert – it’s a taste of history.

Whether served warm with a sprinkle of cinnamon or enjoyed as a quick bite on the go, the Portuguese custard tart is a memorable part of the travel experience for tourists visiting Portugal or Portuguese-style bakeries around the world.

A global journey: where tourists are tasting Nata Pura

In Portugal: Sintra’s Nata Pura kiosk

Located in one of the country’s most visited towns, our branded Nata Pura kiosk in Sintra welcomes thousands of tourists every month – offering them the chance to try a freshly baked pastel de nata while soaking in the heritage of Portuguese baking.

In Japan: Expo 2025 Osaka

At the Portugal Pavilion in Expo 2025 Osaka, the Nata Pura Portuguese eggtart is served daily to visitors from all over the globe. The long lines speak for themselves: people are eager to discover this little piece of Portugal.

Worldwide: hotels, airports & coffee shops

From luxury hotels to international airports, the pastel de nata is becoming a go-to offering in foodservice. Tourists and locals alike are discovering the taste of Portuguese bakery excellence in every bite – wherever they are.

Food tourism meets frozen innovation

With the growing demand for authentic, high-quality local foods, frozen pastries like Nata Pura allow businesses to serve the real taste of Portuguese custard tarts – anytime, anywhere. Our products maintain texture, flavour and authenticity while being convenient for chefs, coffee shops and foodservice operators.

This innovation makes the eggtart accessible on a global scale, helping travellers experience the tradition without compromise.

Why it matters for hotels, coffee shops and retailers

Adding the pastel de nata to your menu or display isn’t just adding another product – it’s adding a story. It becomes a conversation starter, a cultural touchpoint, and an unforgettable bite that creates emotional connection with your guests.

For businesses targeting tourists, a high-quality Portuguese custard tart offers a way to: enhance local authenticity; offer an Instagram-worthy moment; drive repeat purchases through emotional experience.

In a world where travellers crave real stories and authentic tastes, the pastel de nata delivers both. It’s a passport to Portuguese culture in a single bite – whether discovered in Lisbon, Porto, Tokyo, London or Dubai.

Ready to turn a Portuguese classic into your next best-seller?

Whether you’re running a hotel, a coffee shop, or a retail space, Nata Pura gives you everything you need to offer an unforgettable experience – from iconic taste to reliable service.

Let’s talk and explore how we can bring the pastel de nata to your customers, wherever they are.

Get in touch now!