Pasteis de nata are small Portuguese custard tartlets with a flaky pastry shell and a creamy filling. Many believe it to be the ancestor of South Africa’s more simple milk tart. Unlike milk tart, however, it has a signature caramelised blistered top that adds to its decadence. Now chef PJ Vadas, known for his legendary pasteis de nata, is opening a café dedicated to the treat.

 

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A post shared by Vadas Smokehouse & Bakery (@vadas_smokehouse) on Jun 26, 2020 at 11:51pm PDT

“We believe that our pasteis de nata are some of the best in the world, and we’ve been looking for a home of their own for a while now. When we found this location on Ryneveld Street in Stellenbosch, we knew it would be perfect,” says PJ.

That’s right – the café, named Vadas Pasteis De Nata & Café, will open in Stellenbosch in early November 2020. The takeaway spot will have a focus on pasteis de nata – created by the Vadas team – and incredible coffee by Tribe Coffee Roasters. The café menu will offer coffees, classic and flavoured pasteis de nata, kombucha and other refreshments. “The idea is that this will be a location where you can get as many pasteis de nata as you want,” PJ explains.

Any plans for a branch in Joburg? “Oh, definitely – we want to have a café in every town in South Africa. Cape Town, Joburg; maybe even London… we’re planning to take our pasteis to the world. We’re aiming for global domination!” PJ said, laughing.

 

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A post shared by Vadas Smokehouse & Bakery (@vadas_smokehouse) on Aug 6, 2020 at 9:33pm PDT

Before the café opens in November, you can still find the famous Vadas pasteis de nata at Vadas Smokehouse at Spier and Vadas at OZCF (but go early; they sell out fast!).

 

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A post shared by Vadas Smokehouse & Bakery (@vadas_smokehouse) on Sep 25, 2020 at 10:10pm PDT

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