Penichenses are small tarts made with a thin pastry shell filled with a cream made with eggs yolks, sugar, and chopped almonds. They are typical from Peniche, a seaside city about 100km north of Lisbon. They are not really well known outside Peniche and surroundings, but a must try for those visiting the area. Penichenses are delicious with a cup of coffee, and the perfect pick-me-up after a busy day of exploring! Continue to read to learn more about this underrated Portuguese pastry and where to sample it.
Penichenses – Traditional Almond Tarts from Peniche
Whenever I visit a new place in Portugal my first instinct is to do a quick search to find out if the place has its own pastry. More often than not the answer is yes, no matter how small the place is. Peniche turned out to have more than just one pastry, the one we’re discussing today is penichenses. Small tarts with a thin pastry shell, filled with a sweet almond custard lightly baked until they are crunchy on top but still moist and creamy. They are slightly similar to Pastéis de Feijão, with a sugary crispy top.
They are wrapped in a square of paper with a blue label illustrated with the Nau dos Corvos (a rock in Peniche which resembles a ship), and the Berlengas Islands in the background, proudly from Peniche! Also printed on the wrapping is the name Pastelaria Roma, the pastry shop which created them and where they are sold exclusively.
Amigos de Peniche – A Pastry with a Proverb
If you decide to buy some penichenses to take home, you will be gifted with a little proverb. Printed on the inside of the takeaway box is a little story about the Portuguese idiom ‘amigos de Peniche’ or ‘friends of Peniche’. This idiom is used to refer to someone which is a false friend. The false friend in question? English troops who arrived in Peniche during the succession crisis of 1589. Meant to support António, Prior of Crato, in reclaiming the Portuguese throne from Spanish rule.
The English troops looted local villages, later failing to provide the anticipated support. The friends of Peniche turned out to be false friends. The disappointment was so great that the phrase ‘amigos de Peniche’ became an expression in Portuguese culture used to refer to disloyal friends.
Where to Sample Penichenses
Penichenses are an exclusive product from Pastelaria Roma, an unpretentious pastelaria with over 50 years of tradition, located in the city’s old town. In the best Portuguese style, the pastelaria has no tables and you have to eat the pastries at the counter while you shot a cup of hot espresso. It’s totally worth the visit though, as they have an amazing selection of local pastries and sweets.
Should You Try Penichenses?
If you are a big fan of Portuguese conventual pastries, you should definitely try penichenses. Although not considered a conventual pastry, they are great representatives of traditional Portuguese confectionery, featuring custard and almonds. They are light, not overly sweet, and have the perfect size, making them a perfect pastry to enjoy with a cup of coffee!
