8 days on water, then one day in Ponta Delgada, Azores (Portugal) -> a hunt for pastel de nata

view from pier in Ponta Delgada

After 8 days on the Atlantic without seeing land, the ship docked for the day in Ponta Delgada, Azores.  The  Azores are islands 900 miles west of Lisbon controlled by Portugal.  I don't know what other people would do if they were at sea for 8 days.  Feel free to throw out your thoughts in the comments section.

Here is what I did.
1. I looked for some free wifi to check email
2. I evaluated the geography I was landing in and tried to figure out what foods they would specialize in.

Ever since my visit to Lisbon, every time I stop somewhere with a heavy Portuguese influence, I seek out pastel de nata.  I am a big fan of the Chinese egg custard tart called "dan tat".  A good pastel de nata is at least 2x better than a good dan tat in my book.

Although specific dan tat and pastel de nata executions differ at every bakery I try them at, the trend I have found is pastel de nata has a crispier and sweeter crust.  The pastry crust is more European.  Good pastel de nata also have a creamier custard that has some delicate spicing added in.  In my 7 hours on Ponta Delgada, I tried pastel de nata at three different places.

pastel de nata in Ponta Delgada

I don't think I will have an opportunity for more pastel de nata until August.
Henry - Will I be able to find it in Hong Kong or I need to go to Macau?  See you there?  Anyone else joining?