Let’s Talk Egg Tart

SaucierSteph
Sep 6, 2018 · 2 min read

The Egg Tart is my favorite dessert of all time. I am going to as far to say the egg tart is the BEST dessert of all time.

Definition: Egg Tart or “Dan Tat” : the cantonese pronunciation aka the most popular way to say it)— is a kind of custard tart found in Macau, Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Portugal, Brazil, Britain, and various Asian countries. The dish consists of an outer pastry crust and is filled with egg custard and baked. (Wikipedia)

After doing some research, what I have always thought to be true is that the Dan Tat, being a dim sum favorite, was created in China. When in fact the Dan Tat origins stems from Europe. Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is the place of birth for the Pastel de Nata (Custard Tart aka the Portuguese Egg Tart dusted with cinnamon).

From 1557 to 1999, Macau was a Portuguese colony. Through the years, the locals would learn to put their own spin on the Pastel de Nata. Influences would come from Guangzhou and later find a home in Hong Kong. Here is a map to show where the cities are compared to one another.

Takes about 4 hours on plane to get from Macau to Hong Kong

Here are some difference between the 3 main types of egg tarts.

The original Pastel de Nata was served cold.
The current Portuguese egg tart has a caramelized top (like a creme brûlée)
The Hong Kong Dat Tat has a shimmery smooth top.

The Dan Tat continues to be a dim sum favorite. So the next time you guys are out Yum Cha-ing… grab an egg tart for me.

SaucierSteph

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My name is Stephen. I like basketball and food. Join the community of Wireless Hoopers and Sauciers

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