I have known Mr. Paulo, the Portuguese owner of "Castella do Paulo," and Mrs. Tomoko for a long time. Although we have never met, they probably do not know me. "Castella do Paulo" is a Portuguese pastry shop located right next to Kyoto Kitano Tenmangu Shrine. Paulo, who learned how to make Japanese castella in Nagasaki, opened a pastry workshop in 1996 in the outskirts of Lisbon, Portugal, with his Japanese wife Tomoko. Although castella is said to originate from Portugal, Portuguese people have never eaten it. They later opened a tea salon in Lisbon to introduce castella to more people in Portugal. Then, in 2015, they opened a shop in Kyoto, Tomoko's hometown, to introduce the original form of castella called Pão-de-ló to Japan. In fact, my junior colleague O once stayed with Paulo and Tomoko in Portugal and experienced Portuguese pastry lessons when the couple lived there years ago. This happened over 10 years ago. O was asked by our company to go on a Portugal tour. Being a big fan of sweets, she was thrilled. However, the one-night-two-day homestay and pastry lesson were not easy. They started preparing pastries early in the morning, making it a serious experience rather than just a pastry lesson. Paulo and Tomoko did not treat her like a regular customer, but rather gave her a rigorous experience similar to being an apprentice in a pastry workshop. O said it was a tough training, but she was impressed by the couple's serious dedication to pastry making. She shared this wonderful experience with me many times, making me feel like I also knew the couple. On a rainy day in May 2023, I finally had the chance to visit their shop. I bought a full-size Pão-de-ló from the Minho region in northern Portugal for O and a quarter-size one for myself. I also purchased Pudim de Gemma and other items. When I explained who I was to the staff and expressed my desire to meet Tomoko, she warmly welcomed me, despite the sudden visit. She remembered O and welcomed her warmly, even taking us to the second floor. In addition to the pastry workshop and shop on the first floor, there was a café on the second floor. The café displayed beautiful Portuguese azulejos, traditional costumes, and various items. I was moved to see that the place not only sold Portuguese pastries in Japan but also served as a space to promote Portuguese culture. I had previously bought and eaten the original Pão-de-ló, known as the ancestor of castella, from a famous shop in the outskirts of Lisbon. It had a thicker and richer filling. However, the Minho region Pão-de-ló that I bought and ate from Paulo's shop had a texture closer to Japanese castella. It was rich in flavor but not as thick and had a firm texture. This Pão-de-ló was more to my liking. It was baked in a large earthenware mold, covered with a lid, and baked thoroughly, making it fluffy and torn by hand to eat. I tried to imitate it at home. I also learned for the first time that there are various types of Pão-de-ló in different regions of Portugal. O was very happy when I gave her the Pão-de-ló that I carefully brought back to Tokyo as a souvenir from Paulo. She enjoyed it with her family while reminiscing about their memories of Portugal.

Portuguese sweets. It was the first time I tried this pastry. It has a sweetness that is irresistible to those who love sweet things. The shop is located just to the right from the front of Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, and the interior has a cute Portuguese feel. The pastries can also be taken out.

Castella was amazing. The comparison of different types of castella from various places that can only be experienced here was very refreshing. From sweet castella to familiar flavors, each had its own unique deliciousness. They paired well with coffee. Also, the ice cream here is incredibly rich and delicious.

Located next to Kitano Tenmangu Shrine in Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto City. It was a cute little shop, so I decided to stop by. The showcase near the entrance displayed various types of Portuguese castella, Nagasaki castella, and wagashi. There were also baked goods on the shelves, many of which have a long shelf life. The back of the shop was a cafe space. Pão de Ló - 650 yen This was my first time trying a Portuguese snack. It was also my first time eating candied olives. I discovered that candied olives are delicious even when sweetened. The texture is similar to a firm chiffon cake. It's not overpowered by the generous amount of olives inside. It tastes better when torn by hand. Bebadochu - 350 yen A wine-infused biscuit. It has a slight wine color. I've had red wine-infused pastries from Italy before, and they still had a bread-like texture, but this one is completely a cookie. It has a nice buttery aroma. It's crispy yet deliciously crumbly. Olive Grasse & Cheese - 350 yen I enjoyed this about a month after purchasing it. Candied olives are indeed delicious! The cheese, which I think is Parmesan, has a strong aroma, perhaps due to the butter? It's a new sensation of intense sweet and salty flavors. I really like it.

If you go to Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, you must visit this place! It's located right in front of the parking lot at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine. The building is so lovely. I was wandering around and a staff member approached me. I checked on Tabelog and found out it's a famous shop! It seems to specialize in Portuguese sweets. They have castella, but I also saw cream puffs and egg tarts in the showcase. I bought the Douce Zuche and it was amazing! It's like a long cream puff with egg noodles on top, so cute and incredibly delicious! The egg tart was also delicious. I don't usually eat sweets, but these ones really impressed me after a long time.

I went on a sweets tour in Kitano area. I bought Duchezeu, which is like an eclair with chicken egg somen, and Pondero, which is the prototype of castella. It was good with sugar-coated olive seeds inside.

This is a Portuguese pastry specialty store located next to Kitano Tenmangu Shrine. I chose a set of three custard-based desserts, including the original egg tart famous in Macau, to compare and enjoy the different textures. They are all quite sweet, but each has a unique texture. The set comes with a drink, so I think it's good value for money.

Near Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, I had some work to do and decided to stop by for a souvenir on my way back. For those who have been to Portugal, you may know that their sweets are very sweet. However, they are simple and rustic, not containing a variety of ingredients. This shop mainly sells sweets, but they also have some light snacks like chicken pie. When I went in the evening, the egg tarts were already sold out. I bought: - Pudim de Gemma: a pudding made only with egg yolks and sugar. It is very sweet and has a rich texture from the egg yolks. - Mammyasha: a puff pastry with a cream filling made only with egg yolks and sugar. You can enjoy both the puff pastry and the cream at the same time, which might be even better than the pudding. Both of these sweets go well with tea rather than coffee, in my opinion. I have also bought their Castella before, which was more like a chiffon cake rather than the moist Castella from Nagasaki that I prefer. Personally, I prefer freshly baked pastries over Castella. The two items I bought were both priced at 250 yen, making them affordable. If you visit Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, why not give this place a try? It's a popular shop, so there may be a line at times.

I visited this place after visiting Kitano Tenmangu Shrine. I think this shop mainly focuses on sweets (castella), but I went for lunch. I had the bifana lunch plate, which had various side dishes that I enjoyed. It also came with a small dessert at the end, but I wanted a bit more so I added the food culture comparison plate. The interior of the shop is not very spacious, but the design is detailed and calming. The stairs might be a bit steep and scary though! The staff were sophisticated and provided pleasant service. I would like to visit again.

Located about a 6-minute walk from Kitano Hakubaicho Station, next to Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, this shop has been serving traditional Portuguese pastries since 2015. I have visited a few times before, but decided to stop by again after a long time. Among various sweets like castella, this time I opted for the simple egg tart. Pastel de Nata for 290 yen - a Portuguese snack. The pastry crust is crispy, filled with a creamy custard. The crust is crispy, the custard is rich and simply delicious. It's quite filling as well. I would like to try other sweets if I have the opportunity.

This is a pastry shop located on the approach to Kitano Tenmangu Shrine in Kyoto. I came here to buy the delicious pastry "Poundero," which is like the ancestor of castella. ■■■ Shop ■■■ The interior has a warm log house-like atmosphere. The first floor is the sales area and production, while the second floor is a cafe. This time, I also bought some other pastries in addition to the simple tasting castella "Poundero." ■■■ Food ■■■ ▼ Manjar Blanco 270 yen The staff described it as a "milk-flavored uirou," and indeed, it has a soft uirou-like texture. The aftertaste has a milk-like aroma similar to milk ice cream. If you don't mind the milky flavor, it's cheap and worth buying. ▼ Castella Mimi 330 yen This is the end piece of castella. I thought it would be small pieces, but there were four large pieces. There were two yellowish ones and two whitish ones. 330 yen is cheap! It seems to be popular, as there is a limit of one per person.

This is a Western confectionery shop on the approach to Kitano Tenmangu Shrine in Kyoto. My wife bought a cake-like sweet similar to castella. The "Poundero 1/4" costs 600 yen (as of December 2022) and even a quarter of it is quite large. It's like the original form of castella, but a little more dry than castella. It's not as sticky as castella. It's not too sweet and delicious. You can easily break it apart and eat it.

Next to the large torii gate of Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, there is a cafe that was opened in 2015 by Paulo, a Portuguese man who learned how to make castella in Nagasaki. The cafe is located in a renovated sake brewery, offering a variety of Portuguese sweets and drinks, including soft drinks and Madeira wine. The menu includes sets such as a platter of three Portuguese sweets - Nata, Maminhas, and Pudim de Gemas, as well as sets of three monastery sweets. One set features Paulo's Castella, which is considered the prototype of castella, along with traditional Portuguese sweets from different regions. The Castella from the Minho region is similar to a well-baked castella, while the Ponte de Lima from the Estremadura-Ribatejo region is a semi-soft type with a hint of Portuguese salt. The Ponte de Lima from the Palearctic region is a mini-size semi-soft type with a subtle cinnamon flavor. In addition, there are egg tarts with plenty of special custard cream, which are delicious whether eaten plain or sprinkled with cinnamon and powdered sugar. It was a delightful experience to explore the world of Portuguese sweets beyond just egg tarts.

Paulo, a Portuguese man who trained at Matsuwoken in Nagasaki, is now married to a Japanese woman and runs a shop next to Kitano Tenmangu Shrine in Kyoto. The shop has a store on the first floor and a restaurant/cafe space on the second floor where you can enjoy your meal. The second floor is decorated with Portuguese goods and wooden foam whisk made of Pandeló fabric, creating an interesting atmosphere. While there were lunch menus available, the main attraction here is the Castella cake. Pandeló is a traditional Portuguese confection that influenced Japan's Castella cake. One menu option allows you to compare and taste four different types of Pandeló and Castella cakes for 790 yen. The descriptions of the dishes are quoted from the menu. The Nata, a Portuguese egg tart, is also available for 300 yen each. It is a unique pastry filled with egg yolk-rich cream and baked in a special way. You can sprinkle powdered sugar or cinnamon powder on top before enjoying it. The Galão (cup of café latte) for 540 yen is generously sized. Wine is also available to pair with your meal. The shop offers various souvenirs with cute Portuguese-style packaging for purchase.

I had lunch at Udon Endo, and since the Paõ de Ló I had at Nishiiru was delicious, I decided to visit Castella de Paulo. The shop is located next to the main gate of Kitano Tenmangu Shrine. The shop, converted from a sake brewery, had a few tables on the first floor serving as a shop and café, but we were guided to the second floor. The second floor was also a lovely café with a great atmosphere. The staff kindly explained the menu to us. They mentioned that there are differences in Paõ de Ló depending on the region, so we ordered a plate with a selection of three different types for a cultural comparison. They also offered a 100 yen discount if you order a drink as a set. Since Paõ de Ló goes well with wine, we ordered a 3-year-old sweet Madeira wine. Both are sweet, they said, but I love sweet things so it's fine. The three types of Paõ de Ló were from Beira Litoral, which was rich and creamy, Estremadura, which had a light texture, and Minho, which was firm and moist. The Minho one was particularly delicious. Next time, I look forward to trying it with Port wine. Thank you for the meal.

Received item. === Anise flavor ★ 3.4 A thin cookie or biscuit with spices. The sweetness is very subtle. A unique texture. Even people who don't like sweet things could eat it. === It seems to be a famous cafe, so I would like to visit it once. Thank you for the meal.

I visited this shop when I went towards Kitano Tenmangu Shrine. I had been interested in this place for a while and was hoping to visit if I could. Actually, I had read a book on Portuguese sweets by the owner (Ms. Duarte Tomoko) a while back. I arrived right at opening time, so there were no other customers yet, and I was able to take my time looking at the sweets. I wanted to eat in, but I had a tight schedule ahead, so I decided to take out and chose a few items while pondering. I also got to see the second floor, and my husband strongly hoped that we could come back next time and eat here! I had to give up on the fresh Castella and Pandoro considering the walking time and temperature, so I chose something that could be eaten easily and taken home. The sweets in egg colors all had a gentle and happy taste. The Pastel de Nata is a must-try here. I have had it at a certain shop in Tokyo by reservation, but compared to that, the cream part here is a bit sweeter and smoother. Also, the pie crust is flavorful, delicate, and crispy! It was a very delicious Pastel de Nata. Fofosu is a soft cake with a strange name. My husband chose it because he likes custard and fluffy dough. Overall, it was sweet, with an eggy flavor in a soft cake as expected! (Well, maybe slightly sweeter than expected) Maminha Shu is another strange name for a sweet. This one also has powdered sugar on top and has a deeper yellow color. A dough made with egg yolks and sugar with egg yolk cream. This sweet is a festival of egg yolks. It is more moist, sweet, and has a rich egg flavor! This is a unique sweet that I found interesting despite being sweet. I chose the Cut Castella. Since I gave up on the Pandoro, I wanted to buy this at least (I was even more curious because I had read Ms. Tomoko's book.) A traditional Castella cake that Japan is proud of, made meticulously with fine and moist texture. This one was made with only 5 types of ingredients. It seems that there is also a commitment to the eggs used, and it was a delightful item with a very flavorful taste. I wish I could read the book again and compare it with Pandoro. Other items like Leiria Shu, Pastiche de Grao, Pastiche de Fefei Shu (each 150 yen) I was really happy to be able to visit the shop of the person I saw in the book a long time ago and enjoy delicious sweets. I would love to visit again when it's calmer and try eating in, including items I couldn't try this time.

I received Pandolero and Castella from a unique Western confectionery shop called the Portuguese Pastry Shop. Castella, familiar to Japanese people, was originally Pandolero from Portugal, which was then adapted into Castella in a Japanese style. I discovered this shop when I suddenly craved Castella one day and looked into whether I could buy it online instead of going to Nagasaki where it is known for. I found out that there might be a place in Kyoto where I could enjoy Castella. Although they also offer online purchases, I was concerned about the shipping cost, so I put it off. It was a bit far to go by train, but I happened to have a chance to wander around Kyoto by car and remembered this place. The exterior and interior of the shop had a Western feel, reminding me of the world of Harry Potter's Hogsmeade. I almost ended up buying various items, but I resisted the temptation and bought the Castella and Pandolero that I had been curious about. Pandolero had a simple taste that made me feel the history of this centuries-old Western confectionery. The Castella had the delicious taste similar to what you would expect from a famous shop in Nagasaki.

I visited in the early afternoon on a weekday. I was seated right away as there were available tables. The interior of the restaurant was decorated with tools used for making Portuguese and Castella cakes. It was lovely inside. I had been wanting to try the oven-baked Castella, so I ordered the Food Culture Comparison Plate for 790 yen and a Maia Delaye (cafe latte) for 390 yen. It arrived in about 10 minutes. The staff also explained the four different types of Castella. The half-baked Castella was delicious. It was different from pudding. There were some that were sticky and eaten with a spoon, some eaten with a fork, and some fluffy ones torn by hand. This was a great opportunity for a taste comparison. The cafe latte had a bitterness that paired well with the sweet Castella. The service was excellent, with all the staff being polite. From going up the stairs to using the restroom, the service was attentive until the end. It's rare to find a specialty store like this, so if you happen to be nearby, I recommend visiting this place! I even considered getting some to take home. If it were closer, I would definitely come back. Everything was delicious. Thank you for the meal.

I went to this famous Portuguese shop with a simple question in mind - isn't Castella from Holland? I arrived just before 4 pm wanting to have tea as well, but was told that the café was closed and only takeout was available. Most of the desserts were sold out, but they still had Castella! I chose the Miniho region's Pandeló and the slightly half-baked Pandeló from the Estremadura and Ribatejo regions. Both were meant for one person/box and could last a few days to a week. The former was similar to the Castella I know and was easy to eat! The latter, being slightly half-baked, was different from Castella... I was a bit confused at first, but it was delicious. I want to try them at the café next time. Definitely recommended if you're visiting Kitano Tenmangu Shrine! The café here, not typical of Kyoto, is also worth a visit. As I was leaving, they said, "Have a nice day ahead," and said something in what seemed like Portuguese, like a spell, and I had no idea what it meant (laughs), but I'm sure they were saying something nice. (*´ω`*)

First visit! This shop is located in a stylish building in front of Kitano Tenmangu Shrine. The "Pandoro" had a slightly firm outer layer of dough, surprising me. When you cut into it, a generous amount of egg yolk sauce comes out from the inside. It was delicious with a moderate sweetness that wasn't too sweet.