Massachusetts Woman’s Pastel de Nata Tattoo Has a Sweet Story Behind It

For most people, a pastel de nata is a delicious Portuguese treat. For one proud Portuguese woman from Swansea, it's a symbol of family, tradition, home, and the unexpected journey that helped launch her social media presence.

After years of wanting one, Alexandra Soares finally got a tattoo of a pastel de nata, the iconic Portuguese custard tart that has been part of her life since childhood.

"It has a meaning for me," she said. "My social media started to take off when I would rate natas around the SouthCoast. When I see a box of natas, I think of holidays, family and a sense of home."

Growing up, natas weren't an everyday dessert. They were reserved for special occasions and holidays, making them feel even more meaningful. "I remember as a kid eating the inside with a spoon and then eating the crust," she said. "It was more like a treat for us growing up."

More Than Just a Dessert

In recent years, she began reviewing pastel de nata from bakeries throughout the SouthCoast, a series of videos that connected with fellow Portuguese foodies and helped grow her online following.

That personal connection is exactly why she wanted the tattoo.

"Even if you don't know Portuguese culture, I'd want you to see this as a symbol of identity, tradition, and carrying your roots with you wherever you go," she said.

Family Wasn't Exactly On Board

While she's thrilled with the finished product, not everyone immediately shared her enthusiasm. "They (Soares' family) absolutely question my life choices," she joked. "I think any tattoo my mom and dad questions my life choices."

READ MORE: Dartmouth Bakery’s Portuguese-Inspired Pastel De Natas Cake

In fact, she'd been talking about getting the tattoo for at least three years. "My mom was so against it, and one day I decided to just do it," she said. "It was an amazing decision."

The Portuguese Tattoo Collection May Not Be Finished

If you think the nata is where her Portuguese-inspired ink ends, think again. Asked how proud she is of the tattoo, she didn't hesitate. "I'm sooo proud of this tattoo. I love it so much," she said. She also revealed plans for more Portuguese-themed tattoos in the future, including another iconic symbol of Portuguese culture: the colorful Galo de Barcelos rooster.

At this rate, the pastel de nata may just be the first course, unofficially dubbing it one of the most Portuguese-inspired tattoos on the SouthCoast.