pastel
fried pastry
Intermediate Noun Masculine
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Pronunciation
/pɐʃ.ˈtɛw/
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Cultural Note
The Brazilian pastel is a thin, crispy deep-fried pastry with various fillings (cheese, meat, heart of palm, shrimp). It was likely introduced by Japanese immigrants in São Paulo who adapted Chinese spring roll wrappers. It is the quintessential feira (street market) food. Not to be confused with Portuguese 'pastel de nata' — in Portugal, 'pastel' refers to a cake or pastry in general.
📝 Example Sentences
Na feira, sempre como pastel de carne.
At the street market, I always eat a meat pastry.
O pastel de queijo é o meu favorito.
The cheese pastry is my favorite.
Pastel com caldo de cana é a combinação perfeita.
Fried pastry with sugarcane juice is the perfect combination.