Considering Portugal's enduring influence of Brazil there is no surprise that culinary crossover…read morestill exists today, and at B.LEM Portuguese Bakery many traditional Pastries can be found served alongside local favorites such as Pao de Queijo plus Sandwiches and even Pasta.
Boasting three locations in São Paulo, that on Rua Afonso Braz proving most convenient with an 08h00 daily opening, it was shortly thereafter that the space was found long, narrow and friendly, staff not speaking a bit of English but plenty helpful in procuring items from the case while Google Translate via complimentary Wi-Fi provided assistance.
Offering no shortage of options, the majority 4-10 Real ($1.00-$2.50) and made daily with fresh Ingredients including free-range Eggs, it was after a quick re-heat that two Salt Cod Pastries started things off, the baked Empada light and enriched with Butter while a fried Bolinho also fared well with all the expected flavor and very little oiliness.
Next looking at B.LEM's interpretation of two Brazilian staples, the Cheese Bread a bit bland compared to others in São Paulo while Pao de Leite was springy and great with Jam, it is under the title "Pastel B. Lem" that Pastel de Nata are sold, the Egg Custard still warm and semi-liquid whether in its traditional or indistinguishable artificially sweetened form.
Impressed with the finely-layered Shell, and finding similar filled with pureed White Beans and Almonds under the title "Pastel de Torres," it was after an unremarkable Cinnamon Rooll that two additional Portuguese traditions were explored, the "Bola de Berlim" essentially a Donut filled with housemade Dulce de Leche Custard while Salame de Chocolate offered Cocoa wrapped around Biscotti and a hint of Port.
