The Best Bakery in Mindelo, Cape Verde?!: Pastelaria Morabeza

A surefire sign of an established bakery is loads of older locals lounging around, reading the paper whilst sipping on some Joe with a crumb speckled plate off to the side.

Such bakeries aren’t just places for crusty loafs and slightly burnt coffee. They are places for community. Regulars will sit together and ask, “How was Joey’s soccer game?” The teens behind the counter will say, “Want the usual?” Outsiders who ogle at the options behind the counter stand out like a sore thumb.

I found one such bakery in Mindelo, Cape Verde: Pastelaria Morabeza.

Mindelo is a port city on the island of São Vicente in Cape Verde. São Vicente is a volcanic island boasting rocky, rugged mountains surrounded by beautiful sandy beaches jutting into impossibly blue water. Cape Verde culture is a melting pot of African, Portuguese, Brazilian, and Caribbean influences, which is reflected in the architecture, people, and the food. (Check out my take on some traditional eats from Praia HERE!)

The Zaandam pulled into Mindelo on a sleepy Sunday. Shops were locked up and all the music bars were quiet. Pastelaria Morabeza, however, was open for business! So we loaded up and I’m convinced it’s certainly the best bakery in Mindelo….

What We Tried

Pastel de Nata (Portuguese Egg Tart)

Pastel de Nata is a custard tart that’ll you’ll see on every corner in Portugal. Given the fact Cape Verde was under Portuguese colonial rule, it should be no surprise that this tasty sweet treat is quite popular in the African country. The one from Pastelaria Morabeza was perfection. The custard filling was just sweet enough with a hint of vanilla and a thick consistency. The pastry was thin enough to allow the custard to shine, but thick enough to keep the star of the show from falling all over.

Mystery Cookie

This cookie had a texture that was like a cross between a flakey shortbread and a chocolate chip cookie with a flavor that was quite puzzling. There were loads of warm spices including nutmeg and cinnamon. It reminded me of a spicy gingerbread, only it tasted nothing like gingerbread. It also reminded me of a fruit cake, only it tasted nothing like fruitcake. A total enigma of a cookie, and super delicious!

Coconut Coated Doughnut

The doughnut was huge and soft with a consistency that was lightly kissing the edge of “too bready” while still having a melt-in-your mouth quality. I enjoyed the coconut dusting, and it was certainly a solid doughnut. (Curious about why doughnuts have holes? Find out HERE!)