Celebrated Portuguese bakery Sweet Belém has opened its second Sydney location at The Streets of Barangaroo, bringing its cult-favourite Portuguese custard tarts and pastries to the heart of the waterfront precinct.
Sweet Belém, founded by João De Almeida and taken over by chef Jose Silva in 2012, is a family owned Portuguese pastry boutique specialising in traditional and modern Portuguese tarts and pastries. Sweet Belém’s original location in Petersham, has built a devoted following with their staple pastel de nata, an egg-custard filling in laminated pastry, hand made in store daily.
“Sweet Belém is one of those rare brands that has amassed a genuinely loyal community on craft and passion alone,” says Monique de Cseuz, director of retail and place at Lendlease. “Their arrival at Barangaroo speaks to the kind of precinct we are building, one that brings together quality and tradition that gives people a real reason to visit. We couldn’t be more excited to welcome them and introduce Sweet Belém to Barangaroo.”
The Barangaroo store honours the same approach of Petersham, and will maintain their core offering, featuring all the heroes from the original location. Customers can expect their signature Portuguese tart, with new flavours available; bola de Berlim – a Portuguese egg doughnut; and vanilla slice. The menu will also feature a range of savoury pastries including: a bacon and egg danish; a chorizo and beef pie; a chorizo hot dog; and Peri Peri chicken pie.
Growing up in Portugal, Silva developed a love for pastry early, working in kitchens from the age of 13. After many years leading the kitchen at Guillaume at Bennelong, Silva was looking for a change and acquired Sweet Belém. The mastery of their signature tarts was taught to Silva by De Almeida and Silva’s cousin, who worked at Sweet Belém as head chef.
“We had been looking to expand the business for some time, so when the Barangaroo location came up we jumped on it,” Jose Silva, chef and owner of Sweet Belém. “We want the new store to feel very much like an extension of Petersham, nothing will change except the audience, and a few exciting menu additions. Being able to tap into the corporates on weekdays and visitors on weekends – it feels like the right step for us. We’re incredibly excited to bring Sweet Belém to Barangaroo.”
