Pastel de Chaves

Pastel de Chaves is a half-moon shaped puff pastry filled with a preparation of minced veal, produced exclusively within the municipality of Chaves, Portugal. It is available in two sizes and may be supplied cooked or pre-frozen. The designation is protected as a PGI, with the link to the geographical area resting on documented local know-how traceable to 1862.

About this designation

Pastel de Chaves holds PGI status under file number PGI-PT-1126, registered at EU level on 2 July 2013, with eAmbrosia identifier EUGI00000014538. The entire production process — preparing the filling, making and laminating the dough, shaping the pastry, and, where applicable, pre-freezing — must take place within the municipality of Chaves. The product comes in two sizes: a standard size with a length of 12 to 14 cm, width of 6 to 8.5 cm, height of 3 to 4.5 cm, and weight of 60 to 90 g; and an aperitivo size with a length of 8 to 9 cm, width of 5 to 6 cm, height of 2 to 3 cm, and weight of 20 to 30 g. The dough is produced by rolling out the pastry, incorporating fat, and folding, a sequence performed three times, after which the resulting roll is cut into slices 2 to 3 cm wide. The filling combines well-cooked minced veal with small pieces of hard wheat bread and onion. When baked, the upper surface rises and splits, and the colour ranges from toasted yellow to golden. All labelling must bear either the phrase Pastel de Chaves – Indicação Geográfica Protegida or Pastel de Chaves IGP, together with the official Pastel de Chaves logo.

Source: The register document this entry was written from · retrieved August 26, 2026

Distinctive facts

• Registered as a PGI on 2 July 2013 under file number PGI-PT-1126 (eAmbrosia identifier EUGI00000014538).
• The entire production process must take place within the municipality of Chaves; no similar product is produced in neighbouring areas.
• The specification records written evidence that Pastel de Chaves was being produced in Chaves as far back as 1862.
• The dough lamination sequence — rolling, incorporating fat, and folding — is performed three times, and the roll is then cut into slices 2 to 3 cm wide.

Tasting notes

Trás-os-Montes savoury pastry IGP from Chaves, distinctive crescent-shape with veal-and-onion filling in light puff pastry. Golden flaky exterior, savoury filling.

HoReCa use

Pastel de Chaves is a petisco or snack associated with beer or wine, and features in Trás-os-Montes regional menus.

Packaging

• retail-pack-6-pieces
• retail-pack-12-pieces
• frozen-bulk-50pc