Ovos Moles of Aveiro

Coming to Aveiro and not trying ovos moles? That would be like visiting Lisbon and skipping the pastéis de nata, just unthinkable! According to a public Portuguese source, ovos moles were invented in the 19th century at the former Convent of Jesus in Aveiro. The nuns, who were using egg whites for household tasks, such as starching clothes, were looking for a way to avoid wasting the yolks. Thanks to the sugar provided by the royal family as a charitable donation from the island of Madeira, they eventually found the perfect solution. By blending the two ingredients, the nuns created a new creamy dessert. To make the sweets easier to store and serve, they were wrapped in a delicate communion wafer. Shaped like fish, shells, whelks, and other sea creatures, the casing reflects the deep connection between Aveiro, the ocean, marine life, and fishing. Now a speciality of the city and celebrated across the country, ovos moles were the first Portuguese confection to receive the European Union’s Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status, awarded in 2008. This designation protects the authenticity, quality, and traditional production methods of the treat. You’ll find them all over Portugal, but there’s no better place to try them than in their hometown. If you're ready to taste the real thing, locals will point you to Confeitaria Peixinho, the city’s oldest artisanal producer. So go ahead, treat yourself!