Tibias, the most famous pastry in Braga, Portugal

Braga’s Tibias got its name from a human bone. Some say it resembles another part of the anatomy.

Tibias origin story

Tibias De Braga filled with cream and lemon curd (photo: Brent Petersen)

The Tibias was invented in a convent in Braga, or so the story goes. That’s because there is little to no information regarding the who, when, and where of this sweet delight.

The Tibias is named for its resemblance to the tibula leg bone, though some might joke that it resembles another part of the anatomy. Of course I’d never think of making such a crude joke.

The Tibias resembles an Éclair with a long piece of fried dough filled with cream, custard, or jam. There are important differences between the Tibias and Éclair. These differences are what makes a Tibias better than an Éclair, IMHO.

Dough for a Tibias is normally fluted with ridges so when it is fried it becomes much crispier than an Éclair. The Tibias also has a larger variety of fillings like lemon curd, hazelnut, and strawberry cream in addition to the traditional cream filling.

Standard Tibias De Braga from Queijaria Central (photo: Brent Petersen)

You’ll usually see a Tibias sprinkled with powdered sugar. Fancier versions might have fresh fruit and even more cream on top.

Where to get a Tibias

Braga’s most well-known spot for Tibias is Tíbias de Braga. When you’ve got Tibias in your name, it better be good, and Tíbias de Braga delivers. They have a wide variety with lots of flavor options. I really like the lemon one. They’ve also got a divine cappuccino Tibias.

My favorite spot to get Tibias is Ciccoria Caffè. They have a great location right off the Praça da República. Their Tibias are fresh and absolutely scrumptious!

Fancy Tibias from Ciccoria Caffè (photo: Brent Petersen)

About the Author

Brent Petersen is the Editor-in-Chief of Destination Eat Drink. He currently resides in Setubal, Portugal. Brent has written the novel “Truffle Hunt” (Eckhartz Press) and the short story collection “That Bird.” He’s also written dozens of foodie travel guides to cities around the world on Destination Eat Drink, including in-depth eating and drinking guides in Portugal to Lisbon, Porto, Sintra, Monsaraz, and Batalha. Brent’s podcast, also called Destination Eat Drink, is available on all major podcasting platforms and is distributed by the Radio Misfits Podcast Network.