Confeitaria Peixinho
I have it right there, wrapped in brown paper... Six little barrels of ovos-moles from Aveiro. It’s a very famous sweet, even abroad. Only the ones from Aveiro have that special charm...
Os Maias, by Eça de Queiroz (1845-1900)
The oldest house of Ovos Moles in Aveiro
Founded in 1856, Confeitaria Peixinho is the epicentre of tradition and originality in Aveiro’s regional confectionery, housed in a space where convent heritage meets the elegance of Art Nouveau – a style that defines the city and inspires the brand’s visual identity.
As a prime example of Portuguese convent sweets, we follow a recipe over five centuries old, created by nuns of the region handed down and preserved to this day by the skilled hands of our confectioners. Each sweet is handmade, as tradition demands. There is no rush, no shortcuts – only ancient know-how passed through generations, giving Confeitaria Peixinho’s Ovos Moles the perfect time and patient touch needed to master the art of blending sugar with egg yolks.
Ovos Moles
Made with egg yolks from hens fed on local corn and sugar slowly crafted, Ovos Moles are presented in wafer shells hand-cut with scissors, shaped to honour the Aveiro lagoon: mussels, whelks, fish, or barrels.
The origin of this famous sweet dates back to the 16th century and the convent confectionery of the Monastery of Jesus. It is said that Ovos Moles were born in secret, crafted by a nun who was obliged to fast and, secretly, mixed egg yolks with sugar, hiding the sweet alongside the wafers. When someone discovered it, a cry echoed throughout the convent: “Miracle!” – for a sweet so delicious could only be the work of God.
The original recipe has survived centuries, passed down through religious manuscripts and secular cookbooks. In 2009, Ovos Moles became the first Portuguese sweet to receive European recognition and protection through the designation of Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), a European certification that guarantees authenticity and connection to the territory.
At Confeitaria Peixinho, tradition remains intact: we follow the original recipe of Aveiro’s Ovos Moles, preserving their creamy texture. Each Ovos Moles is a piece of history and a sweet testimony from Aveiro to the world.
Mastery beyond the yolk
It is not only Ovos Moles. There is a whole sugary world at Confeitaria Peixinho.
The Raivas de Aveiro, thin and crunchy with a hint of salt, follow an old recipe from D. Antónia. The secret stays with us. The Almendrados reveal the subtler side of the almond, perfect at any time, and the Sardinhas are made of chocolate; they don’t swim but melt in your mouth.
There are also little pleasures: bonbons, moliceiros, chestnuts, little boats, glorinhas, nests, meringues, and other temptations – all with Ovos Moles, in a parade celebrating tradition and creativity. And when sweets meet, the light and fluffy Pão-de-ló joins a selection of traditional cakes topped with chocolate, coconut, almond or burnt Ovos Moles. All handmade, as tradition demands.
Festive Seasons
Christmas
At Christmas, the table fills with sugar, egg yolks and memories.
Ovos Moles share the spotlight with Bolo-Rei - golden as gold, fragrant as incense, crowned with crystallised fruit like myrrh.
Bolo-Rainha appears filled with Ovos Moles and richly adorned with dried fruits. To complete the royal feast, there are Lampreia de Ovos, Galantine and Christmas Log - sweets that bring colour, symbolism and tradition to the table.
Easter
Easter is a time for new beginnings and shared sweet gestures.
More than a celebration, Easter is an excuse to return to the land and old recipes. Everything offered has a story, and everything kept carries the taste of childhood.
On the table, there’s cinnamon and fennel Folar, chocolate almonds, Ninho de Ovos and, of course, Ovos Moles, presented in boxes inspired by Aveiro’s Art Nouveau, illustrated in pastel tones - ready to give as a gift (or to keep just for yourself).
Stores
Rua de Coimbra 9, Aveiro
Opening hours: Every day, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Lisbon Airport
Opening hours: Every day, from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Casa Pereira da Conceição, Rua Augusta 102, Lisboa
Opening hours: Friday and Saturday, from 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.;
Sunday to Thursday, from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Address and Contacts
+351 234 423 574
(Call to the national fixed phone network)
+351 916 490 676
(Call to the national mobile phone network)