It’s a delicious start to the day when you receive news from New Bedford Food Tours.
Many members of the Love The Ave Partnership have been fortunate to take part in one of their North End Food Tours, featuring the destination Portuguese and Central American flavors of Acushnet Avenue – and look forward to the tour’s return when the weather warms up.
Today, New Bedford Food Tours sent us the following which has particular resonance in the north end of New Bedford: the return of the Southcoast Smackdown, a friendly competition between this city and Fall River which features a community highlight at bakeries on The Ave. It’s “the iconic Portuguese custard tart, pastéis de nata,” and we’re pleased to share the news release with all the details below.
Oh, and the featured image above is from Padaria Nova Bakery at 1598 Acushnet Avenue, North End New Bedford. And which we’re pleased to report is one of the featured bakeries on the ‘Smackdown’ tour!
NEWS RELEASE:
Local bakeries take the spotlight as the SouthCoast celebrates Portuguese pastries and the traditions that connect the community.
SouthCoast, MA – April 1, 2026 – The SouthCoast’s sweetest rivalry is back! From April 15 through May 15, New Bedford Food Tours and Viva Fall River will host the third annual SouthCoast Snackdown, spotlighting the iconic Portuguese custard tart, pastéis de nata.
The event builds on the buzz from the region’s first two friendly culinary competitions, the 2023 Nata Throwdown and the 2024 Sweetbread Snackdown. What began as a playful rivalry between Fall River and New Bedford has grown into a SouthCoast-wide celebration of Portuguese baking and small business pride.
By encouraging residents and visitors to explore multiple bakeries and neighboring towns, organizers aim to drive foot traffic to small businesses while celebrating the craftsmanship behind one of the region’s most beloved pastries.
Pastéis de nata, flaky, caramelized Portuguese custard tarts, represent generations of immigration and cultural tradition across mainland Portugal, the Azores, Madeira, and Cape Verde. The Snackdown highlights the bakeries that continue those traditions today.
Growing a SouthCoast Tradition
Participation continues to grow each year, expanding the SouthCoast Snackdown from a local rivalry into a broader SouthCoast collaboration.
“This is an opportunity to celebrate the culture that defines the SouthCoast and support the local businesses that bring it to life every day,” said Pam Shwartz, owner of New Bedford Food Tours. “We hope people take the time to explore, discover new favorites, and be part of it.”
The Snackdown brings communities across the SouthCoast together, inviting residents to discover new bakeries and revisit longtime favorites.
A map of participating bakeries will be available at www.nbfoodtours.com/snackdown. Pastry lovers are encouraged to visit as many of the 20 bakeries as they can during the 30-day window and vote for their favorite nata.
The Snackdown is free to participate in, aside from the cost of pastries. Consumers can vote for any participating bakery across the SouthCoast, including Acushnet, Berkley, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, Fall River, Freetown, Marion, Mattapoisett, New Bedford, Rochester, Somerset, Swansea, Wareham, and Westport. Voting opens at 12:01 AM on April 15 and closes at 11:59 PM on May 15 at nbfoodtours.com/snackdown.
Show Me Your Natas! Social Challenge
Participants can also join the fun online through the Show Me Your Natas! social challenge.
As they visit bakeries, nata lovers are encouraged to snap a photo and share it on social media. Tag @nbfoodtours and use #SouthCoastSnackdown to be entered to win a $50 gift card to the bakery of your choice.
From a perfectly plated nata to a bakery stop with friends, the challenge celebrates the experience of discovering these treats across the SouthCoast.
In the end, no matter who takes the crown, the entire SouthCoast wins. May the best nata win!
The Sweet Finale
Winners of the 2026 Snackdown will be awarded their trophy on May 30 during Water, Whaleboats, and Winners: A Festa by the Sea, a free waterfront celebration held in partnership with the Community Boating Center and the Azorean Maritime Heritage Society.
The event will feature the official crowning of this year’s nata champions, a high-energy nata eating competition, and a full lineup of family-friendly waterfront activities. Attendees can get on the water by sailing with the Community Boating Center or rowing authentic Azorean whaleboats, alongside paddleboarding, kayaking, food trucks, and activities for kids.
Once again, for more information, visit www.nbfoodtours.com/snackdown
ABOUT NEW BEDFORD FOOD TOURS
New Bedford Food Tours brings the SouthCoast to life through guided food and history tours in New Bedford and Fall River. Guests taste their way through local favorites while hearing the stories, culture, and history that make each stop meaningful. Explore our offerings at nbfoodtours.com.
ABOUT VIVA FALL RIVER
Viva Fall River captures the energy and pride that define the city. As a tourism organization, we connect locals and visitors to Fall River’s vibrant arts scene, rich cultural traditions, diverse businesses, and active waterfront, helping drive visibility, foot traffic, and economic momentum. Visit us online at vivafallriver.com or on Facebook and Instagram @vivafallriver.
ABOUT EXPLORE NEW BEDFORD
Explore New Bedford acts as the city’s official tourism and marketing office, showcasing local history, arts, and culture to attract visitors and support the creative economy. The organization highlights the city’s unique, diverse community and provides updates via social media and their website, explorenewbedford.org.
