Food Guide to Malta: Top-10 Must-Try Foods

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Maltese cuisine is a flavorful fusion of Mediterranean, North African, and Sicilian influences, reflecting the island's rich history and diverse cultural heritage. Characterized by fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and hearty dishes, Maltese food is a delight for the taste buds. Seafood features prominently, along with locally grown produce, herbs, and spices. Expect hearty stews, savory pies, and indulgent pastries, all served with warm Maltese hospitality.

markets of Maltagreat food can be found in the markets of Malta

Exploring Malta's culinary scene is a delightful journey filled with unique flavors and cultural experiences. Whether you're sampling street food at a local market or dining in a cozy family-run restaurant, be sure to indulge in these authentic Maltese dishes for a true taste of the island's gastronomic heritage.

Here are ten must-try foods that capture the essence of Maltese cuisine:

  1. Pastizzi: These flaky pastries filled with either ricotta cheese (pastizzi tal-irkotta) or mushy peas (pastizzi tal-piżelli) are a beloved Maltese snack enjoyed any time of day.
  2. Ftira: A traditional Maltese bread, ftira is a round loaf topped with tomatoes, olives, capers, and a variety of fillings like tuna, anchovies, or cheese.
  3. Ħobż biż-Żejt: Literally translating to "bread with oil," this dish consists of crusty Maltese bread soaked in olive oil and topped with ripe tomatoes, capers, olives, and sometimes tuna or anchovies.
  4. Fenkata: A hearty rabbit stew cooked with garlic, herbs, and wine, fenkata is a quintessential Maltese dish often enjoyed during festive occasions.
  5. Maltese Sausage (Zalzett Malti): Made with pork, garlic, and local spices like coriander and fennel seeds, Maltese sausage is typically served grilled or fried and is bursting with flavor.
  6. Bragioli: Thin slices of beef stuffed with a mixture of breadcrumbs, bacon, eggs, and parsley, braised in a tomato-based sauce until tender, bragioli is a comforting Maltese classic.
  7. Kapunata: Malta's version of ratatouille, kapunata is a flavorful vegetable stew made with eggplant, tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and capers, often served as a side dish or on crusty bread.
  8. Timpana: A decadent pasta dish consisting of macaroni mixed with minced meat, eggs, cheese, and tomato sauce, baked inside a pastry crust until golden and crispy.
  9. Imqaret: Sweet pastries filled with a date mixture, deep-fried until crispy, and dusted with powdered sugar, imqaret are a popular Maltese treat enjoyed as a snack or dessert.
  10. Gbejniet: These traditional Maltese cheeses, made from sheep or goat milk, come in various forms including fresh (gbejniet friski) or dried (gbejniet moxxi). They are often served as part of a cheese platter or used in cooking.

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