Taste of Malta: Guide to Traditional Maltese Food

Why Maltese Food is Special

Maltese cuisine is a tasty mix of Mediterranean flavours. You can taste the Italian, Arabic, and British influences in every bite. Dishes are simple but rich. Many recipes have been passed down for generations. 

Malta’s location made it a meeting point for different cultures. You get pasta dishes next to Middle Eastern spiced meats. You see English pies filled with local fish. It’s a true blend that you won’t find anywhere else.

Top 10 Must-Try Maltese Dishes

Hungry yet? Here are the top 10 dishes you should try:

1. Pastizzi – Flaky pastry filled with ricotta cheese or peas. Cheap, crispy, and addictive.
2. Qassatat – Round pastries filled with ricotta, peas, or spinach.
3. Fenek (Rabbit Stew) – Slow-cooked rabbit in wine, garlic, and herbs. A Sunday favourite.
4. Ftira – A thick, chewy bread. Locals also use ftira dough to make a type of traditional Maltese pizza. Maxokk in Nadur, Gozo serves the best local bakery that serves take-away ftira. Always fresh and delicious.
5. Ġbejna – Maltese cheese comes in different forms – fresh, dried or peppered. It’s often served as a starter or in sandwiches, and it pairs well with local wine.
6. Hobz biz-zejt – Traditional ftira sandwich with tomato paste, tuna, olives, and capers.
7. Lampuki Pie – Fresh lampuki (local fish) baked into a pie with spinach and olives. Available in late summer and autumn.
8. Bragioli (Beef Olives) – Thin beef slices stuffed with herbs and bacon, then stewed.
9. Aljotta – A fish soup with garlic, tomatoes, and rice. Light but flavorful.
10. Stuffat tal-Qarnit (Octopus Stew) – Tender octopus in a rich tomato sauce.
11. Kapunata – Maltese version of ratatouille. Eggplants, peppers, tomatoes cooked together.
12. Bigilla – Thick bean paste dip, usually served with crackers or bread. It’s my favourite appetiser.
13. Timpana – Pasta baked in pastry. Heavy but satisfying, especially if you like comfort food.

Get a FREE Attractions Map

Planning a trip to Malta, Gozo, or Comino? Get this free interactive map filled with insider tips, Google Maps links, and more.

I want it!

Traditional Maltese Desserts

No meal is complete without something sweet. Here are a few local favorites:

• Imqaret – Deep-fried pastries filled with dates. You often find them at festas and markets. They are also served in traditional Maltese restaurants.
• Kannoli – Maltese version of the Sicilian classic. Crispy shell filled with sweet ricotta.
• Helwa tat-Tork – Sweet nougat made with sesame seeds and almonds.

Many traditional sweets are tied to religious feasts. You’ll see special cookies and cakes during holidays like Christmas and Easter.

Local Beverages

Malta also has some unique drinks to try:

• Kinnie – A bitter orange soda with a herbal taste. Locals love it. You might need a few sips to get used to it.
• Cisk – Light, easy-to-drink local lager. Perfect on a hot day.
• Bajtra Liqueur – Made from prickly pear cactus. Sweet and fruity.
• Local Wines – Malta produces some good wine, and you can get it in any restaurant.

Need advice on renting a car in Malta? Here’s my guide with insider tips on everything you need to know.

Food Etiquette in Malta

Eating in Malta is about slowing down and enjoying the meal.

• Meal Times – Lunch is often late, around 1:00-2:00 pm. Dinner starts after 7:30 pm. Breakfast is light, sometimes just a coffee and a pastry.
• Sunday Lunch – Families gather for long, filling lunches that last hours. Many restaurants offer special Sunday menus.
• Ordering – Don’t rush. Take your time reading the menu. It’s normal to sit and chat before ordering.
• Portions – Portions in Malta can be big. It’s okay to share dishes. I often order starter portions.
• Tipping – Not expected but appreciated. Leaving 5-10% or rounding up the bill is a nice gesture.
• Dress Code – Casual is fine in most places, but avoid beachwear when dining indoors.

Friendly Reminder: If you see a bakery or restaurant full of locals, you’re in the right place.