Indulge in the vibrant and diverse flavors of Maltese cuisine as you explore the gastronomic delights of this charming Mediterranean island. Here's a guide to what to eat in Malta:
Pastizzi: Start your culinary journey with Malta's beloved pastizzi, flaky pastry parcels filled with either ricotta cheese (pastizzi tal-irkotta) or a spiced pea mixture (pastizzi tal-pizelli). These savory snacks are perfect for breakfast or as a midday snack.
Ftira: Sample Malta's traditional ftira, a rustic round bread topped with tomatoes, olives, capers, onions, and a drizzle of olive oil. Enjoy it as a simple yet satisfying meal or as a side dish with grilled meats and fish.
Ġbejniet: Taste ġbejniet, Malta's iconic cheese made from sheep's milk. These small, round cheeses come in various forms, including fresh (ġbejniet friski) and dried (ġbejniet moxxi). Enjoy them on their own, in salads, or paired with local honey.
Kapunata: Savor kapunata, Malta's version of ratatouille, a flavorful vegetable stew made with eggplant, tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and garlic. This hearty dish is often served as a side dish or as a topping for ftira.
Bragioli: Delight in bragioli, a traditional Maltese dish consisting of thinly sliced beef or pork rolled around a savory filling of bacon, breadcrumbs, parsley, and garlic. Braised in a rich tomato sauce, bragioli are a comforting and delicious meal.
Aljotta: Warm up with a bowl of aljotta, a traditional Maltese fish soup made with fresh fish, onions, garlic, tomatoes, rice or pasta, and a hint of lemon juice. This flavorful soup is a staple of Maltese cuisine, especially during the colder months.
Lampuki: Feast on lampuki, or mahi-mahi, a popular fish in Maltese cuisine. Enjoy it grilled, baked, or fried, and served with a squeeze of lemon and a side of vegetables or salad. Lampuki season, which typically runs from August to December, is a highlight of the Maltese culinary calendar.
Imqaret: Indulge your sweet tooth with imqaret, traditional Maltese pastries filled with dates, almonds, and spices, then deep-fried to golden perfection. These sweet treats are often enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea.
Kinnie: Wash down your meal with Kinnie, Malta's iconic soft drink made from bitter oranges and aromatic herbs. With its unique bittersweet flavor, Kinnie is a refreshing and quintessentially Maltese beverage enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
Maltese Wine: Pair your meal with a glass of Maltese wine, produced from indigenous grape varieties grown in Malta's sunny vineyards. Sample reds, whites, and rosés, and discover the unique terroir and flavors of Malta's wine-growing regions.
From savory pastries and hearty stews to fresh seafood and sweet treats, Malta offers a tantalizing array of culinary delights that reflect the island's rich history and cultural heritage. Bon appétit!