The Maltese people love food, it is so full of flavour, it’s undeniable that passion, love, and dedication are the key ingredients. With this charming little island being just 3 hour flight away from the UK, it is a great option for a foodie weekend away. Authentic Maltese cuisine is focused on local produce, traditional recipes passed on through the generations. It has absorbed many cultures and cuisines over many of years and is often described as having similarities in flavour profiles to surrounding countries such as Italy, North Africa, and neighboring Arabic countries. Tempted to book a Maltese holiday? Here are some things you absolutely have to try while you are there.
Imqaret
Date cakes, known locally as Imqaret, are a traditional Maltese treat. They are made with sweet deep-fried pastry and have a sticky date filling. You can often find them at street markets and outside the entrance of Malta’s capital city Valletta - there is usually a truck selling them warm and they are a must!
Fenek (Rabbit)
Fenek (Rabbit) is often considered a Maltese national dish. It would typically consist of two courses – the first dish would be a huge bowl of spaghetti tossed in a rabbit ragu, wine and herbs. You must remember to leave room though as the second dish is the actual rabbit meat cooked in a similar sauce, served with peas and home made chips or potatoes. Most of the restaurants that specialise in rabbit dishes are found in Mgarr Malta.
Pastizziis
These little parcels of happiness are possibly the most popular Maltese snack. Pastizziis are savory pastries filled with ricotta or mushy peas. Although these traditional flaky pastries can be found across the country, We recommend Pastizzeria Sphinx in Sliema or the legendary ricotta and pea ones made at Crystal Palace near Mdina.
Lampuki
Being an island surrounded by the sea, it makes sense for the Maltese people to use fish in a variety of their dishes. Fresh fish is caught early in the morning and transported to the market in Valletta on weekdays. However, the fish caught on Sundays are sold in the fishing village of Marsaxlokk, on the south-east side of this island which is well worth a visit. One of the most fish served is lampuki, a meaty white fish also known as dorado, dolphinfish, or mahi mahi in other countries. There are a variety of ways that the fish is prepared in malta, grilled with a garlic-infused sauce is a great choice and Lampuki pie (Torta tal-Lampuki) is another traditional favorite.
Timpana
Timpana is not one for those of you watching your waistline- take some time off the diet as timpana is well worth it. It is a baked macaroni pie, and it’s every bit as yummy as it sounds. Made with a variety of meats, vegetables, cheese, bolognese sauce and shortcrust pastry, the dish is baked until it’s perfectly golden brown. It is Maltese comfort food at its best.
Kinnie & Cisk
Would you like a drink with that? Kinnie is a local soft drink, flavoured with bitter oranges and aromatic herbs. It is a similar colour to cola and you can get diet varieties too. Drink it on its own or use it as a mixer to add a Maltese twist to your . However, Sometimes there is nothing quite like a cold, refreshing, pint of lager. Cisk is the Maltese beer of choice for both locals and tourists alike.
There are lots more culinary delights to experience while in Malta, from local eateries to fine dining, you will find something to suit your taste. Booking ahead at cafes and local restaurants is not usually needed, but if there is a more popular and more high-end place you would like to try, we recommend booking to avoid dissapointment.