These Authentic Local Maltese Dishes on Your Next Trip

Malta is a beautiful country known for its clear waters and stunning seaside landscapes.

While there is so much to do at sea in Malta, the food scene is immaculate as well. The streets of Valletta are filled with lively restaurants and bakeries with delicious pastries. Malta has a very unique food scene, with influences from many different regions like Italy, parti Sicily, Arab, North African, and a touch of Malta’s own.

Here is a list of authentic foods to try when you visit Malta!

Pastizzi

A pastizz is a traditional savory Maltese pastry found in almost every bakery.

It is made with a flaky dough typically filled with ricotta, but you can find ones with other fillings like peas or anchovies. This is one of the most well known delicacies of Malta.

Ftira

Ftira is a type of Maltese bread that is ring shaped and usually filled with a variety of veggies to form a sandwich. Some variations have tuna or sardines inside, but the one I had had cheese, tomato, lettuce, onion, corn, and olives. It’s a very refreshing sandwich!

Imqarat

Imqarat is a sweet date tart that is deep fried and filled with a mixture of dates, citrus, and spices.

These desserts are very popular in Malta and are served at village feasts or in markets. The name comes from the word maqrut which means “diamond shaped.”

Rabbit

The Maltese have been hunting and eating rabbit for centuries, and it has become the identity for Maltese cuisine.

Today, they are domesticated like other livestock and served in many traditional Maltese restaurants. It can be served whole, in stew, or even in spaghetti. Stuffat Tal-Fenek (rabbit stew) has been named the national dish of Malta.

Qassatat

Qassatat is one of the most consumed street foods in Malta.

It is similar to the pastizz, with a ricotta or pea filling inside. The difference is that Qassatat is more of a pastry pocket. They are easy to spot in bakeries since they look a lot like dumplings.

Timpana

Timpana is a dish with influence from the nearby island of Sicily.

It is a baked pasta dish consisting of macaroni, parmesan, egg, and bolognese sandwiched inside of two layers of pastry. It is a delicious combination of a rich sauce with a buttery pastry layer.

Maltese Coffee

Maltese coffee is very different from any other coffee I have had abroad.

It has a very herbal and slightly bitter flavor. The coffee grounds are slowly brewed with cloves, aniseed, and chicory. I had the opportunity to try this authentic drink at Talkafe in Valletta. Though I wasn’t a huge fan of the drink, watching it being made was very cool.

Bigilla

Bigilla is a traditional Maltese dip made of mashed beans, olive oil, salt, and red pepper. It is usually served with bread or crackers to dip in, and it’s actually one of my favorite Maltese dishes I got to try.

Kwarezimal

This is a vegan biscuit made during the lent season. It is a very delicious baked good, I would have no idea it was vegan. It is made with flour, sugar, orange rinds, and ground almonds. It is a traditional food that originated during the Knight’s period in Malta.

I don’t think I’ve ever been to a place where I’ve been surrounded by so much amazing food.

Every street in Valletta had amazing food options left and right. I enjoyed experiencing the culture of Malta through their traditional foods. I highly recommend taking a food walking tour in order to learn about both the history and the tradition behind the food culture in Malta!