The following highlights some of the popular Traditional Maltese Foods. If you manage to be in an Maltese restaurant or you are visiting Malta, I recommend the following:
1. Torta Tal-Lampuki
A very characteristic dish of the region and one that is eaten all year round is Lampuki fish, similar to the common sea bream, which is prepared in various ways, baked or grilled, and also used in pies stuffed with spinach and olives. This is the most traditional fish consumed, and its preparation is simple and time-consuming, usually seasoned with pepper, rosemary and a touch of wine to enhance its flavour.
2. Hobza Biz Zejt Or Ftira
We are talking about a typical Maltese sandwich. There are two most popular breads for its preparation: one with crispy slices, which is the more traditional way; and the other with cereal seed bread, a current and healthy trend. The other protagonists of this appetizer are fresh tomato and cheese. The sandwich can also be served with capers, gherkins, sardines or onions in vinaigrette. Black pepper, olive oil and parsley leaves are used to season the dish. If you want to try it in the more traditional way: eat it for breakfast, brunch or as a mid-afternoon snack.
3. Timpana
Based on Italian food, where pasta is the main ingredient, in this case, Timpana is a succulent pie baked with macaroni pasta stuffed with pieces of meat, boiled egg and bolognese sauce, covered with puff pastry on top. Its peculiarity is the layer of puff pastry and the bolognese sauce that covers the pastry, which is made with chicken stock, pork, beef, bacon, and the Maltese touch of chicken liver, together with gouda cheese, parmesan, eggs, and spices creating a rich and unique flavour.
4. Stuffat Tal-Fenek
The undisputed star is the rabbit, which in this case is marinated in wine and stewed with herbs and vegetables such as tomatoes, carrots, onions and garlic until tender. Finally it is served with pasta or potatoes, adding olives or capers if you like intense flavours. Of all the typical Maltese dishes, this is undoubtedly one of the most loved by the locals and not only. You only have to go to any Maltese restaurant to try it and get an idea.
5. Soppa Tal-Armla
This is a typical soup, also called widow’s soup, made with vegetables and enriched with fresh Maltese cheese, eggs and Parmesan cheese. In some versions, pasta is also added.
6. Pastizzi
The most popular typical dish known is the puff pastry filled with ricotta or meat with vegetable, pea or spinach paste. It is traditionally cooked in wood-fired ovens and is popular on Sundays as an appetizer. It is considered as part of the basic food, it is the most common and easy to find appetizer in any city or region, as it is offered as fast food, in almost all places such as: cafeterias, bakeries, restaurants, and at a low cost.
7. Ftira Ghawdxija
Among the things to see in Malta, we recommend Gozo, the second largest island of the Maltese archipelago. In fact, the speciality of Maltese cuisine we are talking about now is typical of Gozo. Although it is similar to pizza, it has a much more intense flavour and a potato-based dough. You can choose to eat it as a snack, or as a single meal given its abundance. Not to be missed among the local street food stalls, along with many other mouth-watering preparations.
8. Gagħaq Tal-Għasel
This is a typical Maltese dessert that is prepared during the Christmas or Carnival period. The short pastry ring is filled with qastanija, a mixture of sugar, lemon, oranges, mixed spices, cinnamon, vanilla and syrup. It has been eaten in Malta since the 15th century, accompanied by a good glass of wine or hot tea. It can be easily found in local grocery shops or patisseries.
9. Aljotta
Among the dishes to eat in Malta, there is a fish soup that will make you happy. It is a tasty soup, rich in aromatic herbs. It usually uses rockfish, such as redfish, and is combined with fried onions, garlic, tomatoes and the various herbs mentioned above. If you like to travel and eat, this is one dish of Maltese cuisine that we recommend you try during your trip to Malta.
10. Gbejniet
Gbejniet are cheeses made from goat’s or sheep’s milk, salted and matured, and are very versatile. They come in three versions: fresh, dried or cured and can be plain or seasoned with pepper. As well as being eaten plain, they are also served fried, in salads, as a filling for ravioli, and occasionally in savoury pies.
If you found this list useful, here are some more Traditional European Foods to try out on my Pinterest channel.