There are more things than a nice hotel in Malta that can make or break your vacation in the jaw-dropping Archipelago. And that is none other than the culinary experience. Sure, one visits a destination to learn more about its culture, history, and the locals' way of living.
But it is the three above aspects of Maltese mentality that one gets to know better through the culinary tradition. Are you ready to dive into Malta’s rich history and tradition through a delightful trip?
Foods in Malta: 9 delicious dishes you shouldn’t miss
1. Pastizzi
Imagine tasting crispy filo pastry only to uncover a rich stuffing of ricotta cheese inside or a mush of green peas. This is a traditional Maltese snack that keeps locals filled until lunchtime or dinner at a low cost.
Where can you find these little culinary delights? It might be served in a hotel in Malta as part of the breakfast menu, but it is found in street food pastizzerias on almost every corner of the island.
2. Ħobż (Maltese bread) & ftira biż-żejt
Look no further than Ħobż biż-żejt—the essence of Mediterranean spirit packed into a single, flavorful appetizer. A toasted slice of sourdough bread with olive oil is the base that hosts all the distinct Mediterranean flavors. Diced fresh tomatoes, cappers, olives, tuna, and green peppers drizzled with olive oil, this versatile appetizer is ready to introduce to you Maltese cuisine.
3. Bigilla (bean paste)
Bigilla is more than a bean paste; It’s a quick and delectable way to start your meal. This bean paste consists of parsley, garlic, and other herbs that transfused the paste into its vivid character. It is often served at almost every restaurant even at a high-class hotel in Malta.
4. Aljotta (fish soup)
What better way to start your meal than a hearty Aljotta, a fish soup with Scorpaena (aka rockfish)? The fish is boiled along with its head and tail to get this heavenly taste before these parts are removed to be served. Garlic, onion, tomatoes, and herbs highlight the fish taste.
5. Soppa tal-Armla (widow’s soup)
This type of soup is not easily found at Maltese restaurants nowadays, but it’s a true representative of the Archipelago's local culture. In almost every country’s culinary tradition, there are recipes where poor housewives used leftovers or whatever ingredients available to feed the hungry family.
So, this soup consists of a variety of fresh Maltese vegetables. There are also variations including the round locally produced ship cheese named ġbejniet, potatoes, carrots, onions, turnip, and cauliflower. Ask for available versions of the soup at renowned hotels in Malta restaurants.
6. Maltese sausage
As the dinner proceeds, let us also proceed with the main course and the versatile Maltese sausages. Not only are they beloved by locals, but they are also celebrated every 30th of July at the Maltese sausage day!
According to their traditional recipe pork minced meat is used, which is seasoned with sea salt, crushed black peppercorns, coriander seeds, garlic, and a touch of parsley. Enjoy the traditional Maltese sausages fried, grilled, or boiled, or remove the external skin and use your pasta as ground meat. This is not a typical dish you will find in an exclusive hotel in Malta, but it is rather a street food.
7. Torta tal-Lampuki (Lampuki pie)
Lampuki, the local term for dolphin fish, migrates through Maltese waters every year. Nowadays the lampuki fish is grilled and it’s absolutely delicious! You shouldn’t miss the chance to try it at a restaurant in a nice hotel in Malta. Yet in the traditional recipe, the fish is served covered with a buttery pastry as a pie.
The pie's filling is a delightful blend of dolphin fish, cauliflower, carrots, black olives, capers, garlic, and tomatoes. It sure is a unique combination not easily met in many restaurants and according to those who have already savored it, it is totally worth it.
8. Stuffat tal-Fenek (Rabbit stew)
This dish was inserted into the Maltese culinary tradition by the knights of St. John, who built the Grand Harbor. This undisputed leading dish of Maltese cuisine consists of tender rabbit parts slow-cooked in a pot along with red wine, garlic, onions, carrots, potatoes, tomato, and herbs such as rosemary and thyme, which stand up to the rich red wine. You should not miss the chance to enjoy this gourmet rustic stew in a nice hotel restaurant in Malta.
9. Timpana (Baked Pasta Pastry)
The connection between Maltese tradition and Italy is Timpana, a baked pasta pie, which is similar to the Greek dish pastitsio, also deriving from Italian cuisine. The difference between Timpana and its Greek counterpart is that it doesn’t come in layers of pasta, bolognese, and bechamel sauce.
This mouth-watering dish’s ingredients include pasta, mixed with cheese and tomato sauce, minced pork, minced beef, and diced chicken liver, with bacon, onions, & garlic added for flavor. All the above are enclosed in pastry. When it comes time to order, keep in mind that it is usually served in generous portions!
Maltese people take great pride in a hearty, satisfying meal—and you’ll quickly discover this when you visit the island's restaurants. After having a taste bud-challenging meal, take a promenade to the sun-kissed islands’ promenade and return to a relaxing, comfortable hotel in Malta to finish your day in a relaxing way!
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