10 Must-Try Foods in Malta 

Malta is not just known for its crystal-clear waters and ancient architecture – it’s also a food lover’s paradise! Thanks to its rich history and a blend of influences from neighbouring Italy, North Africa, and beyond, Maltese cuisine is as diverse as it is delicious.

Whether you’re exploring the charming streets of Valletta or soaking up the sun by the sea, you’re bound to come across local dishes bursting with flavour.

From mouthwatering savoury pastries to fresh seafood caught daily, there’s something to satisfy every palate. Here are ten must-try Maltese dishes that you won’t want to miss!

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1. Pastizzi

Pastizzi are small, savoury pastries with a flaky, buttery crust, usually filled with ricotta cheese or curried peas. The dough is similar to phyllo pastry, creating a crisp, layered texture when baked. These can be found for very cheap around Malta, with some found for around $0.40!

We tried these all over Malta, and no two were alike. We loved that they were all a bit different everywhere we went.

2. Ftira

Ftira is a type of Maltese flatbread with a thick crust and a chewy, airy interior. It is typically baked in a wood-fired oven, giving it a distinctive smoky flavour.

Ftira can be enjoyed on its own, but it’s commonly used to make sandwiches filled with tuna, capers, olives, tomatoes, and fresh herbs. These are HUGE sandwiches, which make them great to share.

3. Rabbit Stew (Stuffat tal-Fenek)

Rabbit stew is a beloved Maltese dish that showcases the island’s rustic culinary traditions. The rabbit is marinated in red wine and garlic, then slowly braised with tomatoes, onions, peas, and carrots.

The resulting stew is rich and hearty, often accompanied by crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

While you will find rabbit on the menu all around Malta, we only had it once while we were there. I highly recommend visiting Legligin in Valletta for an amazing Michelin Star meal (at an insanely reasonable price, just 45 euros a person)!

4. Lampuki Pie

Lampuki, also known as dorado or mahi-mahi, is a seasonal fish caught around Malta from late August to November.

Lampuki pie combines this fish with vegetables like spinach, cauliflower, and potatoes, all encased in a shortcrust pastry. It’s a comforting dish that highlights the flavours of fresh, local ingredients.

5. Bigilla

Bigilla is a thick, rustic dip made from mashed broad beans (fava beans), garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh herbs like mint and parsley. It’s typically served as a starter or snack, accompanied by fresh Maltese bread or galletti (Maltese crackers).

6. Qagħaq tal-Għasel (Honey Rings)

Qagħaq tal-Għasel are traditional Maltese sweet pastries made from a dough that includes flour, semolina, and aniseed, filled with a mixture of treacle, semolina, orange and lemon zest, and spices.

The rings are baked until golden brown and have a chewy texture with a sweet, spiced filling. Having this for breakfast was a great way to start the day and it paired perfectly with a strong coffee!

7. Kapunata

Kapunata is Malta’s version of ratatouille, featuring a medley of fresh vegetables such as tomatoes, eggplants, bell peppers, onions, and capers.

This dish is typically cooked slowly to allow the flavours to meld together, resulting in a rich, savoury stew. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed hot or cold, often served with crusty bread or as a side to fish or meat dishes.

8. Aljotta

Aljotta is a traditional Maltese fish soup made with a variety of fresh fish, tomatoes, garlic, onions, and rice. The broth is light yet flavourful, infused with the essence of the sea and the aromatic vegetables. It’s a comforting dish, perfect for warming up on a cooler day.

Marsaxlokk, a beautiful fishing village, is the ideal place to enjoy fresh aljotta, especially at restaurants like Tartarun, where the fish is straight from the boat to your bowl. Visit on Sunday for the infamous market!

9. Kannoli

Maltese kannoli are similar to the Sicilian version, where tubes of crispy, fried pastry dough are filled with a sweet, creamy ricotta filling. The filling is often flavoured with vanilla, citrus zest, or chocolate, and the ends of the kannoli are sometimes dipped in crushed pistachios or chocolate chips.

Caffe Cordina in Valletta is well-known for its deilcious kannoli, offering a perfect balance of crispy pastry and rich, creamy filling. It was one of our favourite places to visit for breakfast!

9. Bragioli (Beef Olives)

Bragioli, also known as beef olives, are thin slices of beef rolled around a filling of breadcrumbs, bacon, eggs, parsley, and sometimes other ingredients like garlic and cheese.

The rolls are then browned and simmered in a rich tomato and red wine sauce until tender. This dish is a staple in Maltese cuisine, offering a hearty and flavourful meal.

Malta is a Foodie’s Paradise

Malta’s vibrant food scene is a true reflection of its rich history and diverse influences. Each dish tells a story of the island’s past while highlighting the freshness of Mediterranean ingredients.

From grabbing a quick pastizzi on the go to enjoying a leisurely meal of rabbit stew with friends, the flavours of Malta offer something for every palate. Whether you’re an adventurous eater or someone who enjoys the comforts of familiar flavours with a twist, Malta’s culinary delights are sure to leave a lasting impression!

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