Maltese food – 16 dishes to try in Malta

Writer: Helena Bergström

Maltese food is simple, rustic and full of Mediterranean flavours. It blends influences from Italy, North Africa and the UK in a cuisine that focuses on fresh ingredients, slow cooking and traditional recipes. During our visits to Malta, we have been repeatedly impressed by how much flavour is contained in the small country's food culture.

In this guide, we go through what to eat in Malta – and list 16 classic dishes you don't want to miss.

What to eat in Malta? – a quick overview

We have previously written about Spanish food and Italian cuisine, and now the focus will be on Maltese cuisine! The food in Malta is based on fresh local ingredients. Here are some examples of what to eat in Malta:

• Rabbit is the national dish and occurs in many varieties
• Fish and seafood has an obvious place thanks to its location in the Mediterranean
• Bread, olive oil and local cheeses are also important elements

We have visited Malta three times and have many fond food memories from here.

Typical Maltese food – 16 classic dishes

Here we list Maltese dishes that are interesting to try, including desserts, sweets and drinks.

1. Fenech (rabbit stew)

Rabbit is considered Malta's national dish and is often served as a slow-cooked stew with wine, garlic and herbs. The most common variant is stuffed tal-fenek, where the meat is cooked in a rich tomato sauce and takes on a deep and full flavour. If you want to try a typical Maltese dish, we can highly recommend this, and yes, the meat is usually tender and delicious.

2. Lampuki pie

Lampuki pie is a pie filled with lampuki – a local fish caught in the autumn. The pie often also contains spinach, capers and raisins, which gives an exciting balance of flavors. This is one of the most typical fish dishes in Malta.

3. Bragioli

Bragioli are a type of meat-filled roulade, usually made with beef and filled with eggs, bacon and herbs. They are slowly cooked in a rich sauce and served with potatoes or pasta. A hearty dish that really fills you up.

4. Stuffed carrots

Stuffed tal-qarnit is a stew of squid cooked in tomato sauce with wine, garlic and spices. This is a dish that is a bit heartier than many other fish dishes.

5. Aljotta

This is a traditional fish soup with garlic, rice and fresh herbs. The soup is light but flavorful and is often served as a starter. Perfect if you want to try something classic without getting too full.

6. Mussels and shellfish

Shellfish such as mussels, squid and prawns are common in Malta and are often served in simple dishes with garlic, tomato and wine. Thanks to its location in the Mediterranean, the ingredients are fresh and the flavours are pure. Perfect for those who like lighter and more seafood-based food.

7. Pastizzi

Pastizzi are small puff pastry pastries filled with ricotta or pea puree. The pastries are sold everywhere and are both cheap and very tasty. We have bought these on several occasions and really like them.

8. Hobz biz-zejt

Hobz biz-zejt is a classic Maltese sandwich with tomato, tuna, olives and capers. This is without a doubt the Maltese dish that made the most impression on us. We often bought this as a quick snack on the spot – and after we got home we have regularly made similar sandwiches at home.

9. Ftira

Ftira is a traditional bread that is often used as a base for sandwiches or lighter meals. The bread is a bit like pizza but is thicker and more rustic. We think it is best paired with local ingredients.

10. Gbejniet (Maltese cheese)

Gbejniet is one of Malta's most typical products and something you can actually find everywhere – especially in salads, on bread or as a small dish on its own. We were lucky enough to experience how the cheese is produced locally on a farm.

11. Bigilla

Bigilla is a creamy bean stew made with fava beans, garlic and herbs. The stew is often served as a snack with bread – simple but really tasty.

12. Imqaret

Imqaret is a type of deep-fried dough ball filled with dates and spices. The balls are often sold in markets and served hot. The combination of crispy exterior and sweet filling is hard to resist.

13. Cannoli

Cannoli are a pastry with clear Italian influences, filled with sweet ricotta cream. They are crispy, creamy and very popular. We like to order one with our coffee.

14. Helwa tat-tork

This Maltese pastry is a sweet sesame and sugar-based cake that resembles halva. It has a unique flavor and a slightly crumbly texture. Something different – but definitely worth trying.

15. Chin

Kinnie is a local soft drink with a bittersweet taste of orange and herbs. The soft drink is completely unique and something you almost have to try when you are in Malta. We quickly fell in love with it.

16. Maltese wine

Wine production in Malta is small but growing, and the white wines in particular are of high quality – perfect with fish and seafood.

Restaurants and dining experiences in Malta

In Malta, you can find everything from simple family restaurants to more modern concepts with international influences. You can also experience genuine production of raw materials and delicacies. Read more here:

• 7 restaurants in Malta you don't want to miss
• Things to see and do on the island of Gozo

More about food in other countries

Here you can find more stories about food in different countries:

• Spanish food - 25 Spanish dishes
• Greek food - 25 Greek dishes
• Italian food - 25 Italian dishes
• Croatian food - 20 Croatian specialities
• Cypriot food – 20 dishes to try in Cyprus