Malta, an enchanting archipelago in the heart of the Mediterranean, is not just known for its stunning landscapes and rich history, but also for its delectable cuisine. Maltese food is a unique blend of Mediterranean flavors influenced by the island’s diverse cultural heritage. From mouthwatering seafood to hearty stews and delightful pastries, Maltese cuisine offers something for every palate. In this blog post, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through Malta, highlighting must-try dishes and where to find them.

1. Pastizzi: Malta’s Iconic Snack
No visit to Malta is complete without trying pastizzi, the island’s favorite snack. These flaky pastries are typically filled with ricotta cheese or a mushy pea mixture. Crispy on the outside and deliciously savory on the inside, pastizzi are perfect for a quick bite on the go.

• Where to Try: Crystal Palace in Rabat is a local favorite, known for serving some of the best pastizzi on the island.

2. Ftira: Maltese Sandwich
Ftira is a traditional Maltese bread with a thick, chewy crust and a soft interior, often used to make sandwiches. It’s commonly filled with ingredients like tuna, capers, olives, tomatoes, and ġbejna (Maltese cheese).

• Where to Try: Head to any local bakery or market, but Beati Paoli in Valletta is particularly renowned for its delicious ftira sandwiches.

3. Lampuki Pie: Seasonal Delight
Lampuki pie is a traditional dish made with fresh lampuki (dolphin fish), which is abundant in Maltese waters during the autumn months. The fish is cooked with vegetables, olives, and capers, and then encased in a flaky pastry.

• Where to Try: For an authentic taste, visit Ta’ Kris Restaurant in Sliema, known for its traditional Maltese dishes.

4. Fenkata: Rabbit Stew
Fenkata, a traditional Maltese rabbit stew, is a must-try for meat lovers. The rabbit is marinated in wine and slow-cooked with onions, garlic, tomatoes, and herbs, resulting in a rich and flavorful dish.

• Where to Try: Diar il-Bniet in Dingli is famous for its rustic and authentic fenkata, served in a cozy, farmhouse-style setting.

5. Aljotta: Fish Soup
Aljotta is a delicious Maltese fish soup made with fresh fish, tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. It’s a light yet flavorful dish that perfectly captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine.

• Where to Try: Gozitan restaurants often serve the best aljotta. Try Ta’ Frenc in Gozo for a gourmet experience.

6. Bragioli: Beef Olives
Bragioli, also known as beef olives, are thin slices of beef rolled with a filling of minced meat, eggs, breadcrumbs, and herbs, then slow-cooked in a rich tomato sauce.

• Where to Try: For a taste of home-cooked Maltese bragioli, visit Nenu the Artisan Baker in Valletta.

7. Kannoli: Sweet Treat
Kannoli are a popular Maltese dessert, consisting of crispy pastry tubes filled with sweet ricotta cheese and often garnished with chocolate or candied fruit.

• Where to Try: For some of the best kannoli, head to Caffe Cordina in Valletta, a historic café known for its delightful pastries.

8. Imqaret: Date Pastries
Imqaret are traditional Maltese pastries filled with spiced dates and deep-fried to perfection. They are often served warm and can be found at local markets and festivals.

• Where to Try: Sample these delicious pastries at Is-Suq tal-Belt, Valletta’s food market, where you can enjoy them fresh and hot.

Malta’s cuisine is a reflection of its rich cultural tapestry, offering a delightful array of flavors and dishes that cater to all tastes. From savory snacks like pastizzi and ftira to hearty meals like fenkata and lampuki pie, and sweet treats like kannoli and imqaret, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So, when you visit Malta, be sure to indulge in these culinary delights and savor the unique flavors that make Maltese cuisine so special. And for a comfortable and welcoming stay during your culinary adventure, Alexandra Hotel awaits to make your visit truly memorable. Bon appétit!