Malta is a small and welcoming island in the Mediterranean, which offers visitors splendid natural views composed of blue sea, wonderful colors, always temperate climate and… delicious food! Even the food and wine traditions of Malta will amaze travelers who land on the island, thanks to the variety of proposals, their goodness and quantity! In fact, in Malta you eat well, and a lot! The flavors are very similar to those of Sicily, not too different from those of our tradition, therefore. Let’s see together what are the 10 unmissable dishes to taste in Malta and where to taste them.
1 – Pastizzi
In first position there is the most representative dish of Maltese cuisine. These are sheets stuffed with ricotta or peas, to be consumed at any time of the day. They can be a great snack but also make for a full meal. Watch out for the line!
- Recommended for : snack
- Average cost : € 0.35 each
- Main ingredients : puff pastry, ricotta, peas
2 – Qassatat
Photo of Chattacha. It is another typical dish of the island and it differs slightly from the Pastizzi, being a bundle of shortcrust pastry made with a lot of butter and stuffed with ricotta, mashed peas or spinach and anchovies.
- Recommended for : appetizer, snack
- Average cost : € 0.50 each
- Main ingredients : shortcrust pastry, ricotta, peas, spinach, anchovies
3 – Gbejna
Photo of Chattacha. And the typical goat cheese . Its consistency resembles that of ricotta or that of a spreadable cheese. Being from goat, it has a strong but pleasant smell and taste. It is served only as an appetizer but it is also the ingredient for the preparation of other dishes, chosen on the basis of its seasoning.
- Recommended for : appetizer or appetizer for lunch or dinner
- Average cost : € 0.80 each
- Main ingredients : goat cheese
4 – Ftira
Photo of Kritzolina. And a mix between a pizza and a pastry , folded on itself to form crunchy edges that are sometimes sprinkled with sesame. The filling consists of potatoes and onions , which make the base softer for longer. In some versions, Maltese sausage, rocket, cherry tomatoes and chicken are also added.
- Recommended for : lunch, dinner, snack
- Average cost : €6.00
- Main ingredients : pizza / puff pastry base, potatoes, onions, Maltese sausage, rocket, cherry tomatoes, chicken
5 – Ravjul
Photo of Chattacha. As the name suggests, this dish looks a lot like Italian ravioli , but differs slightly. They are prepared with great care, using only water and flour, and are thicker than those we know. The filling and based on Gbejna, are served accompanied by a very thick sauce based on a lot of tomato and garlic.
- Recommended for : lunch, dinner
- Average cost : €11.00
- Main ingredients : mixture of water and flour, goat cheese, tomato sauce, garlic
6 – Fenkata (or Stuffat tal-fenek)
Photo of Chattacha. And a dish not for everyone, the typical Maltese rabbit . It is very flavorful and quite heavy and, if you can overcome the mistrust, it can turn out to be a truly exceptional dining experience. Thanks to the particular cooking, the rabbit meat is very soft and delicate, the seasoning is tasty and based on spices, tomatoes and wine, the peas serve as a side dish. Dish usually prepared on holidays, today it can be found throughout the year.
- Recommended for : as a main course or single course for lunch or dinner
- Average cost : €15.00
- Main ingredients : stewed rabbit meat, peas
7 – Lampuki
Being an island, fish cannot be missing among the typical dishes of Malta . This dish requires the fish to be floured and browned in a little oil. It is then seasoned with a tomato, caper and onion based sauce . Despite its simplicity, this specialty is representative of the island and is very tasty.
- Recommended for : lunch, dinner
- Average cost : €12.00
- Main ingredients : fish, tomato, capers, onions
8 – Soppa Ta ‘L-Armla
Photo of PolluxWorld. It is a typical soup , also called Zuppa della Vedova, made with vegetables and enriched with fresh Maltese cheese, eggs and Parmesan . In some versions, pasta is also added.
- Recommended for : lunch, dinner
- Average cost : €6.00
- Main ingredients : vegetables, fresh cheese, eggs, parmesan
9 – Hobz Biz-Zejt
Served in trendy bars, this bruschetta is made up of delicious Maltese bread with olive oil, chopped tomatoes, onion and herbs.
- Recommended for : snack
- Average cost : €4.00
- Main ingredients : Maltese bread, tomato, herbs, olive oil
10 – Aljotta
Photo of Benreis. Another fish dish and another soup and this seafood dish , flavored with garlic and tomatoes.
- Recommended for : lunch, dinner
- Average cost : €12.00
- Main ingredients : seafood, tomato, garlic
Where to eat in Malta: best restaurants, typical bars and street food
The cuisine of Malta is linked to African and Sicilian traditions and the dishes are based on fish or meat cooked with local products.
On the island there are many restaurants, taverns and clubs that serve food for all budgets and for those who do not want to spend too much there are also some markets where you can eat.
The seaside restaurants, of course, are the ones with the highest prices and often cater to a sophisticated clientele.
Here are the best places to eat in Malta .
1 – Gululu Suq Tal-Belt
- Description : it is a food market that offers Maltese and international specialties at competitive prices within the ancient market of Valletta
- Specialties : masterful octopus stew, Maltese ftire
- Average price : from € 15.00 per person
- Address : Merchants Street, Valletta – Get Directions – Website
2 – Ortygia Food Experience
- Description : young and dynamic restaurant in a small street in the center, serving Sicilian-style fish and meat dishes
- Specialties : swordfish with caponata, cappellacci with crab
- Average price : from € 20.00 per person
- Address : Triq Id-Dejqa, 8, Valletta – Get directions – Facebook page
3 – Ta Kris Restaurant
- Description : typical Maltese restaurant with attention to detail that offers meat and fish specialties with top quality materials
- Specialties : lampuki, served with potatoes and vegetables, Maltese bragioli
- Average price : from € 25.00 per person
- Address : Fawwara Ln, 80, Sliema – Get directions – Facebook page
4 –Risette
- Description : excellent restaurant ideal for an evening to remember this place serves refined dishes and novel cousine
- Specialties : foie gras, agnolotti with smoked oyster sauce, venison with chocolate sauce
- Average price : from € 60.00 per person
- Address : Old Theater street, 81, Valletta – Get directions – Facebook page
5 – The Submarine
- Description : simple place perfect for eating something quick without sacrificing taste
- Specialties : sandwiches of all kinds, first courses
- Average price : from € 8.00 per person
- Address : Triq il-merkanti, 42, Valletta- Get directions – Facebook page
