Top 10 Foods To Try in Malta

Why not try somewhere out of the ordinary for your next holiday getaway? Sure, you have already tried city breaks like London, Paris, and Munich. But why not try somewhere a little more off the beaten path? Especially if you are sick of cold weather and rainy days, consider heading to Malta — an island paradise that is less visited and less tourist-laden than other tropical destinations.

Malta is a country located in the Mediterranean, filled with abundant culture, tasty food, outdoor adventures, cultural attractions, and much more. Even though the island is tiny, there is plenty to do here for a short weekend trip or full-summer excursion.

Let’s see the top Maltese foods you MUST try during your next (or first) visit to this beautiful island. Part of the price is checking out the local cuisine and how the Maltese people make their delicacies! 

1) Ħobż/Ftira biż-Żejt – Open Sandwich 

Open face sandwiches – by tuey – https://www.flickr.com/photos/tuey/256673673/, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3087203

If you order an ‘open sandwich,’ chances are someone will know what you mean. Plus, when you point to the open-faced toast in every cafe and restaurant on the island, the locals will DEFINITELY know what you mean! 

This is the perfect bite for lunch. If you are on the go and you don’t want to miss more than one second of the summer and sunshine, then getting an open sandwich to sit outside at a cafe or get it to go is the best option for a quick lunch. Literally translated to “bread with oil,” this extremely popular and simple dish is fast to make, but uses all local ingredients to make it fresh, natural, and super filling. One of the best open sandwiches to try during your trip to Malta would be toast with kunserva (tomato paste), tuna, diced green peppers, and olive oil. 

2) Stuffat tal-Fenek – Rabbit Stew

Rabbit Stew – By stu_spivack – https://www.flickr.com/photos/stuart_spivack/1473188968/, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=24805629

Okay, we don’t blame you — this might not sound like the top option for your next trip, but the cuisine is all part of the uniqueness, right? Although you may be a vegetarian or just not love the idea of eating rabbit, this is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Plus, Stuffat is one of the leading Maltese delicacies they eat for special occasions, so indulging in local and authentic cuisine will make you feel like you are a part of their country. This famous national dish contains cuts of rabbit, garlic, onions, carrots, and tomato puree. The ideal stew-like dish for “cold” winter days — which rarely gets below 50 degrees Fahrenheit — is great for splitting with a group of friends at a local restaurant as an appetizer.

3) Torta tal-Lampuki – Lampuki Pie

Fish pie – By Jonathunder – Own work, GFDL 1.2, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=35080947

Similar to a Greek pastry or a Turkish bk bakery item, this lampuki pie is a dough encrusted savory pie that is yummy for snacks on the move or breakfast at a nearby cafe. This traditional Maltese food is made with dorado or mahi-mahi fish, filet with vegetables, carrots, olives, and garlic. Available in various restaurants and cafes across the island, this buttery and flaky handheld food is excellent for budget-conscious people. 

 4) Soppa tal-Army – Widow’s Soup

Vegetable noodle soup – By Jennifer – https://www.flickr.com/photos/sweetonveg/8017673896, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=34968433

If you are lucky enough to stay at a homestay or enjoy life with a Maltese family, chances are you will have widow’s soup. This simple, but filling, soup is the result of generations of cooking prowess passed down through the ages. Although there are different variations in modern society, the “traditional” version uses vegetables, peas, beans, carrots, onions, and cauliflower. 

5) Imqaret – Date Cakes

Dates – By M. Dhifallah – M. Dhifallah, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5008481

In the mood for something sweet post-dinner? Try date cakes. These little sweet things you can pop in your mouth are great for the night or to have with a strong latte as a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. Filled with dates and deep-fried, these filling and flaky pastries are great for walking around the tourist streets and food vendors in Malta. 

 6) Pudina tal-Ħobż – Bread Pudding

Bread pudding – By Jonathunder – Own work, GFDL 1.2, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17815185

Bread pudding is a typical dish that you may find elsewhere in the world, but the Maltese People have put their own spin on this dessert. Since bread is so inexpensive and easy to make, this has stayed a staple in the lives of many locals. By soaking bread and adding sweet filings, like cocoa powder, sugar, or margarine, a very simple list of ingredients can suddenly turn into a filling and decadent dessert. 

7 )Pastizzi – Savory Cheese or Pea Cakes

Filo pastry – CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=174342

Okay, you might have noticed by now that the Maltese people like their pasty and flay food. We can’t blame them — everything is good if fried or baked with puff pastry, right? Pea cakes are arguably one of the most famous street vendor foods in all of Malta, since they are easy to eat while on the move, tasty, easy to make, and cheap. Filled with mushy peas, ricotta cheese, or sausage rolls, vegetarians and meat lovers can try this yummy treat. 

4 – 8) Bigilla – Maltese Bean Paste

Bean paste – By Badagnani – Own work, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3522948

It might not sound great to those reading, but bean paste is a brilliant condiment that can be used for anything! If you are looking for something to dip your chips in, bean paste is here. Need something a little extra on your open-faced sandwich? Try bean paste!

9) Stuffat tal-Qarnit – Octopus Stew

Malta grilled calamari – By Chattacha – Own work, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4844399

Similar to calamari, octopus stew is a great summertime appetizer to share with the table. Made with fresh seafood — after all, Malta IS an island — this is some of the best octopus you will have anywhere in the world. With various ways to eat this dish, like a dipping salsa or with Maltese bread, you can have this dish any time of the day. 

10) Maltese Fish Soup– Aljotta

Fish soup – By E4024 – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=62395919

Last but not least, fish soup is a very traditional dish served during Lent. If you ask almost anyone growing up on the island today what their most remembered dish was from childhood, Aljotat would be the staple. Typically served as a starter when eating at a friend’s house, this rockfish-based stew is a yummy way to start a meal.