What is Malta’s Unique Cuisine?

Malta is known for being a historic and beautiful place to visit, but aside from its historical monuments, beaches and landscapes, one of the aspects that attract tourists to Malta is its unique and flavorful cuisine. From dishes incorporating local seafood, to desserts flavored with traditional spices, a trip to Malta truly is an adventure for adventurous eaters. Dining in Malta is composed of a mix of influences from countries across the globe, including some of the island’s nearest neighbors, Italy, Tunisia, and Albania. Pasta dishes are understandably popular due to Malta’s close proximity to Italy, while local seafood dishes incorporate flavors inspired by the region’s nearby ports in Tunisia and Albania. Of course, there are also many foods that are specific to the island, including the popular pastizzi, a pastry filled with ricotta cheese, mashed peas, or anchovies. In addition to pastizzi, some other signature Maltese dishes worthy of trying include:

• Bragioli. This dish consists of beef rolled up with garlic and parsley, then boiled with tomatoes and red wine to create a delicious gravy. The beef is usually served with potatoes or escarole.
• Bigilla. Bigilla is a refreshing and nutritious dip made of mashed beans. It is often served with rye bread or celery.
• Hobz biz-zeit. This signature Maltese sandwich typically includes tomatoes, capers, anchovies, tuna, and olives. The ingredients are all combined with a generous amount of olive oil and placed between slices of freshly-baked Maltese bread.
• Żebbuġ Ganduċ. This traditional Maltese stew combines potatoes, spinach, eggs, onions, and olive oil. It is often served over freshly-baked Maltese bread, giving it an extra layer of flavors.
• Kusksu. Kusksu is a soup made from semolina that is often served with lamb or fish. It can also be served with vegetables for a vegetarian version.
• Ġbejna. Ġbejna is a type of cheese made from sheep’s or goat’s milk that is typically served as a snack or dessert dish. Ġbejna can be eaten either fresh or aged.
• Imqarrun il-Forn. Imqarrun il-Forn translates to “oven cakes” and consists of layers of dough once made with lard, but now with vegetable oil, layered over ricotta cheese. The cakes are then glazed with a syrup made from sugar and water.

Aside from being delicious, Maltese cuisine also focuses on being healthy and nutritious while incorporating ingredients native to the island such as capers, olives, honey and local varieties of poultry, fish and seafood. It also is generally quite reasonably prices due to the abundance of ingredients that can be grown on the island. No matter how you choose to dine in Malta, be sure to try some of the signature dishes! In addition to seeking out these dishes on menus across Malta’s various restaurants and cafés, you can learn more about local favorites by reading recipes and articles at What’s Cooking Malta, which will provide more insight into what makes Maltese cuisine so unique.

An Insider’s Guide to Malta’s Unique Cuisine in Valletta

Valletta is the capital city of Malta and also a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is located on the eastern coast of Malta and boasts a rich history and unique culture. One of the most important aspects of Malta’s culture is its cuisine. The island’s cuisine is a blend of Mediterranean and Arabic influences, with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. If you’re planning a trip to Valletta and want to experience the best of the island’s cuisine, here is an insider’s guide to help you get started.

Local Attractions

Valletta is a small city, but it is packed with historical and cultural attractions. One of the best ways to explore the city is on foot. Start your tour at the City Gate and walk down Republic Street, the main street in Valletta. You’ll pass by some magnificent Baroque architecture, including St. John’s Co-Cathedral, which is a must-visit attraction. The cathedral is home to Caravaggio’s masterpiece “The Beheading of St. John the Baptist.” Another attraction worth visiting is the Grand Master’s Palace, which houses the Office of the President of Malta.

Dining Spots

Valletta is a food lover’s paradise, and there are plenty of dining spots to choose from. For traditional Maltese cuisine, head to Legligin Wine Bar. The restaurant offers a set menu of seasonally-inspired dishes and a fine selection of local wines. If you’re looking for a fine dining experience, head to Noni. The restaurant offers a contemporary twist on classic Maltese dishes, such as rabbit ravioli with ricotta.

For a more casual meal, try the hamburger Hefu Burger. It is located in a quiet courtyard, you can enjoy some of the best burgers on the island, made with locally sourced beef. If you’re looking for street food, try the Maltese pastizzi at Crystal Palace. These savory pastries are filled with either ricotta or mushy peas and are a popular snack in Valletta.

Cultural Experiences

One of the best ways to experience Malta’s unique culture is through its traditional festivals. The Feast of St. Paul’s Shipwreck is an annual festival that takes place in Valletta in February. The festival celebrates Saint Paul’s arrival in Malta and features processions, live music, and fireworks. Another festival worth attending is the Feast of St. Augustine, which takes place in the town of Victoria in August. The festival is a celebration of Maltese culture and includes parades, fireworks, and traditional crafts.

Local History

Valletta is a city steeped in history. It was founded in the 16th century by the Knights of St. John, and it played an important role in the Mediterranean for centuries. The city was heavily bombed during World War II but has since been rebuilt. To learn more about the city’s history, visit the National Museum of Archaeology, which has an extensive collection of artifacts from Malta’s prehistoric and medieval periods. You can also visit the Malta Experience, an audio-visual experience that tells the story of Malta’s history.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

If you want to explore some of Valletta’s hidden gems, head to Strait Street. It was once known as “the Gut” and was a notorious red-light district. Today, the street has been transformed into a trendy destination with bars, restaurants, and live music venues. Another off-the-beaten-path suggestion is to take a ride on the Valletta Ferry Service. The ferry connects Valletta to the town of Vittoriosa across the Grand Harbor. It’s a great way to see the city from the water and experience the beauty of Malta’s coastline.