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Malta is an idyllic travel destination due to its warm weather, rich history, and natural beauty. Well, the food here is no exception. The fresh & flavourful cuisine of this place offers a mix of Mediterranean cooking. It combines Arabic, French, Italian, and British culinary elements to win the hearts of foodies.
If you’re planning a dream trip to Malta, make sure to eat the mouthwatering dishes during your tour. Passion, love, and dedication are the key ingredients of Maltese food, which makes it a must-try.
You can find so many restaurants to enjoy both traditional and international cuisines. No matter when you travel, get Malta holiday packages for a smooth journey. This article delves into 9 must-try dishes in Malta, so keep reading.
9 Dishes You Must Try During Your Tour to Malta
The following is a list of the top 9 food options that you must try during your vacation in Malta.
Ftira
Ftira is one of the most popular foods in Malta. It is prepared using a ring-shaped sourdough bread with a fluffly interior and a crunchy crust. The Maltese Ftira is usually enjoyed plain. When it is loaded with local flavourful fillings, the taste gets doubled. Fitra biz zejt is the traditional version of this dish.
It is the open sandwich with a tomato spread called kunserva, dipped in olive oil, and sprinkled with pepper. You can easily find Ftira in any bar or restaurant.
If you’re tired of exploring Malta and want to fulfil your hunger, give Ftira a try. The taste of this cuisine becomes even better when you take it after a swim. This will surely be worth every bite.
Rabbit Stew
Rabbit Stew, also referred to as Stuffat tal-fenek, has a special place in the hearts of the people of Malta. Not only this, but it is also known to be the national food of the country. This food is typically enjoyed during social gatherings. It is slow-cooked with rabbit, wine, garlic, tomatoes, and herbs.
What makes the Rabbit Stew famous is its rich, savoury, and tender flavours. It is generally served with ingredients, like fresh ftira and fried potatoes, as a main course in Malta.
By trying Stuffat tal-fenek, you can ensure an enriching culinary experience. Whether you’re with your family or your friends, you will undoubtedly feel refreshed with this tasty Maltese cuisine.
Aljotta
Aljotta is the next dish that you must try during your vacation in Malta. Locals also call this cuisine option with the name of Maltese Fish Soup. Aljotta is often served with rice to give tourists a rich flavour. It is a fish and tomato food seasoned with a mix of onions, garlic, and herbs.
You can ask to add more ingredients to this food that suit your tastebuds. Since rockfish is popularly used in the preparation of this yummy dish, it is a perfect choice for fish lovers too.
Maltese chefs cook this delectable treat in large batches to feed people at gatherings. In case you’re with your partner on a honeymoon in Malta, it is advisable to add Aljotta to your food list.
Pastizzi
Pastizzi is a well-known street food of Malta. It is loved by both visitors and locals alike. This is a diamond-shaped, crispy pastry that you should try. Pastizzi is usually prepared with a light Green phyllo-pastry dough with ricotta cheese.
Not only this, but mashed peas filling is also sometimes used to enhance the taste level of this dish. You can get this cuisine in a variety of flavours, including corned beef, spinach, and apple. This yummy treat can be eaten at any time.
One great thing about Pastizzi is that it is entirely pocket-friendly. If you’re in Malta and want to enjoy delicious food without cutting your budget, Pastizzi is your ultimate go-to choice.
Timpana
Have you set your mind on a tour to Malta? Ensure to plan your itinerary wisely. This is where Malta holiday packages come in handy for a stress-free travel. Most people ponder what to eat during the vacation. Timpana, an Italian-inspired dish, is famous in Malta. It is simply a baked pasta filled with pastry with a flavourful sauce.
The traditional recipe of this dish involves minced beef, minced pork, and diced chicken liver, with onions, bacon, & garlic added for taste.
Maltese people love eating Timpana, and so do tourists. You can take this cuisine option for your lunch and dinner. The hearty texture and aroma of Timpana will greatly comfort your stomach.
Bigilla
It is excellent if you’re going to Malta for your next vacation. It doesn’t matter if you need to relax on beaches or learn about history. You will find everything here. If you want to make the most of your holidays, don’t miss out on the chance to try cuisine options. One of the renowned dishes is Bigilla.
This is a Maltese speciality that is enjoyed at events and occasions in the country. Bigilla is made traditionally with mashed chickpeas, olive oil, garlic, and herbs for added fresh aroma.
What to keep in mind is that Bigilla can be taken as a snack or an appetiser. You can eat this mouthwatering food as a spread of fatira. You must give this cuisine a try during your holidays.
Gozitan Pizza
If you love pizzas, you will find the most tasty ones in Malta as well. When you’re in Malta and plan to head to Gozo, you must eat Gozitan pizza at that location. This pizza is slightly different from the regular pizza. For instance, the dough used to prepare this delicious dish is just like fitra.
Talking about the base of this pizza, it is thicker, and the toppings are also distinct from those of regular pizzas. Moreover, Gozitan pizza is considered to be the regional version of ftira in Gozo.
Vegetarian people will find this pizza a lovely food option. In case you don’t like meat and still want to eat a flavourful pizza during your stay in Malta, it is recommended to try Gozitan pizza.
Lampuki Pie
Malta is a place that is popular for tourism due to its scenic beauty. However, the food of this country has its unique charm. One of the most appetising dishes that you must eat while being in Malta is Lampuki Pie. Lampuki Pie is also termed Torta al-Lampuki in Maltese.
It is a savoury pie that typically features Lampuki (also called mahi maho or dorado) as a main ingredient. This staple cuisine option is the most common during the fishing season in Malta.
The excellent taste of the fish in the pie, with the toppings and olives, enhances the whole culinary experience. You must consider eating this Maltese delectable treat with your loved ones.
Qassatat
In case you’re thinking of which food to eat in Malta, give Qassasat a try. It is a shortcrust pastry with peas, ricotta cheese, or several other fillings, such as sautéed onions or fava beans. This dish is super yummy like pastizzi, but even more hearty.
Aside from this, the handheld size makes Qassasat a worthwhile option. It is a wallet-friendly choice for those who want to have light yet mouthwatering cuisine on a budget. You can find this dish at various locations in Malta.
The next time you plan to jet off to Malta, prepare your food list first, and ensure to add Qassasat. This will help you know which cuisine option to go for and what better fits your needs.
In Summary
Are you planning a trip to Malta? It is one of the best decisions to take a break from a busy schedule while indulging in natural beauty. The food of this place has its spark. You can try any of the cuisines discussed above for an enhanced culinary experience. If you have no time to manage your things, reach out to Virikson Holidays to get all-inclusive Malta holiday packages.