Top 55 Maltese Foods

This open-faced Maltese sandwich translates as bread with oil. It is made with slices of crusty sourdough bread which are smeared with kunserva (tomato paste), drizzled with olive oil, and then enjoyed with a variety of toppings. Those traditionally include canned tuna or white anchovies pickled in vinegar, ġbejna sheep cheese, fresh tomatoes, pickled vegetables, bigilla mashed beans spread, onions, olives, and capers. Being Malta’s number one snack, hobż biż-żejt can be found in almost every eatery in the country.Expand

Pastizz is Malta's national snack, a phyllo pastry filled with ingredients such as peas, ricotta, anchovies, corned beef, or apples. The thin dough is stretched and rolled with layers of fat in between, which is used to achieve the typical flaky texture of the finished product. The dough is then filled with any of the aforementioned ingredients, shaped into diamonds or semicircles, then baked until golden brown. Pastizzi can be consumed as a snack or served as appetizers in bars.Expand

Fenkata is the national dish of Malta, a communal meal that is prepared with rabbit as the star of the feast. A whole rabbit is typically marinated in wine, then stewed with aromatic herbs and vegetables such as carrots, tomatoes, onions, and garlic until tender. The sauce should be rich in flavor and thick in texture. It is recommended to serve fenkata with pasta (usually spaghetti) or potatoes, while olives and capers might also be added to the dish in order to further elevate its flavors.Expand

Imqaret is a traditional pastry that is filled with a combination of dates, citrus, and spices, shaped into a diamond, then deep-fried in hot oil. The name of the dish is derived from the word maqrut, meaning diamond-shaped, referring to the visual appearance of this flavorful pastry, although it may also be shaped into rectangles in some cases. Imqaret is often dusted with powdered sugar, and it is sometimes paired with a scoop of ice cream on the side.Expand

Ġbejna is a small cheeselet produced from sheep or goat milk, rennet, and salt. The cheese can be prepared in numerous ways – salted, peppered, pickled, covered in herbs, or plain. It is believed that Ġbejna was originally prepared with seawater instead of rennet as a curdling agent. Nowadays, the cheese is a staple of Maltese cuisine - it can be used in a traditional Maltese soup called soppa tal-armla, served with local sourdough bread for breakfast, or paired with dips and spreads in Maltese appetizer platters. Many Maltese restaurants have recently employed the practice of using this cheese instead of ricotta in the preparation of a traditional filled pastry known as qassatat.Expand

This flat, marzipan-filled Maltese cookie is typically shaped into lambs or bunnies because it is traditionally prepared during the Easter festivities. These sweet treats are often decorated with icing, melted chocolate, or chocolate Easter eggs. Originally, figolla was made in the shape of fish, baskets, or women, and it symbolized fertility. Regardless of the design, figolla is a staple of Maltese pastry shops and home kitchens around Easter.Expand

This flavorful Maltese dish is a baked pasta casserole that is typically made with penne or rigatoni. Although the recipe was inherited from Sicily, imqarrun il-forn is nowadays a staple of Maltese cuisine. Besides pasta, the casserole is made with ground meat, onions, carrots, garlic, tomatoes, eggs, cheese, and flavorings such as nutmeg, curry powder, or bay leaves. Baked until golden-brown in color, the dish should be crispy and crunchy on the exterior and moist on the inside. It is often served as a part of Sunday lunch on Malta.Expand

Prepared in many shapes and in numerous local variations, this sourdough bread is a staple of almost every Maltese kitchen. It is typically baked in wood-fired ovens and consists of flour, yeast, water, and salt. The bread is usually served as an accompaniment to a variety of dishes, but the most popular way of consuming it is to rub it with tomatoes, drizzle it with olive oil, and top it with ingredients such as cheese, olives, capers, onions, or fish.Expand

This Maltese dish consists of sliced potatoes which are doused in olive oil, generously seasoned with herbs and spices, then baked until golden and crispy. The potatoes are occasionally elevated with the addition of onions, tomato paste, and spices such as fennel seeds or cloves. In the past, many bakeries would roast the potatoes on request, but today they are typically prepared as a classic home-cooked meal. Usually served as a side dish, roasted potatoes are a Maltese staple and a perfect accompaniment to various meat-based main courses.Expand

Bigilla is a broad bean dip originating from Malta. It is usually eaten as a snack or a spread, served with Maltese crackers called galletti, or toasted sourdough bread. Soaked and boiled dried tic beans—ful ta’ Girba are mashed with garlic, parsley, and olive oil into a paste seasoned with salt and pepper, which can optionally be flavored with chili, lemon juice, and various herbs.Expand

Cottage Products (Gozo) Ltd. is an olive oil producer based in Xewkija, Gozo, Malta. The company is known for producing high-quality extra virgin olive oil using locally sourced olives. They implement traditional pressing methods to maintain the natural flavors and nutritional benefits of the olives. The company also engages in sustainable farming practices to ensure environmentally friendly production.Expand

Gee’s Table is a small yet passionately dedicated artisan brand from Malta that brings together two distinct product lines under one name – Gee’s Jams and Gee’s Biltong. Their philosophy is simple: to blend tradition with creativity and turn every bite into a meaningful experience. Crafted from carefully selected local fruits, their jams and marmalades are enriched with bold and imaginative combinations – like Seville orange with gin and tonic, Aperol with Prosecco, or blends featuring ginger, turmeric, and aromatic herbs. Their creations have already earned multiple international awards, proving that quality and courage in flavor always stand out. Alongside their fruit preserves, Gee’s Table also offers a premium range of biltong – traditionally air-dried meat inspired by South African recipes, thoughtfully adapted to Mediterranean tastes. A special part of their offering is the H.O.P.E. collection, where a portion of the proceeds supports local charitable initiatives – because for Gee’s, flavor means more when it’s paired with purpose. Gee’s Table isn’t just a producer – it’s a story of dedication, a love for honest food, and a commitment to creating something that lasts.Expand

Savina is a renowned Maltese brand known for producing high-quality gourmet products, including olive oil, olives, and other specialties inspired by Mediterranean tradition. Based in Malta, this brand is part of the Magro Group, one of the island's oldest and most prestigious companies, recognized for its commitment to quality and preservation of local heritage. The products are inspired by Malta's rich cultural heritage and Mediterranean flavors. Savina not only promotes local ingredients but also contributes to preserving traditional preparation methods.Expand

Cassar Camilleri is one of the oldest and most prestigious Maltese companies, established in 1901. Over more than a century, the company has evolved into a leader in the production and distribution of high-quality food and beverage products in Malta. Their dedication to excellence, innovation, and the preservation of traditional values has made them synonymous with quality in the industry. Cassar Camilleri is renowned for its range of wines, liqueurs, and olive oils. Their extra virgin olive oils are made from carefully selected olives, processed with great care to preserve their natural aroma and nutritional properties. These oils are the perfect choice for lovers of authentic Mediterranean flavors.Expand

The Mediterranean Culinary Academy (MCA), based in Malta, is dedicated to advancing Mediterranean cuisine and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. They offer a range of cooking classes suitable for all levels, providing students with the technical abilities to excel in any culinary role. In collaboration with the Grima family, MCA produces Bidni Extra Virgin Olive Oil, derived exclusively from the indigenous Bidni olive variety. This monovarietal oil is celebrated for its unique flavor—spicy, aromatic, fruity, with a peppery bite to finish. The Grima family cultivates around 600 Bidni olive trees, producing approximately 500 liters of this exceptional olive oil annually. Their dedication to quality and traditional methods has garnered international recognition, with Bidni Extra Virgin Olive Oil winning the Platinum Award at the London International Olive Oil Competition. Expand

San Niklaw Estates is a family-owned estate located in the southeastern part of Malta, near the town of Żejtun. The estate encompasses vineyards, an olive grove with over 400 olive trees, and a winery with a cellar dating back to the 19th century. The olive grove consists of indigenous trees as well as varieties such as Frantoio, Carolea, Coratina, Ascolano, and Bella di Spagna. Harvesting is done by hand in October, and processing takes place immediately on the estate using modern Italian equipment. The combination of different varieties results in fresh, fruity olive oil that reflects the unique character of the local soil. In addition to olive oil, San Niklaw Estates produces limited quantities of premium wines made from grapes grown on the estate. Their philosophy is to create high-quality products that reflect the local terroir while preserving tradition and demonstrating a commitment to excellence. Visitors to the estate can enjoy wine and olive oil tastings, as well as guided tours that offer insights into the production process and the rich history of the estate. San Niklaw Estates is dedicated to preserving heritage and providing an authentic Mediterranean experience through its products.Expand

Marsovin is a distinguished Maltese wine producer with a rich heritage dating back to 1919. Founded by Chevalier Anthony Cassar, the company has evolved over generations, achieving renown among the Maltese people for the quality and variety of its range of wines, as well as for its pioneering success on both local and international fronts. Marsovin owns over 199 tumuli of land, comprising five private estates across Malta and Gozo, dedicated to producing premium quality, single-estate wines. Their cellars, situated in a historic building dating back to the Order of St. John, house over 220 oak barrels used for aging premium red wines. In addition to their acclaimed wines, Marsovin has diversified into olive oil production. Their Cheval Franc Estate Extra Virgin Olive Oil is crafted from hand-picked olives grown on their estate in the limits of St. Paul’s Bay. This premium olive oil is made exclusively from the first cold press and remains unfiltered to retain its natural aromas. Expand

Golden Extracts is a prominent Maltese producer of premium extra virgin olive oil, operating from the Tal-Kancillier Olive Oil Press located beneath the Mdina bastions. Their olive grove, established in 2002, comprises approximately 650 trees, yielding around 2,000 liters of high-quality olive oil annually, marketed under the Melite brand. Equipped with state-of-the-art extraction machinery, Golden Extracts offers pressing services to third-party growers, processing both commercial and smaller lots during designated 'Community Days.Expand