Malta’s cuisine boasts a unique blend of influences from various cultures that have shaped the island nation throughout history. Here are some must-try traditional Maltese foods and drinks:
Main Courses:
Aljotta (Fish Soup): A hearty and flavorful soup traditionally made with various types of fresh fish, tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. Perfect for a warm and comforting meal.
Kapunata: Similar to the Sicilian ratatouille, this vegetarian dish features stewed eggplant, tomatoes, olives, capers, and other vegetables, often served as an appetizer or side dish.
Pastizzi (Savory pastries): These flaky pastries come in various fillings, with the most popular being ricotta cheese (pastizzi tal-irkotta) and peas (pastizzi tal-piżelli). They are a popular and affordable local snack.
Bragioli (Beef Olives): Thinly sliced beef rolled and stuffed with a savory mixture of minced meat, herbs, and vegetables. Braised in a rich sauce, it’s a hearty and flavorful main course.
Imqaret (Date Pastries): Deep-fried pastries filled with a sweet date paste, dusted with icing sugar and sometimes drizzled with honey.
Kannoli tal-Irkotta (Ricotta Cannoli): Similar to the Sicilian dessert, these crispy pastry shells are filled with sweetened ricotta cheese, often flavored with orange or lemon zest.Ħobz biz-Zejt (Ftira): Maltese bread drizzled with olive oil and rubbed with tomato, often served with olives, capers, and other toppings. A simple yet satisfying snack or light meal. Drinks:Cisk Lager Beer: The national beer of Malta, a light and refreshing lager perfect for a hot summer day.
Ħarruba (Carob Liqueur): A sweet liqueur made from the carob tree, with a unique flavor that some find similar to chocolate.
