Gastronomy

Gastronomy

The Islands' identity is characterized by a calendar filled with religious and cultural festivals, many of which involve specific traditional food.

Festivals and Traditional Food

The Maltese have a strong tradition of gathering around the table to share meals with family, friends, and neighbors. Whether it's a Sunday lunch, a traditional wedding celebration, or a village festa.

February brings along carnival week. Carnival is one of the oldest festivals, dating back to the rule of the Knights of the Order of Saint John. Carnival is extravagantly celebrated with colored floats and elaborate costumes.

The traditional dessert prepared especially during Carnival is the Prinjolata, a white dome-shaped sponge cake coated with meringue and decorated with cherries and melted chocolate.

Holy week celebrates the passion and resurrection of Christ, which is a very important Catholic time of the year on the Maltese Islands.

Qaghaq tal-Appostli (Apostles bread ring) is covered in sesame seeds and has whole almonds placed on top.

For those traveling during Easter time, Kwareżimal is a must. This is a traditional Lenten biscuit eaten across the islands during the period leading up to Easter.

The locals also bake figolli (almond-filled elaborately decorated pastries) which come in shapes of lamb, butterflies, fish, and other animal forms. These delicious snacks are gifted between families and friends after the Lent period.

Christmas time in Malta brings about a range of unique dishes. The Christmas meal usually starts with a serving of Timpana. Timpana is a macaroni pie made with a rich ragu Bolognese and bacon sauce and baked in pastry until golden brown.

Qaghaq tal-Ghasel (Honey rings) are also a popular sweet throughout the year. They are made with a sweet pastry and filled with a mixture of honey, treacle, and citrus peel, which can be enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee.

Imbuljuta tal-Qastan is a traditional Maltese drink made with roasted chestnut, chocolate, and spices such as cloves and cinnamon. It is served after Midnight Mass on Christmas as well as on New Year's Eve.

Between May to September, each town and village prepares for the celebration of the village festa where they honor the patron saint. During this festive period, the street stalls sell traditional treats.

Maltese Nougat, known as "Qubbajt," comes in different textures from soft nougat to a harder carob nougat which is darker in color. This is also a popular souvenir to take home as a "taste of Malta."

Imqaret are fried date pastries. Follow the scent to find the stall deep frying these delicious date-filled pastries, then dusted with icing sugar.

Kannoli tal-Irkotta have a unique twist on the classic Italian Cannoli. These exquisite fried crispy pastries are stuffed with a mixture of sweet ricotta, candied fruit, and chocolate chips.