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Gastronomy

Maltese bread is typically baked in wood-fired ovens, which give it a distinct flavor. The outside is crusty while the inside remains light and fluffy.

Walk through a village like Qormi, famous for its bakeries, and follow your nose.

The most iconic way to try Ħobż biż-żejt (which translates to bread with oil) is to smear it with olive oil and crushed local tomatoes, then top it with a mixture of tuna, capers, and olives to make this delicious snack.

Another type of Maltese bread is the ftira, a round flatbread similar to the ħobża. It has a crispy crust and a soft interior, and is stuffed with the same toppings used in the ħobża.

Maltese bread is highly recommended for visitors wishing to experience a taste of the local culture.

Gastronomy

One of the prominent features of cafe culture in Malta is the outdoor seating. Cafes in Malta serve as a social hub where people meet and spend time together.

It's common to see locals gathering at cafes for leisurely chats, business meetings, or simply to unwind while watching the world go by.

Given Malta's coastal location, seafront cafes are amongst the most popular with tourists and locals alike.

You can find a variety of coffee options from traditional espresso, cappuccino, mocha, and these are typically enjoyed alongside a savory snack such as pastizzi, qassatta, and ftira (Maltese flatbread).

Cafe Culture

Gastronomy

When it comes to Maltese food and restaurants in Malta, a whole culinary adventure of tantalising tastes and eclectic flavours begins. Maltese cuisine can be summed up as Mediterranean cuisine with Continental and Arabic influences.

Experiences

The Maltese Islands are an excellent destination for cultural food tours. Explore the local flavours by joining a guided food tour that takes you to the streets of the capital city, Valletta, where you can sample traditional dishes while learning about the history behind each dish.

Enjoy the "Taste of History" culinary experience in the actual venues where Inquisitors, Corsairs, Knights, and Libertines enjoyed various food treats. In these same places, our chefs prepare these culinary delights from a bygone era.

Visit the fishing village of Marsaxlokk and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the fish market, where you'll find different types of fish caught in Maltese waters. You can also enjoy a seafood lunch at one of the family-owned restaurants along the seafront.

Enjoy a picnic in the great outdoors, taking in the views across The Maltese Islands.

For a hands-on experience, join a cooking class to learn how to prepare local dishes while learning about the story or a local tradition related to the dish.

Gastronomy

Several traditional dishes hold great cultural significance in Maltese society.

Fenkata, (Rabbit stew) is a national dish simmered in a rich wine and tomato sauce infused with bay leaves. This dish possibly started as a form of symbolic resistance to the hunting restrictions imposed by the Knights of St John.

Other traditional dishes include:

 
• Braġjoli (beef olives)
 
• Ross il-forn (baked rice with a homemade bolognese and oven-baked until it's golden brown)
 
• Kapunata (Maltese ratatouille)
 
• Soppa tal-Armla, which translates to Widow’s Soup. The soup’s name originates from the Medieval practice of gifting poor, widowed women with vegetables and other available produce to create a hearty meal. This soup was a staple during poorer times.
 
• Homemade ravjoli stuffed with ricotta or gbejna (cheeselet made with sheep or goat's milk) served with fresh tomato sauce and a generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
 
• Zalzett Malti, a traditional Maltese sausage made from ground pork, sea salt and pepper, crushed coriander seeds, parsley, and spices.

One of the most popular street foods is Pastizzi, a savoury pastry filled with ricotta or mushy peas.

Traditional Dishes

Gastronomy

Although the Maltese islands may be a tiny dot in the Mediterranean, they boast a rich culture regarding food and drink. Maltese drinks range from locally-made alcohol and non-alcoholic drinks. This includes soft drinks, wines, beers, liqueurs, and syrups made to enjoy in the beautiful Maltese weather. Preferably alongside the beach or on a picnic.

Local Beverages

Malta & Gozo also have a growing craft beer scene. You can explore breweries and craft beer across the islands to discover a variety of flavors. Explore more about beer in Malta.

Orzata is a hazelnut or almond syrup that is mixed with water. The Maltese like to consume this during the summer, as it’s best served cold in hot weather. It’s a very sweet drink, so it’s perfect to enjoy with a meal or on its own as a cool beverage.

The most popular local soft drink is Kinnie, made from bitter oranges and a blend of aromatic herbs. It has a distinct bittersweet flavor and is often enjoyed over ice with a slice of orange.

Bajtra is a traditional Maltese liqueur made from prickly pears. It is often served as an aperitif or used in cocktails.

Farsons is a local brewery in Malta. Cisk is the most well-known and widely consumed beer. It's a lager with a fresh taste and is available in different varieties such as Cisk Lager, Cisk Lemon, and alcohol-free Cisk. Hopleaf, Malta's bitter ale, was the first beer ever brewed at the Farsons brewery.

Gastronomy

Malta has a growing reputation for its wine production. Wine enthusiasts can enjoy wine tours and tastings while exploring the wineries dotted across the Islands.

Wine

The main island, Malta, has several wineries, and Gozo, the smaller island, also has its share of vineyards primarily located in the villages of Gharb and Xaghra.

The main wineries organize guided tours and tastings. Depending on the season, tours cover the entire production from the initial fermentation through to the aging process.

Malta's wine festivals are a delightful blend of cultural heritage, gastronomy, and entertainment. These events are held during the summer months, providing a platform for winemakers to present their products. The festivals are typically held in locations with scenic views, adding an extra touch of magic.

When doing a wine tour, you can expect to indulge in a delightful Maltese platter perfectly complementing the local wine.

The platter is made up of various local ingredients including:

 
• Gbejniet, a small round cheeselet made from sheep or goat's milk.
 
• Bigilla, a traditional Maltese dip made from mashed beans seasoned with garlic, parsley, and local olive oil.
 
• Sun-dried tomatoes which have a mild sweet and salty flavor.

However, the humble hobz biz-zejt is the main highlight of this platter. The fluffy inside and crusty outside bread is dipped in local olive oil and spread with a sweet Gozitan tomato puree.

The Islands are home to two indigenous grape varieties:

 
• Gellewza is a red grape variety known for producing wines with a rich red color, medium to full body, and flavors of ripe red fruits.
 
• The white Girgentina is a large grape variety, with amber-colored, thick-skinned berries which are both fragrant and fruity, resulting in wines that are crisp and full-flavored.

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.

Gastronomy

Michelin star restaurants are known for their exceptional quality, creativity, and attention to detail in both ingredients and presentation. These renowned dining establishments are great for clients seeking exquisite gastronomic experiences on the Maltese islands.

Despite Malta being a relatively small island, it has made its mark on the global culinary map with a growing number of Michelin-starred restaurants. Since 2020, the Maltese gastronomy scene has flourished and now in its fourth year, the guide features 35 restaurants of the highest calibre across Malta and Gozo. This includes six restaurants awarded One Michelin Star and four restaurants awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand, all of whom have excelled in placing the archipelago as an undiscovered culinary destination.

Michelin Guide

Bahia is located on the first floor of the elegant Corinthia Palace Hotel. The restaurant is named after the prestigious naval orange which is grown in the region, and a preserved orange tree sits at the centre of one of the dining rooms. Sophisticated dishes inspired by various periods in Maltese history, including the Stone Age and Roman times, while 'Future' allows diners to explore new, sometimes daring combinations of flavours in dishes which push boundaries.

ION is renowned for its exceptional culinary creations, blending traditional and contemporary Mediterranean flavours with innovative techniques. Situated on the water's edge, the restaurant offers breathtaking views of the Valletta Grand Harbour.

Fernandõ Gastrotheque is a small, quiet bistro in French style which is informal yet elegant, located in a small street at the back of the lively Sliema with contemporary furnishings and soft background music. The highly talented chef here creates Mediterranean dishes with the occasional international touch and plenty of character, all prepared from the best seasonal ingredients.

****Suggestion for image: Interior of Fernandõ Gastrotheque with contemporary furnishings****

Nestled in the heart of Valletta, Under Grain is celebrated for its intimate atmosphere and refined culinary creations. The restaurant showcases a menu that artfully blends international and Maltese flavors while prioritizing the use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

****Suggestion for image: Interior of Under Grain restaurant****

Located within the luxurious Xara Palace Relais & Châteaux in Mdina, De Mondion offers a sophisticated dining experience with breathtaking views. The restaurant focuses on contemporary Mediterranean cuisine, emphasizing local and seasonal ingredients.

****Suggestion for image: View from De Mondion restaurant in Mdina****

ION the Harbour

As mentioned before, restaurateurs can also take home the accolade of a Michelin Plate to proudly display in their window. We have a total of 34 restaurants featured in the Maltese Michelin Guide, and with removing the aforementioned 10 restaurants (6 Michelin Star and 4 Bib Gourmands), there are still another 24 restaurants featuring fresh ingredients and excellently prepared dishes around the archipelago.

****Suggestion for image: Michelin Plate displayed in a restaurant window****

Noni

Whilst Michelin Star restaurants take the top accolade in the Michelin Guide, there are two other lesser-known sections that restaurateurs can aim to achieve. These are the Bib Gourmand or a Michelin Plate. The former of these is there to focus on value dining and to steer away from expensive "fine dining". There’s no set formula for a “Bib” restaurant – they are all unique and can vary greatly from one place to the next. From luxurious restaurants to village pubs, and trendy bistros to street food stands, the Michelin Guide offers something for everyone, for every occasion and in every price bracket. What Bib restaurants do have in common is their simpler style of cooking, which is recognisable and easy-to-eat. A Bib Gourmand restaurant will also leave you with a sense of satisfaction, at having eaten so well at such a reasonable price.

Casual diners can find four Bib Gourmands in Malta; Grain Street and Rubino in the heart of Valletta, Terrone in Birgu (Vittoriosa, the Three Cities), and Commando in Mellieha.

****Suggestion for image: Exterior of one of the Bib Gourmand restaurants****

Situated in Valletta, Malta's capital city, Noni provides a modern and intimate setting. The restaurant prides itself on offering innovative dishes with an emphasis on local produce, traditional flavors, and a touch of international influence.

****Suggestion for image: Interior of Noni restaurant****