Maltese food is vaguely Mediterranean, flavored with Italian and as dash of British. If you are visiting Malta, here are some of the foods that are unique to the Islands and are worth trying.
PASTIZZI AND QASSATAT
Pastizzi are Malta's favorite snack. They are tasty, diamond-shaped pastry stuffed with ricotta cheese or a green pea mixture. Pastizzi stalls can be found everywhere, and virtually every old-fashioned bar will offer its own, homemade versions. Qassatat are similar to pastizzi but made of a lighter pasty and round in shape. These are eaten any time of the day and are absolutely addictive.
HOBZ BIZ-ZEJT
These are chunks of bread brushed with olive oil and topped with a mixture of roughly chopped tomatoes, onions and herbs. They were traditionally considered a humble snack, akin to Italian crostini, but have acquired a following in recent years and are served now in smart bars and restaurants as appetizers.
MALTESE BREAD
The Maltese make excellent bread. Most villages have at least one bakery, where you pick up delicious hobz (small soft rolls) or ftira (a ring shaped loaf that is similar in texture to Italian ciabatta.) There is nothing like the smell of the fresh, warm Maltese bread. It is said the best bread in the world comes from Malta and I totally agree.
GBEJNIET
These small round cheeselets are made from goat or sheep's milk. There are two common kinds: the plain, which is smooth and creamy, and the peppered version, which is piquant and perfect with the local crusty bread and a slice of tomato.
FENEK
Fenek (rabbit) is the most popular meat in Malta. It is prepared in countless ways, but the most common include rabbit stew made with wine and flavored with herbs, roast rabbit , fried rabbit or a dish of spaghetti with rabbit sauce.
TORTA TAL-LAMPUKI
This fish pie is made with lampuki, a prized local fish that is only available for a short period each year (usually from September to Novemeber). The pie combines the fish with vegetables, walnuts, olives and raisins, and is absolutely delicious.
SOPPA TAL-ARMLA
Maltese cuisine has many delicious soups, including minestra (vegetable soup) and the traditional soppa tal-armla (widow's soup). The name comes from the simple ingredients, which includes potatoes and other vegetables, then a dollop of ricotta cheese or gbejniet cheeselet.
BRAGIIOLI
These are "beef olives" similar to the Italian version. They are made using slices of beef or veal stuffed with a mixture of cheese, ham and herbs. They are then braised gently on the stove or in an oven.
QUABBAJT
This nougat type sweet is made with almonds and honey, and is traditionally eaten at festivals or special events. It is available year-round from stalls and local shops.
MQARET
These are pastry parcels filled with a date mixture and deep fried. They make the perfect snack and are delicious, but fattening. They are available at stalls.
OTHER FOODS THAT SHOULD NOT BE MISSED
ALJOTTA
A boiled fish soup with tomatoes and garlicROSS IL-FORN
A baked rice dish with minced pork, beef, bacon, eggs and ricotta cheese.STEWED OCTOPUS
Octopus in a sauce of onions, tomatoes, olives and capers.SWORDFISH IN CAPER SAUCE
Fried swordfish with a sauce of capers, tomatoes and onions.TIMPANA
A golden brown bakes macaroni dish with minced beef and pork, eggs, cheese, chicken liver and bacon.
DRINKS IN MALTA
There are excellent Maltese wines. The local beer, CISK, is excellent and refreshing. There are also some local ales like Hopleaf Pale and Blue Label Ale, which are very popular. Maltese love tea and coffee. Both are usually served with milk. There are local liqueurs like Anisette, from the aniseed, and Bajtra, made from the prickly pear. The all time favorite drink is KINNIE.
This is a sofa drink, peculiar to Malta, and it is slightly bitter, fizzy and is flavored with orange and herbs. It's an absolute must to try since it's really not available anywhere but in the Maltese island and it is extremely popular. Most people prefer to drink bottled water, since most of the tap water in Malta is produced by a process that converts sea water into drinking water. The bottled water simply tastes better.
