Mal-Teaser: Why Malta Is the Perfect Destination for Foodies

Malta has long been associated with fine food and is often credited with creating the first ever fusion cuisine. Maltese food is largely influenced by Italian, Sicilian, British, Turkish, French and Arabic cuisine, due to a number of invasions from the 16^th to 20^th century.

Maltese chefs and natives regularly manage to blend these flavours to create their own unique dishes. The local cuisine is derived from ‘Cucina Povera’, which means ‘poor man’s kitchen’. What was once food eaten by the poor is now trendy haute cuisine, cooked by some of the island’s most famous chefs.

Maltese food

If you’re unsure about what to expect on the menus of Maltese restaurants, here’s a list of some traditional foods.

• Pastizzi: This diamond-shaped pastry is a particular favourite in Malta. The flaky pastry snack is filled with either ricotta cheese or mushy peas. It’s a cheap and cheerful treat and a Maltese speciality.

• Timpana: A fusion of ‘pasticcio di pasta’ and ‘pastitsio’, this is a pasta dish, layered with minced beef, tomato sauce and egg, then topped with pastry. It’s worth looking out for this on the starter menu.

• Lampuki Pie: This pie is made using the national fish, along with tomatoes, potatoes, onions and capers. You’ll find this dish making an appearance between August and November, when the fish are found in local waters.

• Kusksu: A delicious vegetarian soup made with broad beans, potatoes, onions, garlic and kusksu pasta (similar in size and look to cous cous), which is eaten as either a main meal or a starter.

• Kapunata: This side dish is very similar to ratatouille and goes perfectly with grilled fish or some crusty bread, known as hobza. It uses tomatoes, green peppers, aubergine and garlic.

Where to go

As the Maltese cuisine is very rustic, some of the most delicious food on the island is cooked in the homes of the natives. However, if you’re looking for somewhere to dine out, some of the finest restaurants are de Mondion, Oceana, Palazzo Parisio & Gardens, Beppe’s and Tarragon.

If you’re a foodie looking for something a bit different, Malta holidays could be the perfect choice. Now you’re armed with a basic knowledge of the local cuisine, you can research the island’s finest restaurants and enjoy tasting something special. It’s worth remembering that some of the best food can be found in the unlikeliest of places!

Sources:

https://www.aboutmalta.com/grazio/cuisine.html ; https://www.visitmalta.com/en/traditional-maltese-cuisine