What to eat in Malta: 10 local dishes and where to try them

Any pastizzerija, any hour

Flaky pastries filled with ricotta or mushy peas. Cheap, hot, and the island's real fuel after a night out.

Try it in Ħal Qormi.

Beach lunch, anywhere

Maltese bread rubbed with kunserva tomato paste and topped with tuna, capers and olives.

Try it in Mellieħa.

Mġarr is the rabbit village

Rabbit stewed in wine and garlic: Malta's national dish, often served as a fenkata feast.

Try it in Mġarr.

Lampuki season, late summer to winterin season now

Pie filled with lampuka (dorado), spinach, olives and mint. Only while the fish are running.

Try it in Marsaxlokk.

Gozo bakeries

Gozo's own ftira: thin dough loaded with potato, tomato and ġbejniet.

Try it in Nadur.

Gozo

Small sheep's-milk cheeses, served fresh, sun-dried or peppered.

Try it in Xagħra.

Fish restaurants on the coast

A garlicky fish broth with rice and tomato. Simple and perfect.

Try it in Marsaxlokk.

Festa stalls & Valletta

Fried date-filled pastries, best straight from the pan.

Try it in Valletta.

With bread and a cold Cisk

A broad-bean dip with garlic, chilli and parsley.

Try it in Rabat.

Everywhere

Kinnie, the bitter-orange soda, and Cisk, the local lager. Order one of each.

Try it in Mosta.

Food events coming up