Culinary Voyages: Traditional Maltese Food

From pastizzi to ħobż biż-żejt and everything in between

Malta, cast out in the middle of the Mediterranean, is at a natural crossroads. Just 50-odd miles from Sicily, approaching the Maghreb, accessible from the south of France and not too far from Greece, traditional Maltese food combines influences from its many Mediterranean neighbours and former rulers. Some might say this has resulted is a rather strange selection of national dishes.

 

When you land in Malta, know one thing: this is carb country – Dr Robert Atkins would have been most displeased! You’ll likely begin most days with pastizzi – flaky, multi-layered pastries that contain either fresh ricotta or an English-inspired filling of mushy peas, thankfully without the fried fish. They’re often served hot, alongside tea or coffee – and the coffee here is well worth trying, dosed as it is with aniseed, cloves, and other spices. Crystal Palace, a bakery in Rabat that’s almost always open, is often said to make the very best on the island.

 

In general, a good rule of thumb is to stay near the bakeries – the bread in Malta borders on sublime. A staple of traditional Maltese food is the rustic, wonderfully moreish ħobż biż-żejt – warm bread that’s rubbed with a juicy tomato before being topped with capers, anchovies, cheese, and fresh herbs. Given its proximity to Italy, Malta is also mad for pasta. Homemade ravjul (ravioli) stuffed with fresh sheep’s milk cheese, has been a staple supposedly since the Middle Ages, while timpana, a lasagne-like dish of baked pasta topped with short crust pastry, would tempt the most determined of Paleo dieters.

   

Of course, the Maltese can’t live on starch alone. Given that it is a Mediterranean island, seafood reigns supreme here. The small fishing village of Marsaxlokk, which sells fruits de la mer fresh from the water, is considered ground zero, and restaurant Ir-Rizzu is arguably the best place to taste it. Look out for octopi, lampuki (Malta’s most popular fish – otherwise known as mahi mahi or dorado), and other local catches. Perhaps less predictably, rabbit ranks as the most popular meat in Malta. Fenkata (rabbit stew) is considered a national dish – and is often served with pasta as a ragu. United Bar turns out a classic version.

 

But all that’s only scratching the surface of Maltese food. On the whole, the country’s cooking leans towards the rustic, with dishes like soppa tal-armla (widow’s soup), minestra (minestrone) and other popular peasant-style recipes. And only a fool would willingly give Maltese dessert a miss: kannoli are the local version of the Italian ricotta-based treat, while a plate of sticky treacle rings might warrant skipping the starters.

 

Despite this emphasis on rustic cuisine, Malta is also home to a number of fine dining restaurants. Tarragon puts a modern spin on traditional plates, and Ta’Frenc, located in a converted farmhouse, serves homemade ravjul and bread alongside more Michelin worthy culinary masterpieces. The Villa Corinthia at the Corinthia Palace, meanwhile, sources superbly fresh local ingredients for dishes such as risotto with prawns or rabbit and papardelle with broad beans.

Our only advice for first-time travellers to Malta? Be sure to pack a substantial appetite.

Your Island Escape

Read More

A Night On Us

A Night On Us

Make the most of your holiday with an indulgent stay at Corinthia Palace.

  • Breakfast at Villa Corinthia
  • Book three nights and pay for two
  • Late check-out, subject to availability

Read More

Read More

A Summer Escape to Corinthia Palace

A Summer Escape to Corinthia Palace

Welcome to Corinthia Palace, where the warm Mediterranean scent wafts through our renowned gardens and where balmy turquoise skies grace you from above. Experience the true magic of summer in Malta, a stone's throw away from every prominent place in Malta.

It is no wonder they say all roads lead to Corinthia Palace.

  • Save up to 25% on the best available room rate
  • Breakfast at Villa Corinthia included with accommodation
  • Four nights minimum length of stay
  • Full use of the spa facilities, Vitality Suite, indoor pool, fitness centre, sauna and steam room and outdoor pool

Read More

Read More

Revitalize your Senses at the Athenaeum Spa

Revitalize your Senses at the Athenaeum Spa

The Athenaeum Spa is the epitome of relaxation and luxury, positioning itself as a superb spa destination. Bask in a spa escape to remember.

  • Breakfast at Villa Corinthia
  • 10% savings on our Daily Rate
  • A choice between a 30-minute Personalized Facial or 30-minute Body Soother Scrub

Read More

View all offers