Table of Contents
Introduction
The Mediterranean island of Malta has a rich and unique culinary tradition shaped by its diverse cultural influences over the centuries. Maltese cuisine blends Arabic, Sicilian, Spanish, French and British flavors into its own distinctive style. The island’s geographical location between Europe and North Africa has contributed to this melting pot of cuisines.
In this article, we will explore some of the signature dishes of Malta and the different cultural impacts on Maltese food. We will also look at the best places to sample authentic Maltese cuisine during your travels. Join us on a gastronomic adventure and discover why Maltese cuisine is gaining international recognition.
Signature Dishes
Rabbit Stew
Rabbit is one of the most iconic ingredients in Maltese cooking. Fenkata is a rich rabbit stew, often cooked in a stoneware pot and served with spaghetti or fried potatoes. Slow-cooked with tomatoes, onions, wine and herbs, this dish encapsulates the rustic, comforting style of Maltese cooking.
Bragioli
Beef olives or bragioli are thin slices of beef wrapped around a stuffing of bacon, eggs, onions and parsley. They are cooked in a tomato sauce and make a hearty, protein-packed meal. Bragioli is a great example of cultural fusion, combining Middle Eastern spices with Italian cooking techniques.
Timpana
Timpana is Malta’s answer to lasagna but taken to tasty extremes. It involves pasta layered with a Bolognese-style meat sauce, egg and cheese. This is baked in a pastry crust to form a satisfying pie. It’s a specialty served in Maltese homes for celebrations.
Lampuki Pie
Lampuki refers to mahi-mahi or dolphinfish – a popular fish found in the Mediterranean. Lampuki pie or torta tal-lampuki is a classic fish pie flavored with tomatoes, olives, capers, pine nuts and oregano. It makes the most of this seasonal summertime ingredient.
Pastizzi
These savory pastries are a favorite Maltese snack sold from street food stalls across the islands. Pastizzi have a flaky pastry case filled with either ricotta cheese or mushy peas. They were likely adapted from an Arabic filo pastry dish.
Kinnie
The national soft drink of Malta, Kinnie, is a unique bittersweet orange beverage flavored with aromatic herbs. It was created in 1952 and is drunk daily by Maltese locals. Kinnie is the perfect thirst quencher after eating the island’s hearty, flavorful cuisine.
Gelato
Italian gelato is revered in Malta with each gelateria boasting its own creations. Traditional cream and citrus flavors join more exotic options like fig or prickly pear. The coastline town of Sliema is one of the best spots to sample homemade gelato.
Influences on Maltese Cuisine
Maltese cuisine has been shaped by a tapestry of cultural influences interwoven into its history. From Arabicoccupation in the 9th century through to British colonial rule, each new ruler has imparted flavors and ingredients to Maltese cooking.
Arabic Influences
The Arabs introduced new fruits and spices that still define Maltese food – ingredients like apricots, saffron, cinnamon, carob and honey. Staple grain dishes like couscous and bulgur wheat display this North African impact. Maltese sweets like nougat and date pastries also derive from Arabic confectionery.
Italian Influences
After Arabs ruled Malta, the island was occupied by Sicily which brought Italian ingredients and cooking methods. Tomatoes, pasta, cheeses like ricotta, sweet peppers and herbs like oregano and basil became incorporated. The Italian love of seafood is also seen in Maltese cooking.
British Influences
When Malta became part of the British Empire in 1800, some British staples were added to the cuisine. Meat pies, ginger beer, potatoes, cauliflower and cabbage can be seen on menus. The Maltese even adapted the full English breakfast using local vegetables and cheeses.
Where to Find Maltese Cuisine
Travellers can experience authentic Maltese dishes in restaurants across the archipelago. Here are some of the best places to sample local specialties.
Restaurants in Valletta
Malta’s capital Valletta is home to fine dining restaurants putting a modern spin on traditional recipes. Try It-Tokk and Noni for creative takes on classics like rabbit, fish soups, braised octopus and sweet ricotta-stuffed cannoli.
Food Festivals
Annual food festivals like Ghanafest and the Maltese Food and Wine Festival are fun ways to taste a range of local delicacies. These showcase signature dishes prepared by top chefs alongside cooking demonstrations, music and craft markets.
Street Food
For an authentic budget-friendly experience, head to street food stalls selling Maltese fast foods. Pastizzi, Maltese flatbreads filled with olives or tuna, and ftira sandwiches are readily available across Maltese towns.
Culinary Customs
Beyond the signature dishes, there are some uniquely Maltese culinary habits and dining rituals to experience.
Snacks and Appetizers
Maltese people love small plates and tidbits known as anti pasti. These Tapas-style spreads include olives, roasted peppers, bigilla bean dip, zalzett tal-malti sausage and gbejniet cheeselets.
Sunday Lunch
Sundays centre around a leisurely family meal often featuring rabbit stew, roast pork or stuffed lampuki. Interesting sides include kusksu (pasta with broad beans and vegetables) and gallina ta’ l-għażż (boiled chicken with capers/olives).
Coffee Culture
The Maltese gather at bars and cafes several times a day for coffee and conversation. Locals stop for strong black espressos or cappuccinos accompanied by pastries. You can immerse yourself in this custom at a Valletta cafe.
Conclusion
Maltese cuisine may be lesser known than other Mediterranean fare but it offers an eclectic blend of flavors for food-focused travellers. Its hearty stews, aromatic pies, fresh seafood and sweet treats left behind by Arab, Italian and British rulers are begging to be discovered. Exploring Malta through its food promises a sensory adventure you won’t forget. Grab a pastizzi and kinnie, then start tasting your way across these islands!
FAQs
What are the main influences on Maltese cuisine?
Maltese cuisine reflects Arabic, Italian, French and British influences due to Malta’s strategic location and colonization by different cultures. Signature dishes blend these diverse flavors.
Where can you find authentic Maltese food?
Valletta’s restaurants, street food stalls and annual food festivals are great places to try Maltese specialties like fenkata stew, lampuki pie, and pastizzi pastries.
What are some classic Maltese Sunday lunch dishes?
Sunday family meals may include rustic rabbit or pork stews, stuffed fish, kusksu pasta, and chicken simmered with capers/olives. Roasted potatoes, salad and Maltese bread are common sides.
What time of day do Maltese people enjoy coffee breaks?
The Maltese frequently take coffee breaks throughout the day. Locals often start the day with a cappuccino and pastry. Later they may stop for an afternoon espresso at a cafe with friends.
What are some typical Maltese snacks and appetizers?
Maltese enjoy anti pasti spreads of olives, roasted peppers, bigilla bean dip, zalzett sausage, gbejniet cheeselets and other small tapas-style plates before a meal.