Food in Malta: 14 Traditional Dishes & Drinks You Need to Try 😋

Maltese food is every bit as fascinating as the islands themselves. With influences from Italy, North Africa, and Britain (with a dash of French and Spanish too), food in Malta tells the story of a crossroads in the Mediterranean. It’s rustic, hearty, and often best enjoyed in a little family-run place where the menu hasn’t changed in years.

On my last trip to Malta I quickly realised: it’s impossible to leave hungry here. From flaky pastizzi at breakfast to slow-cooked rabbit stew at dinner, Malta is full of dishes you’ll want to try at least once (and probably twice).

Here are 14 traditional foods and drinks from Malta that you shouldn’t miss.

Pastizzi 🥟

The king of Maltese street food, pastizzi are savoury pastries stuffed with ricotta or mushy peas.

They’re cheap, cheerful, and often found in bakeries or little kiosks. Best eaten warm, preferably with flaky pastry crumbs all over your clothes.

Rabbit Stew (Stuffat tal-Fenek)🍖

Malta’s national dish, rabbit stew is slow-cooked with tomatoes, wine, and herbs until tender. It’s rich, hearty, and usually shared with family and friends at Sunday lunch.

Ftira 🍞

Malta’s version of pizza-meets-sandwich, ftira is a flatbread topped with tuna, olives, onions, capers, and sometimes potatoes. It’s filling, affordable, and great for lunch on the go.

Lampuki Pie (Torta tal-Lampuki) 🥧

Lampuki (dolphinfish or mahi-mahi) is caught seasonally in Malta, and one of the best ways to try it is in a savoury pie with spinach, cauliflower, capers, and olives.

(I don’t have a photo, but watch this space – I’m intending to get one on my next visit in February 2026!)

Bigilla 🌱

A thick, rustic dip made from mashed broad beans, garlic, and herbs. Often eaten with Maltese bread as a starter or snack.

Ħobż biż-Żejt (Maltese Bread with Tomato & Olive Oil) 🍅

Simple but perfect: Maltese crusty bread rubbed with tomato, drizzled with olive oil, and topped with tuna, olives or capers. A picnic essential.

Aljotta (Seafood Soup) 🍲

A garlicky fish broth traditionally made with the catch of the day, tomatoes, rice, and plenty of herbs. Light but full of flavour, and especially good near the coast

Bragioli 🥩

Thin slices of beef stuffed with minced meat, herbs and breadcrumbs, then slow-cooked in tomato sauce. Comfort food at its best.

Stuffed Calamari 🦑

Calamari tubes stuffed with rice, herbs, and sometimes minced meat, cooked until tender and served with tomato sauce. A seaside favourite.

Kannoli 🍊

Yes, like Sicily’s cannoli, but with a Maltese twist. Crisp pastry tubes filled with ricotta cream, sometimes flavoured with citrus or candied peel.

Honey Rings (Qagħaq tal-Għasel) 🍯

Traditional Christmas treats, but available year-round in some bakeries. Pastry rings filled with a dark treacle-like honey mixture.

Helwa tat-Tork 🍬

A sweet, nutty nougat made with sesame paste, sugar and almonds. Found at festas and markets.

Drinks in Malta 🍻

Malta also offers some unique and refreshing drinks that are part of the local experience:

🍷 Maltese Wine & Liqueurs: Malta produces some surprisingly good wine, often from indigenous grapes like Girgentina and ġellewża. For something stronger, try prickly pear liqueur (bajtra).

🍺 Cisk Lager: Malta’s national beer. Crisp, refreshing, and perfect with a plate of pastizzi or a seaside view.

🧃 Kinnie: A bittersweet soft drink made from bitter oranges and aromatic herbs. Locals love it, and it’s worth trying at least once (chilled, ideally).

Related Posts 📖

🍜 Food in Cyprus: 12 Delicious Dishes and Drinks You Need to Try
😋 Food in Madeira: What to Eat & Drink on the Island.
🥗 Food of Mallorca: What to Eat and Drink on the Island.
🏜️ Perfect Things to do in Valletta, Malta.

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