What to Eat in Malta – The Ultimate Food Guide for an Authentic Culinary Experience

Malta is not just a summer destination with stunning beaches and rich history. It is a rising culinary destination that blends Mediterranean flavors with strong Italian and subtle Arabic influences. If you're planning a trip and wondering what to eat in Malta, this guide gives you a clear, strategic overview to maximize your food experience.

Traditional Maltese Dishes You Must Try

🥩 Stuffat tal-Fenek (Rabbit Stew)

This is Malta’s national dish. Rabbit slow-cooked in a rich tomato and red wine sauce with garlic and herbs. It’s deeply flavorful and typically served with pasta as a starter using the same sauce.

🥓 Bragioli (Beef Olives)

Beef rolls stuffed with egg, bacon, herbs, and breadcrumbs, cooked in a rich sauce. A hearty, comforting dish with strong Mediterranean character.

🐟 Lampuki Pie

A traditional fish pie made with lampuki (similar to dorado), combined with spinach, olives, and capers. A balanced and authentic option.

🍆 Kapunata

Malta’s version of ratatouille. A vegetable-based dish with eggplant, tomatoes, peppers, and herbs. Ideal for lighter or vegetarian meals.

🫘 Bigilla

A traditional broad bean dip with garlic and herbs. Usually served with rustic Maltese bread.

Street Food in Malta – What’s Worth Trying

🥐 Pastizzi

The most iconic Maltese street food. Flaky pastry filled with ricotta or mushy peas. Cheap, fast, and addictive.

🥪 Ħobż biż-Żejt

A traditional Maltese sandwich with tuna, tomatoes, capers, olives, and olive oil. Simple but extremely flavorful.

🍕 Ftira

A Maltese-style bread or pizza, often topped with local ingredients. Rustic and very satisfying.

🧀 Qassatat

Savory pastries filled with ricotta or peas. Perfect for quick snacks on the go.

🍝 Italian & Mediterranean Influence

Due to its location, Malta offers excellent:

• Fresh seafood (squid, shrimp, local fish)

• High-quality pasta dishes

• Authentic pizza

• Olive oil-based recipes with herbs and simple ingredients

👉 For a premium experience, invest in a seaside seafood restaurant. The quality and freshness are noticeably higher.

Desserts You Shouldn’t Miss

🍯 Imqaret

Fried pastries filled with dates. Commonly found in street markets.

🥐 Kannoli

Inspired by Sicily, filled with ricotta cream. A safe and classic dessert choice.

🍬 Helwa tat-Tork

A nougat-style sweet with almonds and sesame. Rich and traditional.

What to Drink in Malta

🍺 Cisk Beer

The most popular local beer. Light, refreshing, and perfect for warm weather.

🍷 Maltese Wines

Malta produces excellent wines, especially white and rosé varieties. Try local labels at wine bars or restaurants.

Where to Eat in Malta – Smart Strategy

To optimize your food experience:

• Valletta → Fine dining and premium restaurants

• St. Julian’s / Sliema → Wide variety, more tourist-oriented

• Marsaxlokk → Fresh seafood and authentic local atmosphere

👉 Avoid obvious tourist traps with generic menus. Focus on local, highly-rated spots.

If you're searching for what to eat in Malta, the answer is not just one dish—it’s a full culinary journey. From traditional recipes to street food and premium dining, Malta offers variety and depth.

The key is to approach it strategically:

• Try authentic dishes

• Explore beyond tourist menus

• Invest in a few high-quality dining experiences

This way, you won’t just eat in Malta—you’ll truly experience its food culture.