1. L-Għadam tal-Mejtin
Literally translated into ‘the bones of the dead’, this traditional sweet is found around the beginning of November for All Souls Day, in Maltese Jum l-Erwieħ, celebrated on the 2nd of November. Baked in the shape of bones, this Maltese cookie (as some call it), has a rich almond taste with hints of zesty lemon, traditionally glazed with icing, and sometimes chocolate.
2. Torta ta’ San Martin
San Martin cake or tart is made around the time of St Martin of Tours’ feast day – 11th November. The main ingredients include a mix of different types of nuts along with a fruit blend of dates, sultanas, and apples. This combination creates a fruity and rich, sweet taste that pairs well with an afternoon coffee.
3. Ħobż ta’ San Martin
Also associated with the feast of St Martin, ħobż ta’ San Martin translates to St Martin’s bread, and is not the savoury, crunchy Maltese bread that everyone adores. This is a sweet bread - almost like a full, round doughnut (without the filling), decorated with a liquorice torpedo sweet pushed down the middle.
4. Qagħaq tal-Għasel
Maltese qagħaq tal-għasel (honey rings) can be found in the autumn months, running up all the way to the Christmas season. This traditional sweet is filled with honey treacle and spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, aniseed and ground cloves. It has a strong yet pleasantly sweet taste, perfect for a quick nibble with tea!
BONUS! A host of other traditional Maltese sweets can be found on the islands all year round, so whether you’re a local searching for a sweet treat or a visitor scavenging the island for its traditional goodies, here are a few that shouldn’t be missed out on: mqaret (deep fried date diamonds), Maltese trifle, kannoli tal-irkotta (ricotta canoli), torta tal-lewż (almond cake), ġelat tat-tieġ (wedding ice-cream), and ġelat tan-nanna (granny’s ice-cream).