Malta is wonderfully unique in many ways. From its extraordinary combination of Arabic and European influences to its delightful coexistence of cosmopolitan lifestyle and tradition, the island is quirky, amazing and charming all at once. And then there are those things that are truly unique to the Maltese Islands; like those foods that you just won’t find anywhere else. Here are some foods that are iconic and endearing symbols of the Maltese lifestyle.
1. Maltese bread
Whether you get a regular hobza tal-Malti, a large ftira with a hole in the middle or the bun-sized small ftajjar, Maltese bread takes bread-making to another level. It is characterised by an ultra crunchy outer layer and a more elastic or rubbery interior. Perfect for rubbing over-ripe tomatoes on with a drizzle of high grade olive oil. Or for toasting with melted cheese. There’s really no bread quite like Maltese bread.
The most famous Maltese sandwich is the hobz biz-zejt, which generally consists of tomato paste spread, canned tuna, capers, olives, salt and pepper as a minimum. Variations will include goat’s cheese (gbejna), broad beans, pickled vegetables, onions, lettuce, fresh tomatoes, sundried tomatoes and other delicious Mediterranean foods.
2. Tea in a glass
If you want to feel truly Maltese, head to one of Malta’s local ‘workmen bars’ and get your tea with milk in a glass. These bars usually lie in a village core or a well-used route where lorry drivers may stop for lunch. They are characterised by the option to get your Maltese ftira made to order just the way you like it, from a large selection of Mediterranean goodies, cold cuts and cheese. Here, your cuppa comes in a teeny glass and is known locally as te fit-tazza. Believe it or not, it does taste different than having tea in a teacup or a mug (or does it?).
3. Pastizzi
Yes, pastizzi get a mention in every little piece written about Malta’s special delights. And rightly so. No local or foreigner can deny just how tasty these stuffed flaky savouries truly are. Pastizzi are great at any time of day, whether alone or in company. Made from a flaky pastry traditionally stuffed with ricotta cheese or mushy peas - although recently, chicken and other varieties have come into play - Malta’s favourite street food even finds its way to five star receptions and weddings. Pastizzi must be Malta’s best loved delicacy!
If you find yourself at Malta’s most famous pastizzeria, Crystal Palace (otherwise known as is-Serkin) in Rabat, you can wash your pastizzi down with tea in a glass made to order from a huge metal kettle with tea brewing inside it; the guy will dilute it with more hot water and add milk, as per your preference!
4. Figolli & other traditional treats
Maltese sweets! They’re really something, I tell you. And figolli - Malta’s favourite Easter treats - are perhaps one of the most famous and well-loved traditional sweets, but there are many more iconic local delicious delights to drool over. More seasonal treats will include kwarezimal (Easter chewy nut biscuit), l-ghadam tal-mejtin (almond bones) typical in November and torta ta’ San Martin (fruit and nut cake) in the same period.
Malta’s favourite cakes include the sinizza (swiss roll), torta tal-marmurat (chocolate and almond pie) and torta tal-lewz (almond cake); many Maltese sweets are made with almonds. Day-to-day favourites will include imqaret (date cakes), kannoli tal-irkotta (ricotta stuffed sweet rolls), qaghaq tal-ghasel (honey rings), pudina tal-hobz (bread pudding), helwa tat-tork (almond halva), sfineg ta’ San Guzepp (cream stuffed dough balls), karamelli (carob sweets), and Malta’s very own unique doughnuts.
5. Twistees & Kinnie
You may actually see Twistees outside Maltese shores … stashed inside a Maltese person’s handbag or backpack. In fact, Twistees are so well-loved and iconic that they get shipped across the world as a token of affection to those living overseas, lest they get too homesick! Twistees are a true Maltese icon, with the recipe and packaging unchanged for at least the past 40 years. Every Maltese person loves Twistees. A gluten-free ‘original baked snack made from best quality rice and maize’, Twistees are, quite simply, the easiest go-to pre-packaged snack. No Maltese person can quite understand why they have not taken over the world as the best packed snack ever made.
These go down well washed down with a Kinnie, Malta's favourite local soft drink made with bitter oranges and spices. It's a bit of an acquired taste, and just like beer (Malta's best is Cisk), once you've acquired it, nothing fizzy tastes better chilled!
So while you're in Malta, make sure you get hobz biz-zejt and some pastizzi, and be sure to wash them down with tea in a glass. Pack in some local treats, Twistees and Kinnie, and you've got the ultimate day-to-day taste of Malta to a tee.