A new age of pastizzi has dawned, as more eateries and bakers are experimenting with the Maltese traditional snack. For, at the end of the day, what doesn’t work well within a case of flakey savoury pastry, right? With an ocean of possibilities available, creativity has flourished. Here are some of our new favourite pastizzi fillings, providing some tough competition to the good old ricotta and pea versions.

1. Beetroot, goat cheese & thyme

The beloved Pastizzi Gourmet came up with this combination, amongst plenty of other original flavours (such as lemon curd; strawberry; and lemon balm). But, taking the crown for intriguing pastizzi fillings, Pastizzi Gourmet’s beetroot, goat cheese and thyme pastizzi don't only sound yummy, but they also look great: the beetroot provides a strong reddish-pink tone, making the savoury snack look unusually pretty.

2.  Caramelised onion

Erm.. yes please? These pastizzi are actually being made in Australia, a country which is home to a whole community of Maltese expats. The eatery which makes these is called Pastizzi Cafe, and it can be found in Newtown, a trendy inner-city suburb. Pastizzi Cafe, inspired by another outlet belonging to the owner's Uncle Lenny, makes all types of traditional Maltese handmade food and the owner is also super experimental with the pastizzi on sale. These include a whole range of novel fillings such as chocolate and ricotta, chili con carne, chicken and chorizo and beef and dark ale. Could this be a local business idea. Anyone?

3.  Pea & coriander

Sometimes, just one ingredient can really modernise a traditional recipe. Pastizzi Gourmet have also spruced up the traditional pastizz tal-pizelli  by adding one perfectly fitting herb - coriander.

4.  Kinder chocolate

I know a lot of people who sprinkle sugar on their ricotta pastizz and wouldn’t have it any other way, so having sweet pastizzi has definitely been a long time coming. The recently opened Shakes 'n Bakes in San Gwann are gradually launching a range of pastizzi in line with these sweeter tastes. Indeed, Kinder pastizzi, or the original ‘Reese Puff’ pastizzi may be the new reason to visit.

5. Bebbux & bacon?

Not officially available YET, but New York Best founder Tommy Diacono recently shared a little teaser, exhibiting an experimental snail & bacon pastizz. Let’s just say the reaction was positive, and the experiment welcomed with open arms (and mouths)!