A Maltese festa is the place to be this summer. The vibe is great, but most importantly, the sweet treats are to die for. Here are 10 must-tries at one of Malta’s local feasts.
1. Kannoli
Festa kannoli are filled and decorated with every filling and topping imaginable, be it traditional sweet ricotta, or chocolate, smarties, or pistachios.
2. Imqaret (ovja)
If you don’t taste imqaret (date cakes) at the festa have you reaaally been to one?
3. Maltese nougat (qubbajt)
Having different flavours (and colourful packaging) Maltese nougat, or qubbajt, is one of the most popular festa treats. And in the words of the folklorist Joseph Cassar Pullicino, “a feast without nougat isn’t a feast.” #Preachit.
4. Helwa tat-Tork
A local feast is just an extra excuse to devour a piece of helwa tat-Tork. Similar but no the same as qubbajt above, the halva treat has a nutty flavour and will definitely have you going back for another bite (or four!).
5. Deep-fried doughnuts
While not entirely Maltese, festa stalls serve up some delicious, warm deep-fried goodness and you’ll be smelling them from miles away. Guaranteed.
6. Biscotti
Almond-covered festa biscotti hit us right in the foodie feels. They’re so yummy and not such a heavy treat - perfect if you’re watching that summer bod.
7. Perlini
The hard sweet is traditionally given out as wedding favours but locals crave them all year round, and a feast is just the place to taste them!
8. Karamelli
Specifically carob sweets, festa karamelli bring back childhood memories for locals. But it’s one of those that you either love or loathe. Which team are you on?
9. Ghaghaq tal-ghasel
Another popular sweet treat are the ghaghaq tal-ghasel (honey rings). The crunchy dough is filled with treacle and is an absolute must-try during a festa.
10. Candyfloss
Okay, it’s not a Maltese treat but some locals really know how to work the machine! And honestly, you need to have candy floss at a festa. #Dejjem