If you know your samosas from your bhaji, or your hummus from your tzatziki – and you really cannot get enough of any of them – then this weekend has your name written all over it. The Malta International Food Festival is laying out a delightful spread of stalls featuring cuisine from all over the world – and yes, you get to try them. 

1. Spice it up

As any cook will tell you – even the more novice – the addition of spices can make a whole load of difference and can give a kick to the blandest of ensembles. From herbs which are grown in the Mediterranean, such as basil and mint, to the more exotic spices of Cardamom – with a dash of cinnamon – the festival is keen to introduce some flavour into all the proceedings. And, you never know, you might actually get some ideas for the next time you whip something up in the kitchen.

2. Maltese suckling pig

Local food has experienced a resurgence over the past few years, with bigilla (broad bean dip), kusksu (springtime pasta soup) and bragioli (beef rolls) on trend. But, nothing beats the drama of suckling pig, roasted over a naked flame. Many local eateries offer the delicacy, together with a touch of other local delights, but if you have never come across it, you might want to pick up a fork and try it out while listening to some live music over the next few days.

3. Bring on the pasta!

Italian macaroni or spaghetti? Bolognese or marinara? Whatever floats your boat, there will be live cooking stations at the Malta International Food Festival introducing a variety of different pasta dishes. This is not fast food as we know it: fresh local ingredients will be sourced, such as Maltese-grown tomatoes and aubergines, so you won’t have to feel (that) guilty if you opt to take another portion.

4. A taste of the east

Who doesn’t like some falafel on a summer’s evening? Chickpeas are a staple of much Middle Eastern cuisine and there’s bound to be plenty to savour over the weekend. But, you don’t need to go all veggie to feel as if you’ve travelled some distance. Lebanese fare, as well as Indian curries, will be created using different cuts of red and white meat, marinated in traditional sauces and spices.  

5. A little bit of everything

Food grazing is a thing and with the rise in popularity of mezes, there’s never been a better time to do so. The stalls which will be set up in the Mdina ditch actually seem to encourage tasting a little bit of everything, but there will also be the typical Mediterranean fare, served with some healthy doses of what many consider to be the queen of all sustenance: bread. 

The Malta International Food Festival runs from Thursday, 19 July – Sunday, 22 July at the Mdina Ditch from 6pm.