The Aussies have taken this local street food favourite and made it their own… and we can’t wait to fly there to try them!
If there’s one foodie snack we recommend you try while in Malta, its pastizzi. As locals we can’t get enough of them (even though our doctors would advise otherwise… admittedly they’re not the healthiest) and they make the perfect snack – ideally washed down with a piping hot glass of sweet tea.
Traditionally made from flaky pastry wrapped around a filling of ricotta cheese or mushy peas, they’re one of our proudest creations. So imagine our excitement when we discovered this very Maltese icon has gone international, and found a following on the other side of the world in Sydney, Australia. And guess what? They’ve even got Kinnie!
“It was back in 2007 when my wife Debbie and I decided to open Pastizzi Café in Sydney,” explains proprietor Lenny. “My uncle had owned and operated the well-known Maltese Café on Crown Street in Sydney for 53 years, and I took over from him there. But, due to the changing trends in Sydney, we decided to make the move to Newtown – which is a trendy inner-city suburb – to carry on the tradition of making traditional handmade Maltese pastizzi, kannoli, ravioli, rabbit and imqaret. It’s been a huge success ever since.”
In fact, Pastizzi Café has since become an institution in Newtown, and thousands of people flock there to try their Maltese fare, as well as the delicious Italian items on the menu (inspired by Lenny’s mixed Maltese/Sicilian heritage).
Having said that, it isn’t just traditional items available for order; the team is renowned for coming up with truly innovative versions of our traditional pastizzi, with fillings such as spinach and ricotta, chilli con carne, chicken and mushroom, apple and cinnamon, and chocolate and ricotta. Any why stop there? Four years ago, the team decided to introduce an even wider variety as part of their Gourmet range, with highlights including the beef and dark ale, chicken and chorizio, caramelised onion and ricotta, and even berry and custard. Berry and custard pastizzi! We can’t even imagine the deliciousness…
“The fillings are often inspired by current food trends and are developed by our dedicated team of cooks, family and food consultants,” Lenny continues. “It’s hard to pick a favourite, especially as we have 24 varieties now.
“So, of course, we’d absolutely love to welcome anyone from Malta – or anyone who’s been to Malta – to our café, to see what they think of our pastizzi and to pick their favourite. Drop in whenever you want – but do remember to book if you want an evening table or to come at the weekend, as we get very busy!”
Follow Pastizzi Café here.