Tasting Malta – A Delicious Spin on Mediterranean Cuisine

Located near the geographic center and the undisputed crossroads of the Mediterranean, Malta’s culinary heritage has been influenced by numerous nearby food cultures including North Africa to the south, Italy to the north, Greece, Turkey and the Levant to the east.

After thousands of years of gastronomic evolution and experimentation in local kitchens, the Maltese culinary melting pot features tastes and textures that are definitely familiar, undoubtedly Mediterranean, but with a spin.

As Visit Malta proudly proclaims, “Whatever type of dining experience you’re craving — a quick snack, Michelin-star restaurant, or hearty sample of local cuisine — there’s always something to sink your teeth into in Malta.”

What are some of the dishes that everyone should sample on their sojourn in Malta? Try this trio:

Pastizzi

The country’s most beloved dish is a savory, flaky puff pastry filled with creamy, Maltese ricotta cheese or a delicious mashed-pea concoction called piżelli. They can be eaten at any time of day but are especially good at breakfast with coffee or tea and a view of the Med from your hotel balcony. Yet when filled with Nutella, pastizzi also make a great dessert.

Imqarrun il-forn

This popular pasta dish raises the macaroni casserole from an ordinary dish into a mouthwatering artform. Baked until the top is dark and crusty, the dish blends tubular pasta, a rich tomato-based meat sauce, cheese, and various herps and spices. Depending on the chef, imqarrun can also contain bacon, chicken, or eggs.

Aljotta

The Maltese love their soups, none more than the sumptuous aljotta. Similar to bouillabaisse, this seafood soup that features a whole fish flavored with tomato, lemon, onion and whatever else the cook wants to toss into the cauldron. Although traditionally prepared during Lent, it’s not a year-round delicacy.

While MI Malta is designing the island-wide itinerary, ask them to include restaurants and snack bars that serve outstanding examples of these iconic Maltese dishes.

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Malta – DMC