Embarking on a culinary adventure is one of the best ways to truly experience a country’s culture. When it comes to Malta, this Mediterranean gem offers a tantalizing array of flavours and delicacies that are sure to delight your taste buds. From traditional snacks to mouth-watering pies and cheeses, let’s dive into the world of Maltese cuisine and discover the top five delicacies you must try during your visit. These are 5 delicacies mostly found only in Malta.
Bigilla: A Dip Beyond Appearances
Don’t judge a dip by its cover! Moreover, Bigilla, a traditional Maltese dish, is a delightful blend of fava beans, olive oil, herbs, seasoning, and garlic. While it may not boast the most vibrant colours, its taste is simply outstanding. Often served as a snack or spread, it pairs perfectly with freshly baked Maltese bread. Additionally, it complements salads, crackers, and savoury biscuits. You can find Bigilla in numerous Maltese restaurants and delicatessens across the island.
Ġbejniet: Small Cheese, Big Flavour
Prepare your taste buds for a unique cheese experience with Ġbejniet. Farmers produce these small, round cheeses from sheep milk, offering options ranging from fresh to sundried, salt-cured, and peppered. Ġbejniet plays a vital role in many Maltese dishes, and people often serve it with pasta or use it as a delectable pizza topping. Discover the rich heritage and taste of this Maltese specialty.
Spinach and Tuna Pie: A Perfect Marriage of Flavours
Maltese cuisine celebrates the harmony of ingredients, and this is beautifully exemplified in the Spinach and Tuna Pie. This delicate pie boasts a soft, moist base filled with the goodness of tuna, spinach, anchovies, onion, olives, and garlic. Pies hold a special place in Maltese culinary traditions, especially during colder months. Therefore, indulge in this savoury delight and experience the delightful combination of flavours.
Twistees: A Crispy Snack with a Twist
Get ready to tantalise your taste buds with Twistees, a unique rice-based savoury crisp snack. These crisps undergo baking instead of frying, making them a healthier option. Twistees offers various flavours, including the ever-popular cheese, as well as bacon, chicken, and peanut. Cheese lovers will delight in the introduction of “Cheesy Twistees Squeezable,” a sauce/dressing that adds an extra burst of flavour. Twistees has even gained international recognition, exporting its products to countries such as Libya, Germany, and the United Kingdom.
Maltese Bread: A Staple with a Unique Character
When it comes to bread, Malta’s village of Qormi boasts renowned master bakers. Maltese bread, known as Ħobż tal-Malti, serves as a beloved staple found in mini-markets throughout the island. This round loaf features a hard and crunchy exterior, along with a soft and fluffy interior. It often takes center stage in restaurant dishes or serves as the perfect accompaniment to mop up the last bits of a thick, flavorful Maltese stew. Another popular variant, Ħobz biż-żejt, stands out as a lunchtime favorite topped with virgin olive oil, tomato paste, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Delve into the vibrant world of Maltese cuisine and indulge in these 5 delicacies mostly found in Malta. From the flavorful Bigilla dip to the unique Ġbejniet cheese, and the harmonious Spinach and Tuna Pie, you’ll treat your taste buds to an unforgettable experience.
And if you want to know more about delicacies consumed worldwide that you would never imagine have their origins in Malta, be sure to join one of our “Licensed to Steal” guided tours and surprise yourself! Perhaps even shock yourself a little too.
Live Forgotten Stories: Where HIStory Becomes MYStory
Are you tired of the typical tourist traps and eager to uncover Malta’s rich history? Look no further! Our immersive and interactive guided experiences will transport you back in time, and make Malta’s past your playground.
We bring Malta’s colourful past to life through captivating storytelling and authentic period attire. We portray real-life characters from our history. As you explore hidden alleyways and baroque landmarks, the line between observer and participant will blur. This will allow you to truly “Live Your Holiday’s Past.”
If you’re ready to uncover the soul of our island and its people, don’t miss out on one of our themed guided tours. CLICK HERE to begin your journey into Malta’s extraordinary history!