Typical Food Dishes In Malta: Traditional Maltese Food
Traditional Maltese food is generally Mediterranean as it depends on fresh produce like honey, olives, tomatoes, and other vegetables. Maltese cuisine is a perfect blend of different spices, vegetables, and fruits while taking inspiration from French, British, Sicilian, and North African cuisines.
Let us look at what makes Maltese food different from the rest of the world.
Typical Maltese Food
The cuisine of the ever-so-famous Malta reflects its history, geography, and the friendly relationship that it enjoys with neighboring islands. The most distinctive and famous Maltese dishes heavily rely upon sea and land produce, which are an integral part of this island's cuisine.
The savory foods consist of hearty soups with 'Soppa tal-armla' being a top-hit and fish dishes like 'lampuki pie' being a top favorite among tourists and locals.
Savory dishes consist of rich ingredients like pasta, cheese, pastry, and meat. Sweet dishes are all about honey, sugar, and anything that can satisfy your sweet tooth to the fullest. Kannoli, Helwa tat-Tork, and candied fruits are a typical Maltese dessert.
Traditional Maltese Meal
What does a typical Maltese meal consist of? Most Maltese meals start with a hearty soup, or they may be a one-dish meal. During the summer, fish and salads such as Kapunata are a top favorite. On the other hand, pies, stews, and soups are favorite winter meals.
Malta food dishes differ from other cuisines in their custom of cooking stuffed vegetable and meat dishes in a sauce or soup. The cooked sauce is then used as a first-course meal with pasta, and the cooked vegetables and meat are then served as the second meal.
Maltese bread is a staple element of every meal and is always present on the dining table alongside wine and water.
Famous Maltese Dishes
Cheese: 'Cheeselets' or gbejniet are one of the most exclusive Malta food items served in every household and restaurant. They are small balls of cheese made with goat or sheep milk and molded into tiny basket shapes.
Meat dishes: The national Maltese dish is a stewed rabbit, a highly sought-after meal. Seafood dishes such as qarnit and lampuki are famous for their irresistible taste.
Pastizzi: The Maltese love rich stuffed pastries, which is why a famous street treat is a pastizzi that are sold throughout Malta.
Distinctive Features Of Maltese Food
Let us look at some of the Maltese food's most distinctive features and what to incorporate if you're looking for Maltese cooking ideas.
Garlic is a staple ingredient in all the soups, stews, and sauces.
There is a majority of stuffed meat and vegetable dishes that are either cooked in broth or pan seared.
Traditional Maltese meals consist of one pot-soups and stews made with meat and vegetables.
Puff pastries with sweet and savory fillings are a specialty.
Malta Food: The Final Words
Typical Maltese food is rich in flavor and ingredients and offers a wide range of lip-smacking treats. Whether you are eating fluffy pastizzi or a hot rabbit stew, you will not be able to get enough of their exclusive taste.