Taste the Tradition — Must-Try Maltese Pastries

Few things rival the comfort of warm pastries straight from the oven. In Malta, that comfort greets you at every corner shop and bakery window.

Follow your nose through the winding streets, and you’ll catch the scent of Pastizzi, Qassatat, and Ftira drifting through the air — golden, aromatic, and impossible to resist. And before you dive into our guide to 13 must-try Maltese foods, here’s a quick local tip.

💡 Insider tip: Some small bakeries still operate on a cash-only basis, so keep a few euros handy.

The Maltese Pride: Pastizzi

Among Malta’s most iconic bites, Pastizzi stand proud. Crisp, golden, and irresistibly flaky, these filo-like pastries come with a variety of fillings — from creamy ricotta (pastizzi tal-irkotta) to curried peas (tal-piżelli), and sometimes even chicken.

Whether you’re starting your morning or taking a mid-day break, it’s hard to resist their allure. You’ll often see locals grabbing them fresh from small bakeries — usually for less than €1. And if you notice a crowd gathered outside a tiny shop, that’s your cue to join in.

As you take your first bite, the buttery aroma and delicate crunch will tell you everything you need to know about why Maltese people love them so much. For us, the winner is the pea-filled pastizzi tal-piżelli — rich, spiced, and perfectly comforting.

With that first flaky indulgence behind you, it’s time to discover another Maltese favourite — Qassatat.

The Posh Cousin: Qassatat

Still craving more? Then it’s time to meet the pastizzi’s posh cousin — Qassatat. Softer, rounder, and just a bit larger, these golden pockets are filled with ricotta, spinach, or peas. They feel a little heartier but stay just as wallet-friendly, usually around €2.

They’re the kind of snack that fits perfectly into any Maltese morning — easy to grab on the go, yet satisfying enough to keep you fueled as you wander through the island’s stone-lined streets.

After enjoying a few of these savoury pastries, you might be ready to try something more substantial — Malta’s legendary bread, the Ftira.

Experience the Traditional Ftira

Once you’ve had your fill of pastries, let’s switch gears and talk bread — Malta’s pride and joy, the legendary Ftira. This round, airy loaf is such a local staple that it’s been added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

Baked to a golden crust and bursting with Mediterranean flavour, ftira is often layered with tuna, capers, onions, and olives. The classic version, ħobz biż-żejt (“bread with oil”), captures the island’s simplicity and sunshine in one bite.

Expect to pay around €4, and expect to fall in love. At this point, you’ve tasted Malta’s most iconic street foods — but the island’s sweeter side is just as unforgettable.

Must-Try Maltese Sweets

After all those savoury bites, it’s time to treat your sweet tooth. Malta’s desserts bring a different kind of comfort — festive, nostalgic, and joyfully rich. Each sweet carries its own story, often tied to family gatherings, holidays, and long afternoons spent together.

Figolli: Almond and Citrus Delight

To start your dessert journey, meet Malta’s most nostalgic treat — Figolli. These traditional Easter biscuits bring together almond warmth and citrus brightness in every bite. Soft almond filling is sandwiched between lemon–orange biscuits, then glazed with icing or chocolate and decorated in playful shapes — rabbits, lambs, or hearts.

Though once reserved for spring, Figolli now appear in cafés year-round, usually for around €10. They’re perfect for sharing — though once you taste that buttery almond centre, you might keep it all to yourself.

Maltese Kannoli

Next up comes a café classic — the Maltese Kannoli. Crisp, golden pastry tubes filled with sweet ricotta or pistachio cream, they’re the kind of dessert that instantly lifts your mood. You’ll find them everywhere — from bustling food stalls to cozy cafés — usually for about €2 each.

Grab one with a strong coffee, and you’ll see why locals swear by them. Light, crunchy, and creamy all at once — they’re the perfect afternoon indulgence. Even so, Malta’s pastry story doesn’t end there — a French classic has found a home on the islands.

The Not-So-Maltese Croissant

Finally, let’s end the pastry parade on a modern twist — the Not-So-Maltese Croissant. While not born on the islands, these flaky beauties have become a local favourite, especially in the mornings alongside a strong espresso.

Stuffed with pistachio, chocolate, or raspberry cream, each one feels like a small celebration — rich, buttery, and perfectly sweet. You’ll spot them in cafés all across Malta, usually starting at around €2.50.

So if you’ve already fallen for Figolli and Kannoli, finish your pastry adventure on a high note — a pistachio croissant might be the sweetest way to end it. Yet beyond the cafés and bakeries, Malta’s everyday snacks offer an entirely different side of local life.

Everyday Maltese Foods and Snacks to Try

By now, you’ve explored Malta’s sweet and savoury pastries, but the island’s snack scene has even more to offer. Beyond the bakeries and dessert counters, everyday Maltese bites bring their own kind of charm — perfect for picnics, barbecues, or lazy beach afternoons under the sun.

Maltese Sausage

To kick off your snack tour, start with something smoky and bold — the Maltese sausage. A true local favourite, it’s made from seasoned pork mixed with coriander seeds, garlic, and parsley. You’ll spot it everywhere — from butcher counters and supermarkets like Greens or Welbees (around €4 per pack) to sizzling restaurant grills that fill the air with its unmistakable aroma.

Try it once, and you’ll understand its cult following.

Ġbejna: A Cheese-Lover’s Dream

Next, move from savoury spice to creamy comfort with Ġbejna. These tiny, round cheeses made from sheep’s milk come in several varieties — fresh, dried, or peppered. The peppered kind, coated in crushed black pepper, pairs beautifully with a slice of ftira or even a bit of sausage.

A small box costs around €3, making Ġbejna a must-have for any picnic or tapas-style platter.

Bigilla: Malta’s Famous Bean Dip

Every cuisine has its signature spread, and Malta’s is Bigilla. Often called the island’s answer to hummus, this hearty dip is made from mashed broad beans, olive oil, garlic, and herbs. It’s earthy, comforting, and wonderfully simple — the kind of food that feels like home.

You’ll find it in local markets or delis for around €2, often served alongside warm, crusty bread.

Summer Fruits to Try

As the seasons change, so does Malta’s menu. If you’re visiting during the warmer months, the island’s fruit stalls become impossible to resist. Local watermelons and strawberries steal the show — juicy, bright, and bursting with flavour. You’ll see them piled high at roadside stalls, usually for about €1.50 a piece.

They’re the perfect way to cool down after a day exploring the island’s sun-drenched coast.

Traditional Must-Try Maltese Foods for Dinner

And when the sun dips below the horizon, Malta’s cuisine takes on a heartier rhythm. Dinner is when tradition truly shines — when slow-cooked stews and rustic flavours bring everyone together around the table. Here are three dishes that capture timeless Maltese comfort.

Stuffat tal-Fenek – Rabbit Stew

First up is the national pride of Malta — Stuffat tal-Fenek. This slow-cooked rabbit stew dates back to the time of the Knights of St John, simmered for hours in wine, tomato, and herbs until it’s tender and rich. It’s still a weekend favourite today, found on traditional menus for around €15.

One spoonful, and you’ll taste centuries of tradition in a single bite.

Tender Quail

If you’re craving something a little lighter but just as flavourful, try the Maltese quail. Tender and aromatic, it carries a subtle, gamey note that makes it stand out among island dishes. Often served as a starter (around €8), it’s delicate, refined, and surprisingly satisfying.

Bebbuxu – Maltese Snails

Finally, for the adventurous foodies, there’s Bebbuxu — Malta’s take on land snails. Cleaned over several days and simmered in tomato, garlic, and herbs, they’re usually enjoyed as an appetiser with crusty bread, especially in autumn. Expect to pay around €15 in restaurants.

If you’ve ever tried French escargot, you’ll feel right at home — just with a touch more Mediterranean flair.

Until Next Time — 13 Must-Try Maltese Foods to Remember

We hope this guide to 13 must-try Maltese foods leaves you inspired to taste your way through the islands — one delicious bite at a time. Maltese cuisine is more than food; it’s a reflection of the island’s warmth, history, and creativity.

From flaky pastizzi to hearty rabbit stew, every dish tells a story of connection and comfort — a glimpse into Malta’s heart, shaped by sea, sunshine, and shared tradition.

If you’ve tried any of these dishes, we’d love to hear what you thought! Share your favourites in the comments below, or tag us on Instagram @longbluofficial — we always enjoy seeing your Maltese food moments.

And when you’re ready to keep exploring, pair those flavours with a view — take a look at our post Top Eight Scenic Spots in Malta for ideas on where to slow down and enjoy the moment.

Kindly,
Mikki and Andy