The feel of Malta is one of ancient history, acceptance of multiculturism(they had no choice,) Catholicism, and friendly, laidback people.

Moving swiftly to my passion food and drink.  The famous Mediterranean diet is a tradition here.  Fresh vegetables and fish with olive oil are available all year round from the locals.  Mostly it is a seafood diet.  This fits my lifelong diet: “I see food I eat it.“ 

I would like to dedicate that joke to the one or two of you who have not heard it before. Apologies to the rest of you.

Here is a quick look at the superb food Malta has to offer:

 Ftira  open/closed sandwiches.  They are a staple part of Maltese food and consist of a special bread usually filled with tuna fish.

 Gozo Pizza  Although excellent pizza is available everywhere on Malta, the pizza on the second island, Gozo is the best by far.

Pastizzi  Malta’s famous street food. Fluffy flaky pockets of baked dough filled with cheese or mushy peas.

 

 Rabbit Stew is the national dish of Malta introduced in the 1500s Try it in a good restaurant.

Octopus  Octopus is another national dish.  Again, try it in a good restaurant.  When properly prepared, it is delicious!

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Lampuki  Lampuki is the Maltese name for dorado fish or mahi-mahi.  Lampuki migrate through the Mediterranean every year and are a fisherman’s favorite.

 

 

 

 

Fish platters Seafood restaurants will usually serve up their own version of a mixed grill.  You can expect giant shrimp, Calamari squid rings, mussels, clams, octopus, and local “catch of the day” fish. Awrat, Pagella (red snapper,) Swordfish, and Cerna (Grouper) are among the best of a wide variety of choices.

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Beef Steak  Many of the better restaurants serve up a tasty Rib-Eye steak with fresh vegetables and potatoes.  They import beef from Argentina, Ireland, Sicily, and Poland.

Sunday Lunch  This is a tradition inherited from the British who were the last to occupy the island.  Thin slices of succulent roast beef with Yorkshire pudding, spicy cauliflower, roast potatoes, and crispy peas all drenched in an irresistible brown gravy.

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There are many fishing villages in Malta.  The most famous is Marsaxlokk in the south.  The restaurants there serve fish caught just hours before landing on your plate. There is a big difference between freshly caught fish and day-old fish.  If you are looking for a wonderful ribeye steak, you will be very disappointed here.

There is also a large flea market in Marsaxlokk every Sunday selling local handwork and much more.  So if you have any money left after gorging yourself on fish and the local wine, it is worth a look.