Malta has been occupied by various different countries, so its history shines through in its eclectic cuisine. You’ll easily spot dishes that have been influenced by Spain, England, France and Italy, as well as a large amount of Mediterranean gastronomy. Meat like rabbit and pork feature heavily around Malta and Gozo, while pastries (both savoury and sweet) and stews are staples. And whether it’s swordfish or snapper, order the catch of the day at least once! The must-sip tipples on these islands include red and white wines, as well as a lager that’s been around since the late 1920s.

Must-try dishes

Stuffat Tal-Fenek

Rabbit stew

Widely remarked as Malta’s national dish, rabbit stew might not be everyone’s taste, but it started out as a beef substitute. The sauce is usually herby and ragu-like, and mixed with a good dash of wine.

Pastizzi

Ricotta-stuffed pastries

Malta and Gozo’s popular savoury snack resembles croissants a little, but tastes totally different. The pastry’s still flaky, but they’re generally filled with salty ricotta and mushy peas, and can be enjoyed whenever you fancy, day or night.

Pixxispad

Grilled swordfish

Seafood is big in Malta, but it’s the swordfish that really stands out. This fresh, locally caught fish is fried in olive oil, finished with lemon, and served like just like that. It’s a great way to sample the best of the Med.

Ħobż biż-Żejt

Maltese bread with tomato paste

This crusty sourdough bread is tasty enough on its own. But you’ll often find it spruced up on summer menus with olive oil and tomato paste, and sometimes even with tuna and capers as well.

Gagħaq tal-għasel

Honey or treacle rings

When it comes to sweet treats, you need to get your hands on these! They’re often made at Christmas, and are quite simply pastry rings filled with treacle or honey, mixed spices, marmalade, vanilla, cinnamon, and sugar.

Divine drinks of Malta and Gozo

Bajtra

Prickly pear liqueur

Made with local prickly pears – which are cactus-like plants – Zeppi’s Bajtra liqueur has a very refreshing, distinctive taste. It’s sweet and fruity, and can be sipped neat or mixed with wine spritzers or champagne, if you’d prefer.

Cisk

Local lager

Malta is a wine-drinking island, but this beer has been on the scene since 1929, and is still a firm favourite. It was branded at the end of the “Roaring Twenties”, and now comes in low carb and extra strong varieties.

Kinnie

Non-alcoholic sparkling bitter orange

This bittersweet fizzy drink is Malta’s well-known sparkling orange beverage. Enjoy it on its own with ice, or as a mixer with alcohol. It’s made by Simonds Farsons Cisk, who produce the famous Cisk lager.

Gellewza

Maltese red wine

Used for medium-bodied red wines as well as sparkling rosés, the dark Gellewza grape is versatile. It has subtle cherry notes, which complements a drop of Cabernet Sauvignon and goes nicely with duck or lamb.

Girgentina

Maltese white wine

If you’re after a light, low-alcohol wine, then the Girgentina grape – which originates from near Sicily – can provide that. It’s got an easy-to-detect floral aroma, so it’s typically paired with fish broth or seafood like snapper or octopus.