Savoury and Sweet: Maltese Snacks You Need to Try

The literal translation of this meal is “bread with oil” – however, it is not simply that. The beauty of this simple dish lies in the use of fresh Maltese bread or ftira (a ciabatta-like bun), which is thick and crusty on the outside but soft on the inside. The bread is spread with a tomato paste (kunserva) that adds sweetness and acidity, then topped with canned tuna, capers, olives, black pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. 

This dish is easy to recreate yourself by buying the ingredients at a supermarket. However, you can also get it ready-made at most local band clubs (każini) that are located in every village in Malta. In case you’re looking for one in Valletta, Gugar Hangout & Bar makes a mean ftira. 

These little cheeselets are made with goat’s or sheep’s milk. You can obtain soft cheeselets, which have a similar texture and taste to mozzarella, or dried cheeselets, which are saltier and harder in texture. When it comes to dried cheeselets, you can find them in a plain, peppered, or herbed form. Ġbejniet are the perfect addition to a hobża biż-żejt, not to mention excellent with galletti (Maltese crackers).

There are two leading brands for ġbejna in Malta: Benna and Ħanini. Both have super tasty options that are available in basically every supermarket or food store in Malta. My personal favourites are the fresh cheeselets from Benna and the Ħanini cheeselets with sundried tomatoes and garlic. I’ll let you decide what’s yours! 

Bigilla is a dip made from beans similar to broad beans except that they are darker and have a harder skin (ful ta’ ġirba; or djerba beans). It’s super simple – just soak dried broad beans, then blend with olive oil, salt, garlic, parsley, and water. 

This is another fantastic addition to ħobż biż-żejt and any traditional Maltese snack platter to enjoy over wine. You can find it ready-made in any supermarket or food store. You’ll sometimes also find it served in local band clubs as a free appetiser when having a few drinks. They are often accompanied by peanuts and galletti (Maltese round local crackers).

Meat lovers – buckle up. Maltese sausage is a real treat made of ground pork, sea salt, crushed black peppercorns and coriander, garlic, and parsley. My favourite way to eat it is grilled, alongside ġbejna and galletti, for the perfect appetiser. 

You can find this fresh at any butcher’s shop and frozen at some supermarkets (unless they have a meat counter). It’s quite hard to find while out and about, though – you’ll probably only find it at restaurants stating that they serve Maltese cuisine.

Crunchy and cheesy, Twistees are a staple Maltese snack you can pick up at any supermarket or food store. You can even find a packet of Twistees at local band clubs – so grab a packet alongside your ħobż biż-żejt and some Kinnie, for the quintessential Maltese snacking experience. 

Malta also produces Krips salt and vinegar, Gobblers, and Crix – my personal favourite being Krips. You can find all these in supermarkets and food stores across Malta.

Pastizzerias also have other Maltese snacks, such as qassatat. These pastry pockets are larger and less flaky than pastizzi, and are often filled with the same traditional fillings: ricotta or peas. 

They are another cheap street food and can also be found in the frozen section at supermarkets and food stores, and at certain cafès.

Having walked you through all the savoury options, the upcoming ones are for anyone with a sweet tooth. Imqaret are a fried, thin pastry pocket filled with a spiced date and citrus paste. They’re best eaten while still warm! 

These are often found in confectionaries and the frozen sections of supermarkets and food stores. You’ll  also find fresh ones at village feasts across Malta and Gozo – just visit in summer, when there’s a village feast every single week. 

A personal favourite of mine is a qagħqa tal-għasel (honey ring). Although these pastry rings used to be filled with honey, now they are filled with treacle. These are traditional Christmas treats but can now be found all year round. The best way to eat them is to dip them into a hot tea or coffee, as the filling gets warm and soft. 

You can find these in most supermarkets or food stores with pastries and cakes. You might also find them at certain confectionaries.

Something else made to dip in your tea or coffee are the qagħaq tal-ħmira (yeast rings). These are soft, brioche-type rings topped with sesame seeds and made to be torn apart to dip into a warm drink. You can top these bun-like rings with butter, cheese, or jam – although plain is fine too. 

You can find these in most supermarkets or food stores with the pastries and cakes. You can also find them at certain confectionaries.

There you have it: a list of Maltese snacks you should definitely try to snack like a local. Munch away!

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