During the holiday season in Malta, people celebrate with happiness, customs, and tasty food. Christmas foods in Malta are a vital aspect of the island’s festive traditions, blending flavorful ingredients and ancient recipes. If you are considering a trip to Malta over the Christmas season or just looking to sample some special dishes from this Mediterranean destination, here are a few of the top Christmas foods you should not miss out on.
1. Imqaret – A Sweet Treat for the Holidays
Imqaret are deep-fried date pastries that are a staple during Christmas in Malta. These golden, crispy treats are filled with a spiced date mixture and then fried to perfection. The combination of the sweet dates and crunchy dough makes imqaret a beloved Maltese Christmas food. Often served warm, they are the perfect dessert to enjoy after a hearty Christmas dinner. You can find imqaret at local bakeries or even as street food during Christmas fairs.
2. Kwarezimal – A Traditional Maltese Biscuit
A classic Maltese biscuit usually consumed in Lent, has now become a key element in Christmas festivities as well. Kwarezimal is created using ground almonds, honey, and a blend of spices, giving it a chewy texture and a pleasant scent that fills the atmosphere in the holiday season. The cookies are frequently molded into tiny bread shapes and covered in sesame seeds. Kwarezimal, with its distinctive flavor and consistency, is a Christmas treat that highlights Malta’s baking traditions and is definitely worth trying.
3. Stuffat Tal-Fenek (Rabbit Stew)
While rabbit stew is a year-round favorite in Malta, it is especially popular during the Christmas season. Stuffat tal-Fenek, a traditional Maltese rabbit stew, is slow-cooked with tomatoes, wine, garlic, and a blend of Mediterranean herbs. The tender rabbit meat soaks up all the delicious flavors, creating a rich, savory dish that is often served with crusty bread or potatoes. This hearty meal is perfect for a cozy Christmas dinner and a wonderful way to experience the flavors of the island.
4. Torta Tal-Lewż (Almond Cake)
Maltese almond cake, or torta tal-lewż, is a popular Maltese Christmas Foods. This cake is made with crushed almonds, sugar, and eggs and is usually topped with candied fruit and powdered sugar. Its moist texture and rich, nutty flavour make it a favourite over the holidays. It’s a great way to serve sweets during family gatherings or as a holiday gift for friends.
5. Bigilla – A Christmas Dip
Bigilla is a traditional Maltese bean dip made from broad beans, garlic, olive oil, and spices. This savory dip is typically served as part of the Christmas appetizers or with a selection of breads. Its rich, earthy flavor is a perfect complement to the other Christmas foods on the table. Bigilla is often enjoyed with Ħobż Malti (Maltese bread), making it an ideal dish to start off your holiday feast.
6. Cuttlefish and Pasta (Pastizzi with Cuttlefish)
For a special twist on Christmas pasta, experiment with pastizzi filled with cuttlefish or other types of seafood. This meal is less popular outside Malta, but it is a cherished festive dish on the island. The traditional way to prepare cuttlefish involves cooking it with garlic, onions, and fresh herbs, and then stuffing it into a flaky pastry shell. It combines delicious seafood and flaky pastry, making it a great choice for your holiday dinner.
7. Christmas Puddings (Pudina Tal-Ħelwa)
Maltese Christmas foods: pudina tal-ħelwa, the rich and luscious Maltese Christmas puddings, are made with a mixture of breadcrumbs, sugar, chocolate, and local specialities like honey and almonds. This custard, which is commonly served as a dessert or snack throughout the holiday season, gives a delectable finale to any Christmas feast. Both residents and visitors love it for its rich, sweet flavour and delicious texture.
8. Fenek Moqli (Fried Rabbit)
The Maltese also eat fenek moqli, or fried rabbit, as a Christmas celebration. Before being cooked till golden brown, rabbit is marinated in wine, garlic, and herbs in this dish. It is typically served with potatoes or vegetables and is thought of as a special dish for celebratory occasions. Fried rabbit is a must-try for any Christmas foodie, whether they eat it as a main course or with other typical Maltese dishes.
9. Maltese Christmas Cake (Imqaret Cake)
If you enjoy imqaret, but desire a heartier option, consider trying the imqaret cake. This cake has the same spiced date filling as the popular date pastry, but in a soft, moist cake form that is great for sharing during the Christmas season. It’s a fantastic way to savor the seasonal tastes in a unique form.
10. Fried Codfish (Bakkaljaw)
In Malta, codfish is often consumed during the Christmas season, especially on Christmas Eve. Known locally as bakkaljaw, fried cod is typically soaked in water for a few days to remove excess salt before being fried with garlic and olive oil. The crispy, golden crust on the cod contrasts with the tender fish inside, making it a delightful Christmas food. It is often served with potatoes or vegetables as a side dish.
Conclusions on Maltese Christmas Foods
Maltese Christmas foods show the diverse cooking heritage of the island, mixing Mediterranean tastes with holiday customs. From savoring sweet snacks like imqaret and kwarezimal, to indulging in savory meals like rabbit stew and bigilla, or tasting traditional desserts such as torta tal-lewż and pudina tal-ħelwa, there is an abundance of delicious foods to explore. When visiting Malta in the Christmas season, these classic dishes provide an authentic experience of the island’s festive atmosphere. Be sure to sample these traditional Maltese dishes and enjoy the cozy feeling and delicious taste of Christmas in Malta!
Including these Christmas foods in your holiday festivities will allow you to experience Malta’s rich and flavorful culinary traditions. Whether enjoyed with loved ones or indulged in solitude, these Christmas foods will surely enhance your holiday season.
