Traditional Maltese Dishes You Should Try While Visiting Gozo

01/05/2025

When you visit Gozo, you don't just come for the sea views—you come for the flavourful, home-style food rooted in centuries of Mediterranean tradition. Maltese cuisine blends Sicilian, North African, and British influences, and nowhere is that mix more evident than on Gozo.

Here are 10 traditional Maltese dishes you must try during your stay:

Pastizzi

1. Stuffat tal-Fenek (Rabbit Stew)

Often called the national dish of Malta, this slow-cooked rabbit stew is rich with tomato, garlic, and red wine. Served with crusty bread or spaghetti, it's a local favourite—especially in Gozitan village restaurants.

2. Pastizzi

The ultimate Maltese street snack. These flaky pastries are filled with either ricotta cheese or curried peas, and you'll find them at nearly every corner pastizzeria. Cheap, addictive, and a must-try.

3. Ftira Ghawdxija (Gozitan Ftira)

This local flatbread is often topped with potatoes, olives, capers, anchovies, or sausage, then baked in a traditional stone oven. It's like a Maltese pizza—and every bakery does it a little differently

4. Bigilla

A smooth broad bean dip made with garlic and herbs. Served as an appetiser with crackers or Maltese bread, it's a staple in Gozitan households.

5. Kapunata

The Maltese version of ratatouille. Made with eggplant, tomatoes, onions, and capers, this dish is usually served cold and pairs perfectly with fish or bread.

6. Timpana

Baked macaroni mixed with a tomato-meat sauce, encased in a pastry crust. It's hearty, comforting, and very Maltese. Great for those who love a filling dish.

7. Hobz biz-Zejt

Meaning "bread with oil", this is Malta's signature open sandwich: crusty bread rubbed with ripe tomatoes, olive oil, and stuffed with tuna, capers, onions, and olives. Perfect for a beach picnic.

8. Aljotta (Fish Soup)

This garlicky fish broth is full of herbs, rice, and the catch of the day. Light yet flavourful, it's especially popular during Lent or after a long beach day.

9. Lampuki Pie

Imqaret

Made from the seasonal Lampuki fish (dorado), this savoury pie includes spinach, olives, and cauliflower in a golden pastry crust. If you're here between August and December, don't miss it.

10. Imqaret

Deep-fried pastries filled with spiced dates. Usually served warm at markets or festivals, and often accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A sweet way to end any Maltese meal.

Where to Try These Dishes in Gozo?

Ask Claire for her favourite local restaurant recommendations—many places nearby serve homemade versions of these traditional plates.

Want to try cooking them yourself? Visit a local market for fresh ingredients—or have them delivered using the Wolt app (don't forget our discount code: GP3TURE).