In Malta You Don't Pass on Pastizzi

Pastizzi, one of the most delicious street foods I’ve ever had the pleasure of trying.

One of the best ways to get to know a new city or country is by sampling their delicious local delicacies and street food. While in Malta you may find yourself enamored by this golden brown, crispy pastry in the hands of locals and tourists alike. I too, wondered what these little delicate treats were. I’m happy to report that they’re called pastizzi and they’re delicious!

I’ll tell you all about what pastizzi are, where to get the best ones, and how much they cost!

This post is all about pastizzi!

what is pastizzi?

Pastizzi are an exquisite pastry with a long history. The pastry was invented so long ago, that it’s hard to find out much information about it’s exact origin. It’s creation is rumored to be as early as the 12th century. It’s said to be created with a hybrid of both Arab and Italian influences.

What Does it Taste Like?

Always served warm, pastizzi have the perfect balance of a crispy and flaky pastry while filled with a soft, creamy inside. The buttery, golden brown dough is laminated in a unique manner that makes it differ from a typical croissant or puff pastry dough. The flavor is dependent upon which you choose.

The two most common flavors for pastizzi are ricotta and peas. Some places offer other flavors, but these are by far the most common and popular. I recommend trying both and deciding which you prefer. The ricotta is simple, creamy and an amazing midday snack for only €0.50. The pea flavor is much more flavorful and interesting – I find it to be reminiscent of an Indian samosa. The peas are flavored with onion, garlic and a dash of curry powder.

Where to get the best pastizzi

The best place to get pastizzi in Malta is at Crystal Palace (Is-Serkin) in Rabat. Rabat is the city located just outside the walled city of M’dina. M’dina, “the silent city”, is a fabulously preserved and quaint medieval town. It’s so special that many films and hit tv shows like Gladiator and Game of Thrones where filmed here and draw many tourists. However, the real gem of this area is the Crystal Palace (Is-Serkin).

This unassuming little storefront is an intimate bar frequented by local older gentlemen, but is home to arguably the best pastizzi in all of Malta. It opened in the early 1940s and has been a local favorite ever since. If you find yourself traveling in Malta, I highly suggest you head to Crystal Palace and try these pastizzi.