If there is one food every visitor to Malta should try, it’s the pastizz (plural: pastizzi). These flaky, golden pastries are sold from tiny shops called pastizzeriji in almost every town and village, eaten at breakfast, between meals and after a night out. They are cheap, filling and quintessentially Maltese.
What are pastizzi?
A pastizz is a savoury pastry made from thin, layered dough that bakes into crisp, flaky leaves. The two classic fillings are:
- Ricotta (pastizzi tal-irkotta, also called tal-ħaxu): creamy, mild and slightly salty
- Mushy peas (pastizzi tal-piżelli): spiced peas, often with a touch of curry and onion
Pastries like these are found around the Mediterranean, but the pastizz, with its distinctive flaky dough and simple fillings, is uniquely Maltese.
How to tell ricotta and pea pastizzi apart
Locals can tell the filling at a glance, because the pastry is folded differently. Traditionally, ricotta pastizzi are folded down the middle, while pea pastizzi are folded down the side. Ricotta ones are often more diamond-shaped, while pea ones tend to be rounder. If in doubt, just ask: “tal-irkotta or tal-piżelli?”
How to eat a pastizz
- Eat them hot: straight from the oven is best
- Expect crumbs: the flaky pastry shatters everywhere, which is part of the fun
- Order a mix: try one of each filling
- Pair them right: locals often drink tea served in a glass, a coffee, or a bottle of Kinnie, Malta’s bittersweet orange soft drink
Pastizzi vs qassatat
You’ll often see qassatat sold alongside pastizzi. They have similar fillings (ricotta, peas, sometimes spinach and anchovies), but use a softer shortcrust pastry and are round with an open, pinched top. They’re more filling, and many pastizzeriji sell both.
Where to eat pastizzi in Malta
Crystal Palace (Is-Serkin), Rabat
Just outside the gates of Mdina, this simple bar is the island’s most famous pastizzi stop and a ritual for locals at all hours. Combine it with a visit to the Silent City on a Mdina tour or our Rabat tours.
Your local pastizzeria
Honestly, some of the best pastizzi come from the unassuming pastizzerija around the corner from your hotel. Look for a busy counter and a fresh tray coming out of the oven.
Village bars and band clubs
Many village bars serve pastizzi with tea or coffee in the morning, a great way to see everyday Maltese life.
How much do pastizzi cost?
Pastizzi are one of the cheapest snacks in Malta, typically costing around a euro or less each. Prices vary by shop and location. They’re so cheap and popular that the Maltese say something “sells like pastizzi”, the local version of “sells like hotcakes”.
Pastizzi on a food tour
Want to taste pastizzi alongside other Maltese favourites such as ftira, rabbit stew and local cheeses? Our Maltese food guide covers the essentials, and a private driver can take you to the best local spots, including Rabat’s famous pastizzeria. Wash it all down with a cold Cisk lager.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are pastizzi made of?
Pastizzi are made from thin, flaky layered pastry filled with either ricotta cheese (pastizzi tal-irkotta) or spiced mushy peas (pastizzi tal-piżelli).
How do you tell ricotta and pea pastizzi apart?
By the fold. Traditionally, ricotta pastizzi are folded down the middle, while pea pastizzi are folded down the side. Ricotta ones are often more diamond-shaped and pea ones rounder.
Where is the most famous place for pastizzi in Malta?
Crystal Palace bar, also known as Is-Serkin, in Rabat just outside Mdina, is the most famous pastizzi spot in Malta and popular with locals at all hours.
How much are pastizzi in Malta?
Pastizzi are one of Malta's cheapest snacks, usually costing around a euro or less each, depending on the shop.
What is the difference between pastizzi and qassatat?
Pastizzi use thin, flaky pastry, while qassatat use a softer shortcrust pastry and are round with an open top. Both often have ricotta or pea fillings.
