Guide to Maltese Food for International Students in Malta

Moving to a new country to study can be exciting and scary. Food can help you feel more at home as you settle into a new country. In Malta, international students like to try local food to learn about the culture and have a good experience. Eating a good meal gives you energy, makes you feel better and helps you adjust to your new surroundings.

Maltese cuisine is a mix of Mediterranean flavours and ingredients, with the island's history and culture influencing the food you’ll find in Malta. They have dishes like stews and seafood that use locally grown ingredients. This means the meals are tasty and healthy, which is good for your overall well-being.

Discover the amazing food in Malta that tells stories of tradition, creativity and love for cooking. Malta's food scene contains exciting flavours and textures representing the island's history and different cultures. Here is a list of the most famous Maltese food for international students to explore in Malta. 

1. Pastizzi: These are savoury pastries filled with ricotta cheese or mushy peas. They are a popular Maltese snack or great for breakfast. 
2. Ftira: This is a traditional Maltese bread topped with tomatoes, olives, capers and tuna, giving it a taste of the Mediterranean. 
3. Fenek: If you like trying new foods, you should try rabbit cooked differently, like stewed or fried. 
4. Ħobż biż-żejt: This simple and tasty dish is made of crusty Maltese bread topped with tomatoes, olive oil, capers, olives and tuna. 
5. Kinnie: This is Malta's special soft drink, with a unique bittersweet flavour from bitter oranges and aromatic herbs. 
6. Seafood: Enjoy the freshest fish of the day, like grilled swordfish or octopus stew, at seafood restaurants along the coast. 
7. Mqaret: These are sweet treats made from deep-fried pastry filled with dates and served warm, sprinkled with icing sugar. 
8. Imqarrun il-Forn: This is a comforting baked pasta dish, usually made with macaroni, Bolognese sauce and lots of cheese. 

Embracing Maltese food for international students is a wonderful way to immerse in the culture and enhance your experience in Malta. By exploring the diverse culinary landscape of Malta, you'll have the opportunity to try traditional dishes passed down through generations, as well as innovative creations that showcase the creativity and passion of Maltese chefs. You will satisfy your hunger and create lasting memories as you bond with friends over shared meals and discover new flavours and ingredients. The warmth of Maltese hospitality is often experienced through food, as locals take pride in sharing their culinary traditions with visitors. 

1. Cook at home: Use the kitchen with friends or choose a place to live with cooking facilities to make your affordable meals. 
2. Visit local markets: Go to local markets like Marsaxlokk Market or Ta' Qali Farmers' Market to buy fresh food and ingredients without spending too much. 
3. Get student discounts: Many restaurants and stores give special deals to students, so ask about discounts to save money. 
4. Share meals: Save money by splitting the cost of meals with friends when eating out and still enjoy the local food. 

At GBS Malta, we understand how important it is for students to have a good environment in which to learn and grow. Our living facilities are made to be comfortable for our students and are only a 20-minute bus ride from the university campus. We want our students to feel safe, secure and happy in our Campus Hub. The residence has modern rooms, fitness facilities, interesting shops and affordable cafés and restaurants to make students feel at home. There's also a direct bus to school from the residence, which makes it easy for students to get to class. 

Our campus is well-equipped with kitchens, so students can cook their meals while enjoying Malta's delicious food. We also have different places to eat on campus that cater to other diets, so every student feels welcome. With great facilities and a supportive community, GBS Malta is the perfect place for international students to achieve their academic goals in Malta. 

Whether you're trying local dishes or cooking in your dorm, let food show you the vibrant culture of Malta.