What are Pastizzi?

Pastizzi are savoury pastries made from a crispy, flaky dough that is similar to puff pastry. They come in two main varieties:

1. Pastizzi tal-Irkotta: filled with a creamy ricotta cheese mixture.
   
   
2. Pastizzi tal-Piżelli: stuffed with mashed curried peas.
   
   

Both types are encased in layers of dough that puff up when baked, creating a pastry that’s crispy on the outside and warm and soft on the inside. The combination of the rich filling and the crunchy outer layers makes pastizzi an irresistible snack, perfect for eating on the go. The golden, flaky exterior contrasts beautifully with the savory, soft filling, creating a delightful textural experience.

A Brief History of Pastizzi

The origins of pastizzi can be traced back hundreds of years, and like many Maltese dishes, they are influenced by Malta’s long history of Mediterranean trade and colonization. Pastizzi are thought to be influenced by Arabic and Sicilian pastries, though they have evolved into something uniquely Maltese. The dish gained popularity as an affordable street food for the working class, due to its simple ingredients and satisfying nature.

Over time, pastizzi have become a national dish, loved by people from all walks of life. Today, you’ll find pastizzi served at pastizzerias (small bakeries that specialize in these pastries), street stalls, and cafés across Malta. They’re often enjoyed with a hot or cold drink, making them a perfect companion for breakfast, a mid-morning snack, or even late at night.

Why Pastizzi Are a Must-Try Street Food in Malta

If you visit Malta, you simply must try pastizzi. Here’s why they are considered an essential part of the Maltese street food experience:

1. Affordability: One of the biggest reasons pastizzi are so popular is their affordability. These pastries are inexpensive, usually costing less than one Euro. This makes them accessible to everyone, from locals on their way to work to tourists looking for a cheap and delicious snack.
   
   

2. Flavour Explosion: Despite their simplicity, pastizzi pack a punch in terms of flavour. The combination of buttery, flaky pastry and a rich filling makes each bite incredibly satisfying. Whether you prefer the creamy ricotta filling or the slightly spiced pea filling, there’s a pastizzi for every taste.
   
   

3. Cultural Experience: Eating pastizzi is more than just enjoying a pastry; it’s about experiencing Malta’s culture. Pastizzi are a quintessential part of Maltese life, often enjoyed during casual meetups with friends or family. Sitting down at a local pastizzeria and enjoying a pastizz with a coffee or tea gives you a taste of everyday Maltese life.
   
   

4. Convenient and Portable: One of the reasons pastizzi are so popular as street food is that they’re easy to eat on the go. The compact size and sturdy dough make them ideal for eating while exploring Malta’s towns and cities. You can easily grab a couple of pastizzi from a street vendor and keep moving.
   
   

5. Made Fresh Daily: Most pastizzerias in Malta bake their pastizzi fresh every day, ensuring that you get a piping hot, flaky pastry whenever you buy one. The smell of fresh pastizzi is unmistakable, often wafting through the streets and drawing you in for a taste.
   
   
   

Variations and Modern Twists on Pastizzi

While the traditional fillings of ricotta and peas remain the most popular, some pastizzerias are beginning to offer modern twists on pastizzi to appeal to changing tastes. In some places, you might find pastizzi filled with meat, spinach, or even chicken. These variations still maintain the traditional flaky dough but add new flavours to the mix.

Another modern trend is using pastizzi dough to create sweet versions of the pastry. Although not as widespread, you might find sweet pastizzi filled with chocolate, custard, or even fruit. These innovations show how pastizzi continues to evolve while still holding onto its roots.

Where to Find the Best Pastizzi in Malta

You can find pastizzi at almost every corner in Malta, but some places are particularly well-known for serving exceptional versions of this beloved pastry.

• Crystal Palace (Rabat): This is one of the most famous pastizzerias on the island, known for serving hot, fresh pastizzi around the clock. Crystal Palace is a local institution, and its pastizzi are legendary. Many say it’s the best place on the island to try this traditional snack.
  
  

• Sphinx Pastizzeria: With several locations around Malta, Sphinx Pastizzeria is another well-known spot to grab a tasty pastizz. Their pastizzi are consistently good, and they offer a range of traditional and modern fillings.
  
  

• Any Local Bakery: Almost any local bakery or café will have pastizzi available, especially in more residential areas. Often, these hidden gems serve equally delicious pastizzi that locals frequent.
  
  

How to Enjoy Pastizzi Like a Local

For the full pastizzi experience, try eating your pastizz with a Kinnie, a traditional Maltese soft drink, or with a cup of tea or coffee. Pastizzi are often enjoyed as part of a casual breakfast, mid-morning snack, or even a late-night treat after a long day or night out.

Maltese people tend to eat pastizzi while chatting with friends or reading the newspaper, so don’t hesitate to grab one and take a moment to sit and enjoy the atmosphere around you.