John Myers
Exploring Maltese Cuisine: Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Maltese cuisine is known for its Mediterranean flavors and influences from neighboring countries like Italy and North Africa. However, the cuisine is also rich in meat and seafood dishes, making it challenging for vegetarians and vegans to find suitable options. The good news is that in recent years, vegetarian and vegan-friendly options have emerged, making it easier for plant-based eaters to explore the culinary delights of Malta.
Traditional Maltese Dishes and Their Plant-based Alternatives
Some of the traditional Maltese dishes can be easily modified to suit vegetarian and vegan diets. One such dish is the popular rabbit stew. Instead of using rabbit, the stew can be made with mushrooms, potatoes, and other vegetables, making it a hearty and flavorful meal. Another dish is the pastizzi, a pastry filled with ricotta cheese or peas. The peas version is a delicious plant-based option that is widely available in bakeries across Malta.
Other dishes that can be made vegetarian or vegan-friendly include the kapunata, a vegetable stew made with eggplant, onions, and tomatoes, and the ftira, a traditional Maltese flatbread that can be filled with vegetables, cheese, and beans instead of meat.
Vegetarian and Vegan-Friendly Restaurants in Malta
While traditional Maltese restaurants may not always have many options for vegetarians and vegans, several restaurants in Malta cater to plant-based eaters. One such restaurant is Grassy Hopper, which is entirely vegan and serves a wide range of dishes, including burgers, wraps, and smoothie bowls. Another popular restaurant is Soul Food, which has a vegetarian and vegan menu that includes dishes like falafel, lentil curry, and quinoa salad.
Other restaurants that offer vegetarian and vegan options include Brown’s Kitchen, Ta’ Kris, and Govinda’s. These restaurants serve a mix of Maltese and international cuisine, making it easy for plant-based eaters to find something that suits their tastes.
In conclusion, while Maltese cuisine may be heavy on meat and seafood, it is possible to find vegetarian and vegan-friendly options. By exploring plant-based alternatives to traditional dishes and visiting restaurants that cater to vegans and vegetarians, plant-based eaters can enjoy the unique flavors of Maltese cuisine without compromising their dietary choices.
