Pastizz

A pastizz is a beloved savory pastry from Malta, celebrated for its delicious fillings of either ricotta cheese or mushy peas. These tasty treats are a staple in Maltese cuisine and are instantly recognizable by their diamond or round shapes. The pastry used to make pastizzi is similar to Greek phyllo or puff pastry, giving them a flaky and satisfying texture.

You can find pastizzi across Malta, especially in pastizzerias—dedicated shops for these pastries. They are also commonly sold by street vendors, in cafes, and at bars. The popularity of pastizzi has spread far beyond Malta, thanks to Maltese immigrant communities in countries like Australia, Canada, the UK, and the US, where these pastries are also made and enjoyed.

Interestingly, the word "pastizzi" in the Maltese language carries some colorful connotations. It can act as a euphemism for the female sexual organ or be used to denote someone as an "idiot." There are also popular expressions involving pastizzi, such as "jinbiegħu bħall-pastizzi" which translates to "selling like hot cakes" and "jinħarġu bħall-pastizzi" meaning things are emerging or happening rapidly.

Whether you're in Malta or abroad, trying a pastizz is a delightful way to experience a piece of Maltese culture.