Last week, I made friends with a lovely couple – Daniela & Matthew. They’re both well-traveled, great conversationalists and certified scuba divers! Naturally, we had much to talk about and I learnt lots from them about life in Malta. Had a great time and forged a new friendship. The first time we met, they introduced me to Fontanella, a popular coffee shop in Mdina which overlooks a beautiful green valley and serves some pretty decadent desserts. I’ve wandered to Fontanella a couple of time after to indulge my sweet tooth.
We met again today, and went for lunch to a place called Il-Barri, which translates to ‘The Bull’. It’s a laid back restaurant at Mgarr, popular among locals who come here for traditional Maltese dishes. The house specialty is fentaka or stewed rabbit, which happens to be the national dish. I was able to sample quite a few dishes, done the old-school slow cooked way, and served in unimaginably large portions. Feast your eyes!
A platter of Maltese bread topped with vegetables, water biscuits and a delicious dip called bigilla made with broad beans
Quail cooked with roasted vegetables
Fenkata – Rabbit stew with bits of bacon, Maltese sausage, potatoes and peas
Rabbit cooked in wine
bellyfirst 