Valletta,Malta:Togħmiet: A Taste of Malta’s Humble Table

Highlights

• Discover Malta’s history through the food and flavours of its people
• Taste a seasonal menu rooted in Malta’s traditional cucina povera
• Enjoy local ingredients sourced from farmers, fishers and cheesemakers
• Explore Maltese wine with food anthropologist Rachel Radmilli
• Hear the stories behind each dish, from faith and scarcity to survival

Description

24 October 2026 | 19:00 - 22:00 Tal-Café, Valletta Togħmiet – Maltese for “tastes” or “flavours” – is an intimate tasting experience exploring Malta’s tradition of cucina povera: a way of eating shaped by seasonality, scarcity, faith and ingenuity, and by making the very best of what the land and sea could provide. Over a specially created tasting menu by Moyra Sammut of Ġenna tal-Art, discover the ingredients and stories that have shaped the Maltese table. At its heart are the ancient Mediterranean staples of wheat, olives and grapes – bread, olive oil and wine. Taste ġbejniet, Malta’s traditional small sheep’s-milk cheeses, accompanied by seasonal and foraged ingredients that might include local herbs, pink peppercorns or preserves such as pickled figs. Other tastes include capunata, Maltese olives, oven-baked onions, grilled seasonal vegetables, locally caught sardines and freshly fried rabbit. Each dish reveals another aspect of the islands’ history. Discover how the Catholic giorni di magro, or meatless days, influenced everyday cooking; why small fish such as sardines and anchovies were so important to ordinary households; and why fishing further from Malta’s shores once carried very real risks. The sardines served are sourced through Moyra’s relationship with a local fisherman and caught in the waters beneath the dramatic Dingli Cliffs. Dessert follows the season and may take us into Malta’s more recent history with a reimagined trifle made with goat’s-milk ricotta – bringing together the legacy of British colonial rule with a time when goats were a familiar part of the Maltese landscape. Alongside the food, food anthropologist Rachel Radmilli guides you through the fascinating story of Maltese wine and winemaking, from the grape’s ancient role in the Mediterranean diet to the development of Malta’s wineries and contemporary wine culture. This is more than a tasting menu. Togħmiet uses food and wine to tell the story of how Maltese people lived, adapted and ate – connecting each flavour on the plate with the landscape, beliefs and history that produced it. Your experience includes: A curated Maltese 5 course tasting menu by Moyra Sammut Seasonal, locally sourced ingredients where available Maltese wine and an exploration of the islands’ winemaking heritage Guided storytelling throughout the evening Insights from food anthropologist Rachel Radmilli An intimate evening at Tal-Café in Valletta Please note: The menu is guided by seasonality and local availability, so individual dishes and accompaniments may vary. Please advise us of any allergies or dietary requirements when booking. The experience includes meat, fish and dairy; please contact us before booking if you have specific dietary requirements.

Includes

A five-course journey through Malta’s culinary past, with each course personally introduced by Moyra from Genna tal-Art, who will reveal the inspiration behind the dish that has been placed before you. Five carefully selected Maltese wines by food anthropologist Rachel Radmilli who will guide you through each one and the story behind the vintage. With every course, heritage interpreter Warren Bugeja will delve into history’s pantry, regaling you with anecdotes, forgotten customs and curious stories that connect what is on your plate to Malta’s past. And all of this unfolds within a unique historical backdrop. Five courses. Five wines. Stories spanning centuries. One unforgettable table.

Excludes

Food & dietary requirements This is a tasting experience centred on traditional Maltese ingredients and may include dairy, fish and meat. Please tell us about any allergies or dietary requirements when booking. As the menu draws on traditional recipes and small-scale, seasonal ingredients, it may not be possible to adapt every element of the experience. A seasonal menu The precise menu may change according to the season and availability of local ingredients. Foraged herbs, preserves, vegetables, fish and dessert will reflect what is naturally available at the time. Wine Maltese wines form part of the experience and the storytelling around the meal. If you do not drink alcohol, please let us know when booking. Arrival We kindly ask guests to arrive on time, as this is a carefully curated five-course experience, with each course accompanied by its own wine pairing and stories. Getting there More information will be provided once you book.

Important Information

• Food & dietary requirements This is a tasting experience centred on traditional Maltese ingredients and may include dairy, fish and meat. Please tell us about any allergies or dietary requirements when booking. As the menu draws on traditional recipes and small-scale, seasonal ingredients, it may not be possible to adapt every element of the experience.

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund