Valletta Local Food Festival 2024 launched

• A Culinary Journey through Malta’s Finest Flavours

This October, Valletta will once again become the heart of Malta’s culinary scene with the return of the Valletta Local Food Festival.

This year’s festival promises a dynamic showcase of local cuisine and culture, where food lovers can indulge in authentic Maltese flavours while exploring the culinary talents of local chefs and artisans. Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Valletta Design Cluster, the festival will run on Friday 18^th and Saturday 19^th October from 6pm-11pm and on Sunday 20^th October between 10am and 5pm.

The Minister for National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government, Owen Bonnici, said, “The Valletta Local Food Festival is a perfect example of how our culinary traditions unite people and contribute to our national identity. As a Government we fully believe these events are crucial to continue preserving our culture and history through our island’s unique flavours. I encourage everyone to take part in this experience which not only showcases local talent but unites us as a community”.

“The Valletta Local Food Festival showcases the very essence of Maltese culture through its vibrant culinary traditions. It’s an opportunity for us to share the flavours that define our heritage and bring people together in celebration of what makes Malta unique,” said Valletta Cultural Agency Chairman, Jason Micallef.

“This year’s Valletta Local Food Festival offers a culinary journey through Malta’s gastronomical landscape,” said Valletta Local Food Festival Artistic Director Charles Bone. “We welcome everyone to experience the creativity and passion of our talented chefs as they present a diverse menu celebrating our island’s exceptional flavours.”

Highlights of the Valletta Local Food Festival 2024 include:

Maltese Gastronomy Showcase: Discover the unique and mouthwatering dishes that define Maltese cuisine, from traditional ravioli and local pies to roast beef and pork, delectable pastries, and more. This year’s programme includes:

• FILFLA CHILI CO: Spicy chilli products like jams and relishes, featuring Xemxi, Filfli, Basli u Buwġi.
• Marie Patisserie Ltd: Traditional sweets like krustini, biskuttini with strawberry jam, and imqaret with traditional ice cream.
• Ta’ Żeppi Farm: Sheep and goat cheese, ġbejniet, and bigilla.
• Matilde Pasta e Basta: Ravjul, timpana, baked rice, rabbit stew and lampuki patties.
• Maxtar: Roast beef and pork belly ftira, ftira Għawdxija and chicken qassatat.
• Busy Bee: Ottijiet, krustini, village biscuits, and pastini.
• Bonaci: Bsaten ta’ San Ġużepp and other pastries.
• Tal-Fokkli Winery: Soppa tal-Armla and honey rings.
• Elia: Lampuki pie, traditional ice cream and rooftop cocktails.

Chef Ronnie Caruana will showcase Maltese pastries and share insights into his culinary journey. Visitors can also enjoy tastings of craft beer, wine, cheeses, and olive oils. The event includes live entertainment, artisan crafts, and the MALTAccelerate workshops for agri-food startups as part of EIT Food. Register today to participate in this interactive workshops and training session on the 19th October.

Entrance is FREE!

This event is organised by the Valletta Cultural Agency and supported by Visit Malta.
For more information, visit vca.gov.mt and follow the VCA Facebook page.