This traditional Maltese dessert of Arab origin consists on dates, citrus, and spices wrapped in dough and deep-fried

Because of its strategic location at the centre of the Mediterranean, Malta has long been admired and sought-after. The Island has been occupied throughout many centuries by a number of different empires, including the Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Normans, French, and British. Some of whom engaged in bloody combat to seize this vital island for its coveted location.

Imqaret are one of the many Arab cultural relics that remained in Malta after their departure. Dates, citrus, and spices wrapped in dough, fried in oil, and served. A personal favourite for many locals that is so simple to prepare yet so delicious. Imqaret is also a great treat for the festive season.

The Island has been home to many different nationalities and cultures over the years, and they have brought with them a wide variety of traditions and food. Date Pie, also known as Torta tat-Tamal, is another traditional Maltese dessert that uses dates. Marzipan-filled dates, known as Tamal Mimli, are another classic favourite.

This particular Maltese cuisine hints at its Arab or Phoenician heritage. Between 870 AD through the 11th century, the Arabs invaded Malta. Bigilla, honey rings, marrows, stuffed peppers, ice cream and a long list of other dishes have their origins among Malta’s Arab neighbours. Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco all produce a comparable confection similar to imqaret. Across the sea in Tunisia, a similar treat known as makroudh (or makroud) is also widely consumed, while in Algeria and Morocco makrout are eaten.

When being prepared, the traditional Maltese dessert is deep-fried and typically flavour-infused with anise and bay leaf. Individual maqrut (singular form of imqaret) is made by folding the pastry, which has a portion of filling in the centre. The length of the pastry allows for numerous imqaret pieces to be cut from each one. Before being deep fried, these pastries are typically sliced into diamond shapes, albeit they are now more commonly shaped into rectangles. Interestingly, the Maltese name for the delicacy was derived from a similar Arabic word which translates to “diamond”.

You may experience imqaret in a variety of cafés and eateries as well as from the countless street vendors who set up shop along the sides of the roads all year long and at local festas and events during the summer.

And what’s so great about imqaret is that they are incredibly diverse. They go well with a cup of tea or coffee for elevenses, can be eaten as a hot snack on-the-go, or are provided as a dessert with vanilla or cinnamon ice cream in restaurants. So, take this as your calling, from the OhMyMalta team, to try out this national delicacy and relish in its unforgettable taste and flavour!