If you think you have seen it all when it comes to pizza toppings, Malta might just surprise you. In the southern village of Għaxaq, a local eatery has introduced a dish that is turning heads and sparking conversations among both locals and visitors, pizza topped with snails.

The dish comes from L-Ikla t-Tajba, a restaurant that opened last year and focuses on celebrating traditional Maltese flavours. Its latest creation, the Bebbuxu Pizza, takes one of Malta’s most historic ingredients and places it front and centre on a classic comfort food.

Snails, known locally as bebbux, have been part of Maltese cuisine for generations. Traditionally slow-cooked in garlicky stews and enjoyed during village feasts or family gatherings, they are very much entwined in the island’s culinary identity. While they may not be familiar to many visitors, they are considered a delicacy by locals who grew up with the dish.

For this pizza, the snails are locally farmed Nocciola snails supplied by Bebbux ta’ Malta, a Maltese producer specialising in sustainable snail farming. Rather than simply placing snails on top of the pizza, the restaurant prepares them as part of a rich, slow-cooked stew, which is then spread over a crisp pizza base and finished with aged Pecorino cheese.

The presentation has certainly caught attention online, especially due to the presence of snail shells on the pizza. However, the restaurant has clarified to the local media that these are purely decorative. The snail meat itself is fully incorporated into the stew topping, meaning diners can enjoy the dish without any added effort or confusion.

For tourists visiting Malta, the Bebbuxu Pizza offers a chance to experience how Maltese cuisine continues to evolve, bringing together old traditions with modern twists. While dishes like pastizzi and rabbit stew often top the must-try lists, this pizza shows how local ingredients are being reimagined in creative and unexpected ways.

Għaxaq itself is also worth the visit. Less touristy than other parts of the island, the southerly village offers a quieter, more authentic snapshot into everyday Maltese life. Pairing a trip there with a meal that showcases local flavours makes for a very memorable food stop away from the usual routes. 

Adventurous eaters will likely be intrigued, while others may need a little convincing. Either way, the new Bebbuxu Pizza is solid proof that Malta’s food scene is full of surprises, and that some of the island’s most interesting dishes can be found where you least expect them.

Feeling brave enough to give it a try on your next trip to Malta? Let us know in the comments below!

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