The Malta Kulinarja – a Homage to the Local Cuisine and Chef

Malta Kulinarja is a celebration of the unique and diverse cuisine of Malta.

From traditional dishes passed down through generations to modern interpretations that reflect the island's multicultural influences, Malta Kulinarja showcases the very best of Maltese food and drink.

At its heart, Maltese cuisine is all about fresh, locally sourced ingredients and simple, hearty flavours. The Malta Kulinarja is the platform by which local Chefs will create dishes with ingredients sourced from our local farmers as a means to offer our visitors a truly unique experience.

The Islands’ vibrant food scene is constantly evolving, with talented Chefs and restaurateurs putting their own spin on classic recipes and experimenting with new flavours and techniques.

Food competitions can be a great way to showcase culinary skills and creativity. The Malta Kulinarja offer opportunities for chefs to demonstrate their talents and compete against others in a friendly and competitive environment with many events that celebrate the art of cooking and bring people together to enjoy delicious food.

The Malta Kulianarja is all about the Chefs, the ingredients and finally the art of transforming sometimes humble and underutilised produce into superb dishes which reflect the artful skills of the chefs and innovative techniques and plating.

This year’s edition is being held within AgriFair organised by the Ministry for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights which will be held at the MFCC in Ta’ Qali. The hosting of the Malta Kulinarja within the AgriFair is a natural bond between the food producers, and the local Chefs’ community.

One of the great things about using local produce is that it allows chefs to create dishes that truly capture the flavours of a particular region. By incorporating fresh, seasonal ingredients into their cooking, chefs can create dishes that are not only delicious but also reflect the unique character of the local area. Whether by using fresh herbs from a nearby farm or incorporating locally raised meats into a dish, there are many ways that Chefs can showcase the bounty of their region through their cooking.

The main focus for Malta Kulinarja 2024 is everything ‘local’: from the produce to the fresh meat and herbs, and also to promote and help excel the local Chefs’ talents. The Malta Tourism Authority has once again recognised the value of the Maltese cuisine as part of the touristic experience that our visitors enjoy while they try new foods, learn about local customs and traditions, and explore historical sites and landmarks.

It is without a doubt that the dining experience in Malta has become one which is at par with many other Mediterranean countries if not better. The Malta Kulinarja, organised by the Malta Chefs Society, has always been a ladder to encourage Chefs to climb to new heights in their careers and push their skills to new levels which is witnessed in the high quality of food offered in our restaurants.

The competitive nature of Chefs in a friendly environment is a signature of the success of the Malta Kulinarja which has grown year upon year.

The Malta Kulinarja will be held between 12th-14th April 2024 at the MFCC Ta’ Qali.









Article written by Dr Paulino Schembri, on behalf of the Malta Chefs Society.




Dr Paulino Schembri D. Prof, MSc. (UCLan) is a food safety management systems consultant specialising in HACCP, working for the local industry. He is a lecturer at the University of Malta, University of Central Lancashire and Coordinator of the Master Chefs Diploma at the Institute of Tourism Studies.







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