Maltese Idiom
Ilsienu taz-Zokkor!
Maltese for sugar, originating from the Arab language. This is no wonder as the Arabs were masters of growing, refining, and cooking with sugar as early as the year circa 650. When the Crusaders took over Jerusalem in the year 1099, they learned more about sugar production and introduced the ingredient to their fellow Europeans.
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Iż-Żmien Itwal miz-Zalzett
Zalzett
[Tsal-tset]
Maltese for sausage. ‘Zalzett tal-Malti’ to specifically refer to Maltese sausage. Maltese sausage is one of the few charcuteries still made in local butcher shops. It is basically a pork sausage seasoned with salt, garlic, parsley, crushed black peppercorns and crushed coriander seeds. Even though it is a pork sausage, it is consumed raw by locals.
Interestingly enough, the way this ‘Maltese’ sausage is prepared, is influenced by the British (no wonder, since Malta spent 164 years under British rule) according to Portuguese traditions.
The word has obvious vulgar connotations in Maltese idiom, owing to its quite straightforward phallic shape. Preferring to be prudent, a good example of ‘zalzett’ in Maltese idiom would be ‘Iż-żmien itwal miz-zalzett’ (Age is longer than sausage) referring to the endless length of time.
X’ħobż jiekol dak?
Ħobża
[Hobb-za]
Maltese for a singular loaf of bread. No meal is complete in a Maltese household without this kitchen staple. Traditionally, the Maltese loaf is a sourdough bread baked in wood-fired ovens, giving its thick dark-brown crust. The traditional classic is ‘Ħobż biż-żejt’ (bread with oil) which refers to a sandwich with kunserva (tomato paste), olive oil and occasionally canned tuna. Read More »
Wiċċ ta’ Ħawħa
As we celebrate our 10th anniversary, we look back to enjoy a few food items or ingredients as we find them used in the Maltese vernacular. Maldonado Bistro has always persisted in trying to be creative and forward looking. But for the time being, we hope you enjoy reading, as much as we enjoyed researching how the Maltese used their favourite gourmet items not only in the kitchen but also to express themselves in the most of articulate manners in their daily lives. Sliem! (Be blessed, in Maltese)
