Travelers interested in more unusual and original delicacies should search the dish named Laħam taz-ziemel in the menus of local restaurants. This is horse meat stewed in wine. The meat can be cooked in either red or white wine. Experienced foodies, however, note that the meat cooked in white wine is juicier and more delicious.
Pasticca is one more interesting national specialty. These are small patty cakes made of flaky dough with various fillings. Pasticca patty cakes are available not only in local restaurants. The menus of Valencia restaurants specializing in the regional cuisine are always full of different dishes with fish and seafood. If you happen to visit the city in the period from August to December, you will be able to try a special fish called Lampuka. It has wonderful taste and is almost deprived of bones.
Lampuka is present in many interesting dishes of the region. Some chefs simply fry it and some add it to the traditional pie. Local restaurants and cafes also offer a very popular local appetizer, Bigilla. This is mashed beans paste with such ingredients as artichokes, chili pepper, olives, and garlic. As a rule, local restaurants offer it at the beginning of a meal together with crunchy crackers. Bigilla is also available in many grocery shops in Valetta. Experienced tourists recommend buying Bigilla by weight as the packed paste is less delicious.
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