The Chinese Food Scene in Malta
Malta's Chinese food scene has flourished remarkably over the past two decades, evolving from a handful of basic takeaways to a diverse selection of restaurants offering authentic regional cuisines from across China. Whether you're craving delicate dim sum, comforting Cantonese dishes, or fiery Szechuan flavours, you'll find it on the island.
The largest concentration of Chinese restaurants can be found in Sliema, St Julian's, and Valletta, though excellent options exist throughout Malta. Many restaurants cater to both the local Chinese community and international visitors, which means you can often find authentic dishes alongside more familiar westernised Chinese fare.
Looking for other Asian cuisines? Check our guide to Sushi Restaurants in Malta. For traditional local fare, see our Best Maltese Food guide.
Authentic Chinese Restaurants
For the most authentic Chinese dining experience in Malta, look for restaurants that cater to the local Chinese community. Here are the top areas and what to expect:
🏮 Sliema & The Strand
The coastal stretch along Sliema's Strand is home to Malta's highest concentration of quality Chinese restaurants. You'll find everything from traditional Cantonese establishments to modern fusion concepts. The area's international crowd means restaurants often cater to authentic tastes rather than adapted versions.
🐉 St Julian's & Spinola Bay
St Julian's offers an excellent mix of upscale Chinese dining and casual eateries. The restaurants here often feature live seafood tanks where you can select your own fish, crab, or lobster - a hallmark of quality Cantonese restaurants.
🌟 Valletta
Malta's capital offers a smaller but growing selection of Chinese dining options. Here you'll find restaurants that blend traditional Chinese cooking with European influences, reflecting the city's cosmopolitan character.
🍜 Gzira & Msida
These areas near the university offer more budget-friendly Chinese options popular with students and young professionals. While less upscale, you can find surprisingly authentic food at reasonable prices.
Where to Find Dim Sum
Dim sum - the beloved Cantonese tradition of small steamed and fried dishes served with tea - has gained a loyal following in Malta. Here's where to satisfy your dumpling cravings:
🥟 Weekend Dim Sum Brunches
Several restaurants offer weekend dim sum service, typically from 11am to 3pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Expect classics like:
- Har gow - Translucent crystal prawn dumplings
- Siu mai - Open-topped pork and prawn dumplings
- Char siu bao - Fluffy BBQ pork buns (steamed or baked)
- Cheung fun - Silky rice noodle rolls with various fillings
- Lo bak go - Pan-fried turnip cake
- Fung zao - Braised chicken feet (for the adventurous!)
🫕 Dim Sum Throughout the Week
Can't wait for the weekend? Some restaurants offer a limited dim sum selection on weekdays. The variety won't be as extensive as weekend service, but you can still get your fix of steamed dumplings and buns.
🍵 The Dim Sum Experience
Traditional dim sum is enjoyed with Chinese tea - typically jasmine, pu-erh, oolong, or chrysanthemum. Many restaurants in Malta offer proper tea service to accompany your meal. Don't forget to try dan tat (egg tarts) for dessert!
Cantonese Cuisine
Cantonese cooking, originating from Guangdong province, is the most widely available style of Chinese food in Malta. Known for its fresh flavours, light seasoning, and emphasis on quality ingredients, Cantonese cuisine lets the natural taste of ingredients shine through.
🦆 Must-Try Cantonese Dishes
- Char siu - Honey-glazed BBQ pork with a sweet, sticky glaze
- Roast duck - Crispy skin, succulent meat, often served with plum sauce
- Steamed fish - Whole fish with ginger, spring onion, and light soy
- Wonton noodle soup - Silky wontons in clear broth with egg noodles
- Sweet and sour pork - The authentic version with lychees and pineapple
- Claypot rice - Rice cooked with Chinese sausage, chicken, and mushrooms
- Congee - Comforting rice porridge with various toppings
🦞 Cantonese Seafood
Malta's island location means excellent fresh seafood, which pairs perfectly with Cantonese cooking techniques. Look for restaurants offering live tanks where you can select your own fish, crab, or lobster.
Popular preparations include:
- Steamed grouper with soy and ginger
- Salt and pepper squid - crispy and fragrant
- Lobster with ginger and spring onion
- Typhoon shelter crab - Fried with garlic, chilli, and fermented black beans
- Steamed prawns with garlic and glass noodles
Szechuan & Spicy Dishes
If you prefer bold, intense flavours, seek out restaurants offering Szechuan (Sichuan) cuisine. Known for its liberal use of chillies and the distinctive numbing sensation of Sichuan peppercorns (called "ma la"), this regional cuisine delivers serious heat and complexity.
🌶️ Szechuan Specialities to Try
- Mapo tofu - Silky tofu in fiery, numbing sauce with minced pork
- Kung pao chicken - Diced chicken with peanuts and dried chillies
- Dan dan noodles - Wheat noodles in spicy sesame and chilli sauce
- Twice-cooked pork - Pork belly with fermented black beans and leeks
- Hot and sour soup - Tangy, spicy soup with tofu and wood ear mushrooms
- Szechuan beef - Crispy shredded beef with dried chillies and carrots
- Dry-fried green beans - Blistered beans with minced pork and preserved vegetables
🔥 Finding Authentic Szechuan in Malta
True Szechuan restaurants are rarer in Malta than Cantonese establishments, but several restaurants offer excellent Szechuan dishes on their menus. The key is knowing what to ask for.
- Look for restaurants that specifically mention Szechuan or Sichuan cuisine
- Ask if they have Sichuan peppercorns - the authentic numbing spice
- Request "authentic spicy" levels if you want true heat
- Check if they offer hot pot - a Szechuan speciality
Delivery & Takeaway Options
Craving Chinese food at home? Malta has excellent delivery infrastructure for Chinese cuisine, whether you're staying in Sliema, St Julian's, or elsewhere on the island.
📱 Delivery Apps
The main delivery platforms operating in Malta are:
- Wolt - Widest selection of Chinese restaurants, user-friendly app
- Bolt Food - Good coverage, frequent promotional discounts
- Hungry Malta - Local app with Chinese options
Most restaurants also offer direct delivery - call ahead for orders over 25 EUR to potentially save on delivery fees and get fresher food.
🥡 Best Dishes for Delivery
Some dishes travel better than others. For the best delivery experience, consider ordering:
- Fried rice dishes - Stay warm and don't get soggy
- Lo mein and chow mein - Noodles travel well
- Braised dishes - Actually improve with resting time
- Curry dishes - Chinese curry holds heat well
- Set meals for 2-4 - Great value and variety
⏰ Late Night Chinese Food
Many Chinese restaurants stay open later than other cuisines in Malta, making them perfect for late-night cravings:
- Paceville area - Several restaurants open until 2-3am on weekends
- Sliema - Some takeaways open until midnight
- Delivery apps - Check for "late night" filters, typically until 11pm-midnight
Ordering Tips for Better Chinese Food
Get the most out of your Chinese dining experience in Malta with these insider tips:
💡 How to Order Like a Local
- Ask for the Chinese menu - Many restaurants have dishes not listed on the English version
- Order family style - Multiple dishes to share gives you more variety
- Balance your order - One meat, one seafood, one vegetable, plus rice or noodles
- Specify your spice level - Be clear about how much heat you can handle
- Book ahead for specialities - Peking duck and whole fish often need advance notice
- Go early for dim sum - Best selection when they open; latecomers get limited choices
🍵 Chinese Tea Etiquette
Tea is integral to Chinese dining. When dining at authentic restaurants:
- Tea is often included or costs just 1-2 EUR per pot
- Tap the table twice to say "thank you" when someone pours your tea
- Leave the lid askew on the teapot to signal you need a refill
- Popular options: jasmine, oolong, pu-erh, chrysanthemum
💰 Price Guide
- Budget dining: 8-12 EUR per main dish at casual restaurants
- Mid-range: 15-20 EUR per main dish, 25-35 EUR per person for full meal
- Upscale: 25-40 EUR per main dish, 50-80 EUR per person
- Dim sum: 3-6 EUR per dish, budget 15-25 EUR per person
- Lunch specials: 10-15 EUR for set menu including drink
🥢 Explore Chinese Food on HubpyMalta
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find authentic Chinese food in Malta?
The best authentic Chinese restaurants in Malta are concentrated in Sliema, St Julian's, and Valletta. Look for restaurants with Chinese clientele - it's often a sign of authenticity. The Strand in Sliema and Spinola Bay in St Julian's have the highest concentration of quality options.
Is there dim sum in Malta?
Yes, several Chinese restaurants in Malta serve dim sum, particularly on weekends. Weekend brunch service typically runs from 11am to 3pm, featuring steamed dumplings, har gow, siu mai, and char siu bao. Always book ahead as dim sum service gets busy.
Do Chinese restaurants in Malta deliver?
Yes, most Chinese restaurants in Malta offer delivery services. You can order through apps like Wolt and Bolt Food, or directly from the restaurants. Delivery coverage is best in Sliema, St Julian's, and Valletta areas, with fees typically ranging from 1.50-3 EUR.
How much does Chinese food cost in Malta?
Prices vary by restaurant type. Budget options offer main dishes at 8-12 EUR, mid-range restaurants charge 15-20 EUR per dish, and upscale venues 25-40 EUR. Lunch set menus offer the best value at 10-15 EUR. Dim sum typically costs 3-6 EUR per dish.
Are there vegetarian Chinese options in Malta?
Yes, Chinese restaurants in Malta typically offer excellent vegetarian options including tofu dishes, vegetable stir-fries, Buddhist-style mock meat preparations, and vegetable dim sum. Szechuan cuisine offers particularly flavourful vegetarian dishes like mapo tofu (can be made without pork).
Is Chinese food in Malta MSG-free?
Most restaurants in Malta have reduced or eliminated MSG use due to customer preferences. If you're sensitive to MSG, simply ask your server - most restaurants can prepare dishes without it upon request. Always communicate dietary requirements clearly.