Malta is one of Europe’s smallest countries, yet thousands of residents and visitors regularly search for halal food in Malta.

At first, this may appear surprising. Malta is a predominantly Catholic country where churches remain at the centre of almost every town and village. But Malta has never been shaped by only one culture.

Located between Europe and North Africa, the island has absorbed influences from every civilisation that passed through it. The growing halal-food scene is simply the latest chapter in that story.

Malta’s Arab Heritage

Arab influence in Malta did not begin with modern migration.

Arabs controlled Malta during the medieval period, and their influence remains visible in the Maltese language, place names and aspects of local culture. Maltese has Semitic foundations and developed through contact with Arabic, Sicilian, Italian and English.

This does not make modern Malta an Islamic country, but it shows that Arab culture is not entirely foreign to the island. It has been part of Malta’s identity for centuries.

Malta’s Muslim Community Today

According to Malta’s 2021 Census of Population and Housing, 17,454 residents aged 15 and over identified with Islam — approximately 3.9% of residents in that age group.

The Muslim population includes people from North Africa, the Middle East, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and other parts of the world. Muslim travellers from the UK, Europe and Gulf countries also contribute to the demand for halal dining.

This helps explain why searches such as “halal restaurants Malta” and “halal food near me” continue throughout the year.

Where to Find Halal Food in Malta

Halal food is now available across several parts of the island.

Popular choices include:

• Pakistani biryani, karahi and kebabs
• Turkish döner, shish and mixed grills
• Indian curries and tandoori dishes
• Arabic shawarma, falafel and mezze

Browse restaurants by area through our Halal Food Locations in Malta directory .

Is Every Kebab Shop Halal?

No. A restaurant serving Turkish, Arabic or Pakistani food should not automatically be considered halal.

Before ordering, ask:

1. Is all the meat halal or only selected items?
2. Is halal certification or supplier information available?
3. Are fryers, grills and utensils shared with non-halal food?
4. Has the restaurant’s meat supplier recently changed?

What About KFC in Malta?

International restaurant brands may follow different sourcing and preparation procedures at different branches.

Malta International Airport currently states that the food at its KFC outlet is halal. However, this should not be treated as confirmation for every KFC branch across Malta.

Always verify the specific location before ordering.

Can You Buy Halal Groceries?

Selected supermarkets, international grocery shops and dedicated halal butchers in Malta stock halal-certified meat and packaged products.

Availability can vary by branch, so check the certification symbol and ingredients on the packaging. Imported food should not automatically be assumed halal unless it carries reliable certification.

Is Malta Muslim-Friendly?

Malta is not a Muslim-majority destination, but Muslim residents and visitors can find halal food, international groceries and prayer facilities around the island.

The Mariam Al-Batool Mosque in Paola serves the Muslim community, while halal dining is most accessible around Sliema, Gżira, St. Julian’s, Valletta and central Malta.

A Small Island with a Big Table

The growth of halal food in Malta is not an unusual development. It reflects the island’s history as a meeting point between different cultures.

Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Normans, the Knights of St. John and the British all left something behind. Today’s Pakistani restaurants, Turkish grills and Arabic grocery shops continue that tradition of cultural exchange.

Halal food is not replacing Malta’s identity. It is becoming part of its modern identity — one more influence around the table of a small Mediterranean island that was never only one thing.

Restaurant suppliers, opening hours and halal practices may change. Confirm directly with the restaurant before visiting or ordering.
Last reviewed: August 2026