Is halal food available in Malta?

Yes. Halal food is widely available in Malta, particularly in areas with larger Muslim populations such as Paola, Marsa, Birkirkara, and Msida. Dedicated halal butchers and Arabic/Middle Eastern grocery shops operate across the island. Many Maltese restaurants also serve seafood and vegetarian dishes that are suitable for Muslims, and a growing number of establishments specifically offer halal-certified meat.

Are there halal butchers in Malta?

Yes. Several halal butchers operate in Malta, primarily in the south of the island (Paola, Marsa, Żabbar) and in central areas (Birkirkara, Msida). These shops typically sell halal-certified beef, lamb, and chicken. Ask in local Arabic-community Facebook groups for current recommendations — the market changes and new shops open regularly.

Do Maltese supermarkets sell halal products?

Major Maltese supermarkets (PAVI, Lidl, PG, SUPER 5) stock some halal-certified products, particularly in their international food sections. Dedicated halal sections are limited in mainstream supermarkets. For a fuller range of halal products, Arabic grocery shops and dedicated halal butchers are more reliable.

Halal Food in Malta 2026 — Restaurants, Butchers & Grocery Shops

Malta has a growing Muslim and Arabic-speaking community, which has driven an increase in halal food availability. Options are concentrated in areas with higher Arab and South Asian populations — particularly Paola, Marsa, Birkirkara, and Msida — but are also available across the island.

Official SourceLast updated 9 June 2026

Check current availability locally

Business details — including halal shops, restaurants, and butchers — change frequently. This page describes the general availability and areas to look. For current recommendations and specific business names, ask in local Arabic-community Facebook groups such as "Malta Arab Community" or "Moroccans in Malta" — these are updated by community members regularly.

Halal food availability by area

Area	Halal food options
Paola (Raħal Ġdid)	Best area — halal butchers, Arabic grocery shops, Middle Eastern restaurants; home to the main mosque
Marsa	Good options — Arabic and South Asian grocery shops; historically a port area with diverse communities
Birkirkara	Several halal butchers and Middle Eastern grocery shops in the central area
Msida	Near the university; good range of international grocery shops; some halal options
Sliema / St Julian's	Growing number of Middle Eastern restaurants and cafés; halal butchers less common
Valletta	Limited dedicated halal shops; good range of seafood and vegetarian restaurants
Żabbar / Żejtun	South Malta residential areas; some halal options in local shops
Gozo	Very limited — plan to bring supplies from the mainland for halal meat

Last verified: 2026-06-09. Based on community knowledge and general market data.

Types of halal food sources in Malta

Halal butchers

Dedicated halal butchers in Malta typically sell beef, lamb, and chicken slaughtered according to Islamic requirements. Most are small, family-run shops concentrated in Paola, Marsa, and Birkirkara. Opening hours are typically 7:00–13:00 and 16:00–19:00 on weekdays; Saturday mornings; closed Sundays.

Arabic and Middle Eastern grocery shops

A growing number of Arabic and Middle Eastern grocery shops across Malta stock halal staples: imported olive oils, tahini, dried legumes, spices, Arabic breads, canned goods (fava beans, chickpeas), dates, and other products from Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia, Lebanon, and Turkey. These shops are particularly concentrated in Paola, Marsa, and Msida.

Middle Eastern restaurants

Malta has several established Middle Eastern restaurants serving Lebanese, Egyptian, and Moroccan food. These are mostly concentrated in Sliema, St Julian's, and Msida. Additionally, kebab shops — many of which serve halal meat — operate across the island.

When eating out, look for visible halal certification or ask staff. Seafood and vegetarian dishes are always an option at any Maltese restaurant and are naturally permissible.

Supermarkets

Major Maltese supermarkets (PAVI, Lidl, PG Supermarkets, Welbee's) increasingly stock halal-certified products in their international or world-food sections. Look for the halal certification symbol on packaging. Lidl in particular has rotational international food weeks that sometimes include Arabic and Middle Eastern products.

Fish and seafood

Malta is a Mediterranean island with abundant fresh fish and seafood. Seafood is halal according to most schools of Islamic jurisprudence. Fresh fish markets operate in Marsaxlokk on Sunday mornings (the most famous and largest fish market in Malta) and in various towns across the island. Fish is excellent and affordable in Malta and is a practical protein option for Muslim residents.

Ramadan and fasting

See the mosques and prayer page for information about Ramadan timings and community Iftar events. During Ramadan, the Arabic grocery shops in Paola and Marsa typically stock a wider range of traditional foods including stuffed pastries, dried fruits, and Ramadan-specific ingredients.

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Author and editorial standard

Maintained by MaltaPathway

This guide is written from public official sources and labelled limitations. MaltaPathway is independent, not a law firm or government agency. Founder proof, source policy, correction policy, and monetization disclosure live on the About and trust page.

Sources

Official SourceEquality — Government of MaltaVerified 9 Jun 2026

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MaltaPathway is not a law firm, immigration consultancy, or government agency. The information on this page is based on publicly available official sources and is provided for informational purposes only. Immigration rules change — always verify with the relevant authority before making decisions. If your case is complex, consult a licensed immigration lawyer.