Classic Maltese recipes with a twist – I found this new concept from Bahia Restaurant immediately intriguing, especially upon seeing that it was christened Nanna’s Twist. My Nanniet (grannies, for those of you wondering what this word is) both loved the twist. And I knew from previous experience that a Bahia concept menu always leave an impression on tastebuds and mood, so I accepted the invitation to sample this new one with pleasure.
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Nanna’s Twist menu
The menu confirmed that the traditional favourites we all know and love were present. Imqarrun, aljotta, lasagne, ross il-forn, patata il-forn, braġjoli…. And the crowning glory of any meal, the trajfil. Now, if you’re Maltese, you know exactly what I’m talking about and your mouth is probably watering right now. If you’re a foreign resident or tourist, you’re likely to have heard of these traditional specialities and have tried to find a restaurant that serves these dishes.
Sadly, the restaurants that offer classic Maltese food that is rooted in legacy but has been refined to suit today’s tastes and health considerations are very few. Besides Bahia, I can mostly think of Noni in Valletta, Tal-Petut in Vittoriosa, and Rubino I’m sure you all have a few others.
Bahia’s regular menu takes an interesting approach, focusing on the legacy of traditional Maltese food while adding a contemporary angle. All dishes are named after a Maltese or Gozitan town or village, with the ingredients locally sourced. Nanna’s Twist takes this a step further with a three-course set menu made up of all the above mentioned bite-sized dishes. I kicked off things with a glass of Cassar de Malte, and allowed the feast to unfold.
A sumptuous menu, wittily presented
First things first – I loved the authentic touch to the menu, presented in Maltese and accompanied by those phrases we all associate with our Nanniet. ‘Ibda naqqar’ (start off with some tidbits); l-ikel lest, kompli kul (dinner’s ready, keep on eating); and finally ‘u ejja ħu ftit ħelu’ (go on, have something sweet).
The Bahia team were on point as always, reminiscing with Maltese guests while offering the backstory to non-Maltese speakers. All this, without once ever intruding on their welcome. Excellent workers in the hospitality industry are so difficult to find. Wearing my other hat as HORECA Malta magazine editor, it’s one of the constant points of discussions within the sector. Bahia have clearly found a way to solve this challenge, kudos to them.
Which were my favourites?
Difficult one. It’s easy enough to say that it was all amazing, but it’s the truth. I would love to see the imqarrun, aljotta, lasagne, and ross il-forn incorporated within the a’ la carte menu (unless they already are and I missed this!). They tasted of childhood, and a touch more.
The puffed rice on top of the ross il-forn was inspired, as was adding Maltese sausage to the lasagne. I was never a fan of aljotta, but the broth here was a touch more delicate than Nanna’s would have been, turning it into an instant favourite.
The patata il-forn had just the right amount of fennel seeds for that lingering aftertaste, while the braġjoli presented a luscious, new take on the regular beef olives. I particularly fell in love with the Fellusellu hen’s egg, which was pure perfection.
The trajfil and petit fours provided the perfect ending. Shout out to the qubbajd tal-festa, again a more delicate offering than we’re used to, using less sugar to allow the taste of each ingredient to shine through.
What’s next for Bahia?
Bahia has earned a consistent Michelin Star since 2021, and it’s easy to see why. There’s no skimping on anything – service, ingredients, preparation, and overall atmosphere. And the creativity showcased by Chef and the kitchen brigade is always wonderfully surprising. Head Chef Carlos Buttigieg, alongside the kitchen brigade, front of house and management, is on to a great thing and I look forward to seeing what the team comes up with next.
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I received no payment for this Bahia Nanna’s Twist review and I was hosted as a member of the press. The opinions expressed here are purely my own and the owners/management of Bahia had no input/control over what I wrote. There are no affiliate links contained within this page.To learn more about my policies and my reviewing process, visit my Affiliate/Advertising disclosure page.