14 Staple Foods For The Sick That Maltese People Swear By
Whenever we are plagued by disease (read: a quick bout of flu), we generally don’t feel like eating anything at all — especially if a stomach virus is what’s bothering our immune system. However there’s a number of sick foods the Maltese seem to swear by whenever their body is down in the gutter.
Here are 14 treats that all Maltese people resort to when they’re feeling under the weather.
1. Devon crackers
It feels like these guys are only taken out of their cupboard resting place when someone is sick. They’re easily found in every Maltese household, no doubt for their magical healing properties.
2. Toast tal-malti
This is a national favourite when it comes to sick food.
From nausea to fever, toasted and buttered Maltese bread is the magical comfort food we are fed whenever something is wrong with us.
3. Marmite vs Bovril
There’s nothing better than a hot Bovril drink for you to sooth your throat with every now and then. Mimli sustanzi dak.
When your stomach feels like it can’t handle anything at all, Bovril/Marmite is the first thing you need to reach for.
4. Boiled Chicken and Rice
We like to call this the poor man’s dish, because it generally has literally nothing added to it — not even salt. Jesus.
This boiled dish is what happens when you have a bad case of diarrhoea generally.
5. Galletti
These treats are actually a staple for many barbecues, family dinners and reunions, so you’ll even find perfectly healthy people enjoying them.
Eating galletti is not as bad as most of the food on this list — at least maybe you can spread some bigilla over them.
6. Maltova or pasta with Bovril and La Vache Qui Rit
Maltova is an all-time favourite Maltese baby food favourite which doesn’t look as appetising at first, especially when sick. However, this infant food is exactly what you need when you feel like all the germs in the world are against you.
Alternatively, you can never go wrong with a plate of pasta with Bovril. Maybe also add a slice of La Vache Qui Rit in there. You’re welcome.
7. Brodu
Every family has its own secret recipe for brodu, and we’ve honestly never seen two families who cook the same kind of brodu anywhere on this island.
This liquid-y pulp of stuff is so popular among the sick, that it’s even served at the local hospitals on a daily basis.
8. Oranges
“Ħu larinġa,” says every great aunt or grand mother in Malta whenever you start sniffling.
Oranges are hands down the staple food for people who have the flu.
9. Soup
Although soup is generally more of a wintery food, it seems to go down very well with those who are suffering from stomach viruses.
Not quite pasta with Bovril, not quite brodu, soup is an instant winner.
10. Te’ bil-lumi
Lemon tea is practically all the goodness in the world rolled into one drink.
If you need a gentle hug in a mug, this is your go to drink. Generally favoured by those who suffer from a sore throat, and even those who are completely healthy.
11. Gatorade
Whenever gastric flu is around the corner, Gatorade is the drink of choice to restore all those electrolytes and minerals your body so desperately need to function like a regular human body.
12. Sprite / 7-Up
Feeling queasy? Have a large glass of either and your stomach will soon settle down to its natural state.
13. Ġulepp
Our favourite carob drink is here to save the day whenever our body feels a bit under the weather. An all in one remedy for every disease under the sun, ġulepp is a quick pick-me-up for when you’re stuck in bed.
14. Honey
Hot water with honey is the go to drink for those who either have a fever or sore throat to fight.
Guaranteed to send you back to a restful slumber whenever you feel like sleep is the most impossible thing your body can achieve.
Did we leave any sick foods out of our list? Comment below!
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