Set the Tone for Worldly Tastes in Every Kitchen
Tuna Ftira: Iconic Maltese Tuna Sandwich Recipe
The Sandwich That Tastes Like Malta
Tuna ftira is one of those dishes that proves how good simple food can be. It’s a staple across Malta—found in bakeries, small cafés, and beachside spots—and it always delivers the same thing: fresh ingredients, strong flavors, and a perfect balance between salty, sharp, and rich.
It’s the kind of sandwich you grab on the go, but it never feels rushed. The combination of tuna, tomatoes, olives, and capers pressed into crusty ftira bread creates something that’s far more than just a sandwich.
What Is It?
Ftira is a traditional Maltese bread, slightly chewy with a crisp crust, designed to hold generous fillings.
The tuna ftira is one of the most popular versions, built with:
- Tuna in olive oil
- Fresh vegetables
- Briny elements like olives and capers
Everything is layered and pressed together so the flavors soak into the bread.
A Little History
Ftira has been part of Maltese food culture for centuries, originally baked in communal village ovens and shaped by hand using simple ingredients like flour, water, yeast, and olive oil. Over time, it became a daily staple for workers and fishermen, often filled with whatever was available. Tuna ftira, in particular, reflects Malta’s strong connection to the sea and Mediterranean pantry—combining preserved fish, olives, capers, and fresh vegetables. Today, it remains one of the island’s most iconic street foods, found everywhere from traditional bakeries to modern cafés, still staying true to its roots as simple, honest, and deeply local food.
What You Need
You’ll need a small ftira bread roll as your base. This bread is essential—it holds everything together while absorbing the olive oil and juices from the filling.
For the filling, use tuna in olive oil, lightly drained so it still carries flavor. Fresh tomato adds moisture and sweetness, while thinly sliced onion brings sharpness.
Capers and olives add saltiness and depth, giving the sandwich its signature Mediterranean profile. Fresh herbs like mint or basil are optional but lift the whole dish.
Finish with sea salt, cracked pepper, and a drizzle of good olive oil.
The Process
This is a layering dish. There’s no cooking involved—just building flavors in the right order and letting them come together.
The key is balance:
- Moisture from tomato
- Richness from tuna
- Sharpness from onion
- Salt from olives and capers
Pressing everything together is what makes it work.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 — Prepare the Bread
Slice the ftira roll in half horizontally.
Drizzle both sides lightly with olive oil so the bread starts to absorb flavor.
Step 2 — Add the Tuna
Spread the tuna evenly over the bottom half.
Keep it slightly chunky so it doesn’t become paste-like.
Step 3 — Layer the Fresh Ingredients
Add sliced tomato and finely sliced onion.
Distribute them evenly so every bite has balance.
Step 4 — Add the Salty Elements
Scatter capers and olives over the top.
These bring the depth and contrast that define the dish.
Step 5 — Season and Finish
Season with sea salt and cracked pepper.
Add fresh herbs if using, and finish with a light drizzle of olive oil.
Step 6 — Press the Ftira
Place the top half of the bread on and press down firmly.
This step helps the ingredients settle and the flavors combine.
Step 7 — Rest or Serve
Serve immediately, or let it rest for 15–30 minutes.
Resting allows the juices to soak into the bread, making it even better.
Serving
Serve as a full sandwich or cut in half.
It works perfectly as:
- A quick lunch
- A beach meal
- A light dinner
No sides needed, but it pairs well with something fresh and simple.
Storing
Best eaten fresh, but it can be wrapped and stored for a few hours.
If resting, keep it at room temperature so the bread stays soft and the flavors continue to develop.
Ready to Cook?
Check out our step-by-step instructions, equipment list, and nutrition breakdown.
Whether you're Maltese at heart or just in search of the next best pasta bake, Timpana is pure joy in pie form — and whether you make it yourself or grab one on the go, you’ll never forget your first bite.
Share this recipe
Maltese Tuna Ftira (Ftira biz-Zejt)
Ingredients
- 1 small ftira bread roll ~150 g
- 60 g tuna in olive oil drained slightly
- 30 g fresh tomato sliced
- 10 g red or white onion finely sliced
- 1 tbsp capers optional
- 6 –8 olives black or green, pitted and halved
- Fresh mint or basil optional
- Sea salt & cracked pepper to taste
- Extra virgin olive oil to drizzle
Instructions
- Slice the ftira roll in half horizontally.
- Drizzle both sides with a little olive oil.
- Layer the tuna, tomato, onion, capers, and olives evenly on the bottom half.
- Season with salt and pepper, and add herbs if using.
- Press the top half of the bread down firmly to help the flavors merge.
- Serve immediately, or wrap and let rest for 15–30 minutes for even better flavor.
Notes
Nutrition
More Maltese Recipes
Product We Use
to make our cooking experience better
