A pastizz (plural pastizzi) is a savoury pastry from Malta. Pastizzi usually have a filling either of ricotta or of mushy peas, and are called pastizzi ta' l-irkotta, "cheesecakes", or pastizzi tal-pizelli, "peacakes", accordingly.[1][2] Pastizzi are a popular and well-known Maltese food.
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Pastizzi are usually diamond-shaped[3] and made of filo pastry (although there is also a puff pastry version). The pastry is folded in different ways according to the filling. They are typically baked on metal trays in electric ovens in a pastizzerija, usually a small or family concern preparing and selling small pastries. They may also be sold in bars and by street vendors.
Pastizzi are also produced amongst the immigrant communities of Maltese in Australia, the US and Canada. The first pastizzeria in Scotland opened in 2007.[3]
Such is its popularity, the word "pastizz" has multiple meanings in Maltese. It is used as a euphemism for the female sexual organ (due to its shape) and for describing someone as an "idiot" or "buffoon". The Maltese expression "selling like pastizzi" is equivalent to the English "selling like hot cakes", to describe a product which seems to have inexhaustible demand.[4] [5] [6] Things which are "coming out like pastizzi" can be said to be emerging at a fast rate, sometimes too quickly. [7] [8]