A Sunday morning in Marsaxlokk is a feast for the senses. Colourful luzzijiet line the harbour, market stalls fill the waterfront, and the day’s catch brings a taste of Malta’s fishing traditions to life. For anyone who enjoys fresh seafood, the Marsaxlokk Fish Market is a great place to discover what local waters have to offer.
But visiting the market can be about more than finding your usual favourite. It is also an opportunity to discover unfamiliar fish, learn how to prepare them and make more informed choices about the seafood you bring home.
Through the Explore the Variety, Eat Sustainable Fish initiative, we are encouraging people to look beyond familiar choices and discover five under-appreciated species caught in Maltese waters: horse mackerel, greater amberjack, bullet tuna, little tunny and silver scabbardfish.
Whether you are a regular market visitor or buying fresh fish for the first time, here is how to make the most of your next visit.
What Makes the Marsaxlokk Fish Market Special?
In one of the island’s best-known fishing villages, the Marsaxlokk fish market brings together fresh fish, local produce and other goods along the harbour, creating a lively meeting point for residents and visitors every sunday morning.
The market offers a glimpse into Malta’s relationship with the sea, but it also provides an opportunity to learn more about the fish available locally. The selection changes according to the catch, the season and what is brought to shore, so every visit can offer something different.
If you are planning to buy fish, arriving early in the morning can give you more time to browse the stalls and speak with sellers before the market becomes busier.
How to Choose the Best Catch at the Marsaxlokk Fish Market
Choosing fresh fish does not have to be complicated. If you are buying whole fish, there are a few things you can look out for.
Look at the eyes. Fresh whole fish generally have clear, bright eyes rather than eyes that appear cloudy or sunken.
Check the skin and flesh. The skin should look moist and relatively shiny, while the flesh should feel firm and spring back when gently pressed.
Pay attention to the smell. Fresh fish should have a mild, clean smell rather than a strong, unpleasant or sour odour.
Ask the seller for advice. Your fishmonger can tell you more about the fish on offer, how it is best prepared and whether it is suitable for the dish you have in mind.
These signs are useful general indicators, but no single feature guarantees freshness. If you are unsure about a particular fish, ask the seller for guidance.
What Fish Should You Look For?
One of the best things about visiting the Marsaxlokk Fish Market is the opportunity to discover species you may not usually buy. Rather than heading straight for a familiar choice, take a moment to see what else is available.
Here are five local species worth getting to know:
Horse Mackerel
Horse mackerel is a versatile fish that can be prepared in different ways, making it a good option for everyday meals. If you enjoy simple Mediterranean flavours, try it grilled with vegetables, herbs and a light olive oil dressing.
Greater Amberjack
With its firm flesh, greater amberjack lends itself to a variety of cooking methods, including grilling and roasting. Ask your fishmonger which preparation would work best for the cut available.
Bullet Tuna
Bullet tuna is worth considering if you enjoy tuna but want to explore a less familiar local species. It can be used in a range of dishes, including pasta and tomato-based recipes.
Little Tunny
Little tunny offers another way to bring local fish into familiar meals. You could try it in a Maltese ftira sandwich or experiment with a recipe that introduces different herbs, vegetables and flavours.
Silver Scabbardfish
Recognisable by its long, slender body and silvery appearance, silver scabbardfish is another species worth discovering. Ask your fishmonger how to prepare it and whether it would be best suited to pan-frying or another cooking method.
Availability varies, so you may not find all five species at the market on the same day. If you are looking for something specific, ask what is available and when you might be able to find it.
What Should You Ask Your Fishmonger?
You do not need to be an expert to buy and prepare fish with confidence. A few simple questions can help you make a better choice and discover something new.
- “What is available today?” Start by finding out which fish are on offer and ask whether there is anything less familiar worth trying.
- “Is this fish in season?” Availability changes throughout the year. Asking about seasonality can help you understand what is currently being caught and sold.
- “How would you recommend cooking it?” Some fish work well grilled, while others may be better suited to pan-frying, baking or a sauce.
- “Could you clean or fillet it for me?” If you are not comfortable preparing a whole fish, ask whether the seller can help.
- “What could I use instead of my usual fish?” This is a simple way to discover alternatives when your preferred species is unavailable.
If you are new to cooking fish, do not be afraid to say so. A recommendation from someone who works with fish every day can make trying a new species feel much more approachable.
Why Choosing a Wider Variety of Fish Matters
Exploring a wider variety of fish can help diversify seafood demand and support local fishing communities. It also encourages us to make better use of the variety found in Maltese waters rather than relying on the same choices every time.
Sustainability depends on several factors, including the species, the condition of its population and how it is caught. Local origin alone does not guarantee that a fish is the most sustainable option, so it is worth asking questions and making informed choices.
The Explore the Variety, Eat Sustainable Fish initiative aims to raise awareness of these five under-appreciated species caught in Maltese waters and inspire people to give them a place on their plates.
Discover More at the Marsaxlokk Fish Market
Sometimes, discovering a new favourite starts with a simple question at the fish counter. The next time you visit the Marsaxlokk Fish Market, take a look beyond your usual choices and ask what else is available.
You might find a new ingredient for a familiar recipe, learn a different way to prepare fish or discover a species you have never tried before.
You can also visit our dedicated stall at the Marsaxlokk Fish Market every Sunday, where our team showcases the five featured local fish and shares information about their flavours, preparation and place in a more varied approach to seafood.
For more inspiration, explore our recipes and discover new ways to enjoy the variety of fish caught in Maltese waters.
