Qaghaq tal-Ghasel (Honey Rings)

Qaghaq tal-ghasel (written qagħaq tal-għasel in Maltese) translates as honey rings. Each one is a ring of crisp pastry wrapped around a soft, dark treacle filling, and recipes vary from bakery to bakery and family to family. Heritage Malta links honey rings with centuries-old Christmas celebrations and explains that treacle replaced the original honey filling.

They are best known as a Christmas sweet. Visit Malta and Visit Gozo both list Christmas qaghaq tal-ghasel among the traditional desserts of the islands, and in December they appear in bakery windows and on family tables alongside other seasonal treats. Ask bakeries and confectioners about availability outside the Christmas season.

Where to try it

• At bakeries and confectioners across Malta and Gozo, sold singly or in boxes.
• In December, when they are at the heart of Christmas sweets; see our Malta in winter guide for the season.
• With a coffee or tea in cafés in Valletta and Mdina and Rabat.

If you buy honey rings as a souvenir, follow the bakery's storage instructions. Break one in half to see the filling before you commit to a box. If you prefer your sweets fried and hot, try imqaret instead.