The design of food is an intricate process that involves far more than taste alone. From the selection of ingredients to the final presentation, every detail is considered to create a memorable sensory experience. In Malta, food is deeply connected to tradition, with recipes passed down through generations. However, today’s chefs and designers are transforming these traditions into something new, using food as a canvas for artistic expression.
Designing a dish is much like designing a space—every element must work in harmony. Chefs carefully balance flavours, textures, and visual appeal to craft an experience that goes beyond a simple meal. The growing trend of incorporating local ingredients into contemporary dishes not only highlights Malta’s culinary heritage but also supports a more sustainable and authentic approach to food.
At designMT, the blend of food and design will be celebrated, showcasing how chefs and food producers approach each stage of the process, from conceptualisation to packaging and branding. The focus will be on how they elevate simple ingredients into creative, thoughtful expressions that not only satisfy hunger but also engage the senses and reflect a deeper connection to cultural identity.
Food is more than sustenance—it’s an artistic and cultural expression, telling stories that resonate with our memories, emotions, and sense of place. Through design, it becomes a powerful tool for communication, bridging past and present, tradition and innovation.
designMT is organised by the Malta Crafts Foundation with the support of Arts Council Malta, Heritage Malta, the Industrial Property Registrations Unit, Malta Digital Innovation Authority, and Malta Tourism Authority, and in collaboration with the Golden Glitch, Kamra tal-Periti, Spazju Kreattiv, and the Valletta Cultural Agency, with Lovin Malta as Media Partners. The event unites designers, architects, and creatives to explore the blend of tradition and innovation across architecture, fashion, digital art, and more, while celebrating Malta’s cultural heritage.