Filfla Chilli Co. produces award-winning, artisanal and gourmet spicy chutneys, that celebrate local food and culture, combining ingredients that have a culinary and historical connection with Malta, finishing off each unique recipe with a slightly spicy kick.

Each recipe takes around a year to complete, and involves researching historical recipes, old dictionaries and articles, among others. Once the main ingredients are chosen, Filfla Chilli Co. then decides on which chilli pepper would be used and how it should be treated, i.e. fresh, smoked, grilled, dried, etc. The final recipe must generally have a sweet and salty element, whilst not being too acidic.

A lot of research also goes into the naming of each product where, apart from the name ‘Xemxi’, each name is a made-up Maltese word and a play on words or homage to the main ingredient of that particular chutney, such as ‘Filfli’ – which celebrates the Maltese red chilli pepper, or ‘Buwġi’ – where the name ties in with Żebbuġ or olives, which are the main ingredient in that particular tapenade.

The idea behind each chutney is that apart from the fact that they could be used as spreads or with charcuterie boards, you could also cook with them or serve them at table, with each one pairing with various foods such as beef, pork, pasta, fish, salads, stir fries, bbq, stews, cocktails or desserts.

Last year Filfla Chilli Co. received a number of awards, including Best Plant Based Product in Malta, Gold for Filfli and Bronze for both Buwġi and Basli in the European Hot Sauce Awards, as well as Runner-Up in the Ġieħ l-Artiġjanat Awards.

Filfla Chilli Co.’s products can be found on its website, on Wolt Market, in various stores across the islands, as well as in House of Habanero in Dubai and MaltaLaden in Berlin.