A quintessential Maltese icon, the pastizz is more than just a pastry. Known for its flakey crust and empanada-like shape, pastizzi hold a beloved place in Maltese culture, and they’re even embedded within the Maltese language. The term “pastizz” serves as a humorous euphemism, and it’s also used in expressions such as *jinbiegħu bħall-pastizzi*—meaning to sell like hotcakes, highlighting its popularity.

“Pastizz” is part of RAFiott’s L-Ewwel Ma Tiekol L-Għajn Collection, an artistic celebration of Maltese cuisine infused with RAFiott’s unique surrealism. Named after the Maltese saying, *L-Ewwel Ma Tiekol L-Għajn* (“the first thing to eat is the eye”), the collection emphasises the power of visual appeal. Through a series of four designs inspired by beloved Maltese snacks, RAFiott interprets traditional foods through a bold charcoal aesthetic. The recurring eye motif adds a literal twist to the collection’s theme, underscoring RAFiott’s role as a keen observer of Maltese heritage.

Each piece is available both as a standalone artwork and as a repeating geometric pattern, making this collection as versatile as it is visually captivating.