Allergens in imqarrun il-forn: ingredients, variations and how to order safely
By the Menulta editorial team · Facts checked 15 October 2026 · Updated 15 October 2026
The short answer
Imqarrun il-forn, Malta's baked macaroni, typically contains gluten (macaroni), egg (beaten eggs binding the pasta), milk (grated cheese), celery (in the meat sauce base) and sometimes sulphites (wine) or mustard and celery from curry powder used in some family recipes. It is the same filling as timpana without the pastry case.
What imqarrun il-forn is
Imqarrun il-forn is a much-loved Maltese family dish: macaroni or penne mixed with a meat and tomato sauce, beaten eggs and grated cheese, baked until the top is crisp. Some recipes add a little curry powder, peas or hard-boiled eggs. It is sold by the slice in bakeries and cafés and served in traditional restaurants.
Traditional imqarrun il-forn ingredients and their allergens
| Ingredient | Allergen | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Macaroni or penne | Gluten (wheat) | |
| Beaten eggs | Egg | Bind the pasta |
| Grated cheese | Milk | Parmesan or local hard cheese |
| Meat sauce with soffritto | Celery | Minced beef and pork, tomato |
| Curry powder (some recipes) | Possibly mustard, celery | Depends on blend |
| Wine or stock | Sulphites, possibly celery and gluten | Some recipes |
Variations that change the allergens
Ross il-forn is the rice-based version, with rice instead of pasta: it avoids wheat pasta but keeps egg, milk and celery, and stock cubes may add gluten. Vegetarian imqarrun omits meat. Timpana wraps the same filling in pastry.
Restaurant and bought-in versions
Imqarrun is baked in large trays and sold in portions, so it cannot be adapted for individual allergies. Bakeries and cafés may buy it from wholesale suppliers; ask for the allergen information.
Imqarrun is often sold in cafés and kiosks by the slice, alongside pastizzi and qassatat. These are typically baked by the same bakery and displayed together, so cross-contact between products is likely. Visitors with allergies should ask for the bakery's allergen information rather than rely on the counter staff's memory.
Imqarrun il-forn allergen by allergen
| Allergy | What to know |
|---|---|
| Gluten / coeliac | Not suitable; consider ross il-forn only if the stock is gluten-free. |
| Egg | Not suitable. |
| Milk | Not suitable. |
| Celery | Usually present. |
| Mustard | Possible if curry powder is used. |
Ordering it with an allergy
Imqarrun il-forn is not suitable for guests avoiding gluten, egg or milk. Guests with celery or mustard allergies should ask about the sauce and any curry powder.
Sources
This guide is general information, not medical or legal advice. Guests with an allergy should follow their doctor's advice. Operators should confirm their own setup with their food safety adviser or local authority.