Daniel Pisani

Daniel Pisani, better known by his culinary name “il-Marrow,” is a Maltese cookbook author, food photographer, recipe developer, and advocate for sustainable, seasonal, plant-based cuisine. Through his writing, photography, and culinary work, he has become one of Malta’s leading voices promoting a return to traditional Mediterranean food culture, reimagined through a contemporary plant-based approach.

Originally trained in computing, Pisani began his career in the corporate sector before leaving office life to reconnect with his family’s food business. Seeking a deeper understanding of food production and sustainability, he later joined Vincent’s Eco Farm in Malta, where working closely with farmers and seasonal produce transformed his outlook on food, agriculture, and the environment. This experience inspired him to champion locally grown ingredients and traditional Maltese recipes rooted in the rhythms of the seasons. During the 2020–2021 lockdown, Pisani wrote and self-published The Plant-Based Maltese Kitchen, a richly illustrated cookbook that combines traditional Maltese recipes with modern, plant-based adaptations. Divided according to the four seasons, the book celebrates local produce, Mediterranean culinary heritage, and sustainable eating while encouraging readers to rediscover Malta’s traditional food culture. Pisani also produced all of the book’s photography, reflecting his distinctive visual style and close connection with the ingredients he uses.

Beyond publishing, Pisani has contributed recipes to international projects, including Plant Based Planet, where his vegan interpretation of the traditional Maltese qassata showcased the island’s culinary heritage to a global audience. Through public talks, media appearances, and private dining experiences, he continues to promote the values of seasonal eating, organic agriculture, and environmentally conscious cooking. Today, Daniel Pisani continues to explore the relationship between food, heritage, and sustainability, using his writing, photography, and culinary creativity to inspire a renewed appreciation of Malta’s rich gastronomic traditions and the benefits of a plant-based Mediterranean lifestyle.