Alaska, known for its breathtaking outdoor adventures, offers an equally thrilling journey for your taste buds once the day of sightseeing comes to a close. Its diverse food scene showcases locally-sourced ingredients served with a unique Alaskan twist.
From charming restaurants to vibrant food trucks, each stop presents a symphony of fresh and innovative dishes. Join us as we guide you through the gastronomic landscape of Alaska, spotlighting our favorite culinary delights that promise to enrich your Alaskan voyage with savory wonder and delightful indulgence.
Reindeer Sausage
Start your culinary journey with Reindeer Sausage, a local favorite that's both familiar and exotic. These succulent sausages, often served at breakfast, are a delightful spin on traditional breakfast meats. Reindeer meat is lean and flavorful, often compared to venison but slightly milder.
You'll find this dish in local diners, on street food stalls, and even in fancy restaurants, each offering their unique twist.
Not interested in sitting down for a meal? You can also pick up a pack of reindeer sausage at most local grocery stores and outfitters!
Salmon Bake
Alaska's waters are teeming with some of the finest salmon on earth, and the locals have perfected the art of preparing it. An Alaskan Salmon Bake, often cooked over an open alderwood fire, features flaky, perfectly cooked fish infused with a deliciously smoky flavor.
The salmon may be glazed with a sweet sauce or seasoned simply with lemon and herbs to let the fish's fresh taste shine. If you’re visiting during the salmon season (June-September) be sure to check out for local bakes happening in your area or at your cruise destination.
Alternatively, sample some locally-caught salmon at a restaurant or have your own catch cooked for you.
Moose Chili
Alaskans take their chili seriously, often featuring locally hunted game like moose. This rich, hearty stew is filled with tender chunks of moose meat, beans, tomatoes, and a flavorful mix of spices. It's the perfect comfort food after a long day of exploring Alaska's wilderness or to warm up after a cold winter’s day. Pair your chili with a local beer to have a full Alaskan experience.
Crab Legs
If you're a seafood lover, Alaska's crab legs are a dream come true. Whether you opt for the sweet, delicate meat of Snow and Dungeness crabs or the rich, succulent flavor of King crab, you won't be disappointed.
Restaurants across Alaska take pride in serving these fresh from the icy, local waters, usually with a side of melted butter and a wedge of lemon for an added tang.
Salmonberry Jam
With a cool and rainy climate, Alaska is a prime destination for berry picking. Salmonberries, the colorful Alaskan berries that resemble raspberries, are delicious and make an incredibly tasty jam. This tart, sweet condiment is a delightful topping on toast or biscuits and is a staple in local households.
Don't forget to pick up a jar or two from local markets as edible souvenirs or to add on top of your morning stack of sourdough pancakes.
Sourdough Pancakes
Start one of your Alaskan mornings with Sourdough Pancakes - a classic breakfast dish in this region. Given Alaska's cool climate, traditional yeasts didn't always fare well, making sourdough a favorite for leavening.
These pancakes are fluffy and tangy, often served with locally produced honey, syrups, or the aforementioned Salmonberry jam. They pair excellently with the Reindeer sausage for a truly Alaskan breakfast.
Locally-picked Blueberry Pie
Alaska's wild blueberries have a unique, intense flavor due to the extended daylight in summer, and they are common along mountainsides and in river valleys. Throughout the summer, hikers and foragers alike will collect baskets full of blueberries and bake them into wonderful creations. Baked into a classic pie with a buttery, flaky crust, these blueberries create a dessert that is simply divine.
The freshness of locally sourced ingredients truly sets this pie apart from others you might have tasted. For an extra sweet treat, also pick up a bar of blueberry chocolate to take home as a souvenir or try your own hand at blueberry picking during one of your hikes.
Halibut
The Alaskan Halibut, a large flatfish found in the cold waters of the North Pacific, is a treat for seafood aficionados. Often grilled, broiled, or fried, halibut has a delicate, sweet flavor with a firm and flaky texture. It's versatile and can be found in various forms - from fish and chips to gourmet preparations with fresh, local herbs and sauces.
In Alaska, you'll often find it served simply with a squeeze of lemon to let the fish's natural flavors shine, or paired with a fresh cucumber-dill sauce for a refreshing twist. Regardless of how it's served, Alaska's halibut is sure to win you over.
Your Culinary Expedition
Alaska's cuisine is a journey of its own, each bite representing the adventure, the struggle, the beauty, and the relentless spirit of this spectacular land and its people. As you embark on your Alaskan trip, remember that each meal is more than just a feast for your senses—it's a deep dive into the heart of Alaskan culture and an intimate encounter with its stunning landscape.
