From Wild Berries to Reindeer Sausage: 11 Foods You Must Try in Alaska
Most visitors to Alaska come hoping to see amazing scenery and lots of wildlife. But like most places, there are some iconic foods that Alaska is famous for and that you must try during your visit to Alaska. From Alaska street food to Alaska seafood, there is something to satisfy every palate.
In this post, we’ll explore some of the most famous foods in Alaska, discover their historical connection to the state and give you some of our favorite places to find them.
Reindeer Sausage
If you are on the streets of Anchorage and see long lines at a food cart, chances are they are serving reindeer dogs. Made with a blend of reindeer, beef and pork and often topped with grilled onions glazed in cola, Reindeer dogs are an iconic summer treat in Alaska.
Reindeer (also known as Caribou) are not native to Alaska, having been brought here to provide a food source for native Alaskans in the late 1800s.
And for a twist, if you spot Big Dog’s food truck, step in line to wait for a Reindeer corn dog. There will be a wait, but it will be worth it!
Alaska King Crab
Whether you are a fan of Deadliest Catch or not, you’ll want to try some world-famous Alaska King Crab. Most of Alaska’s king crab are caught in Bristol Bay from October through January and are prized around the world for their sweet succulent meat. But be prepared to pay for that deliciousness. Because Alaska has strict catch rules which limit the total catch, you’ll pay for the privilege of enjoying Alaska King Crab.
You’ll find crab on the menu of just about every restaurant in Alaska so it’s hard to pick a favorite. Or you can visit any seafood market or local grocery store to buy it and cook it up yourself.
Salmon
Salmon is another food item that is closely tied to Alaska. Early Alaskans relied on salmon as a major part of their survival. In 1878, the first canneries were built in Alaska in order to preserve the salmon for shipment to the lower 48. Today, the salmon fishery is an important part of Alaska’s culture, economy and ecosystem.
In addition to enjoying salmon on your plate, if you are here at the right time of year, you’ll want to head to a stream or river to catch sight of salmon spawning as they return to their birthplace to complete their epic life journey.
Like King Crab, you can find Alaskan salmon available in just about every restaurant and market.
Fireweed Ice Cream
Although fireweed grows throughout much of North America, Alaskans claim it as their own. Walk into any gift shop and you’ll see images of fireweed on t-shirts, mugs and photos. Driving through the state, you’ll see the spiky plant with pink and purple flowers covering entire hillsides and along the side of the road. Alaskans even use fireweed to predict the weather! The flowers bloom from the bottom of the stalk, and when the topmost flowers are blooming, that means summer is nearing its end.
FIreweed is commonly used to make honey, syrup and jelly. But our favorite food made from fireweed is definitely ice cream! After a hike through fireweed-covered hills in the Alaskan sunshine, there’s nothing better than the slightly sweet, lavender colored ice cream.
Most Alaska ice cream shops carry fireweed ice cream so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding it. If you are in Anchorage, stop by Wild Scoops where they source their ingredients from local growers.
Pizza
We know you can get pizza anywhere but when a pizza place has been called one of the best in the country, we think it’s worth including in this list. The Moose’s Tooth has been a favorite of locals and visitors for more than 20 years. Their inventive line-up of unique pizzas (my favorite is the Amazing Apricot. I know…. but just try it. You’ll thank me) and handcrafted beers are the reason for the long lines waiting for a table. We suggest you arrive at opening time if you can. If not, plan for a substantial wait for a table – but it will be worth it. And the outdoor waiting area is a party in itself and makes the wait more fun.
Fun Fact: Moose’s Tooth is named for one of the mountain peaks in the Alaska Range.
Local produce
Alaska may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of fresh produce due to its short growing season. But with so much daylight each day, the vegetables grown here are supersized! Choosing locally grown produce is tasty and healthy and also supports the local economy and reduces the carbon footprint of transporting items from the lower 48.
Farmer’s Markets are plentiful during the summer months and a great way to sample what’s available. Many restaurants source local ingredients when possible.
Our go-to place for great food using local ingredients is Turkey Red in Palmer.
And if you want to pick your own, head out to Pyrah’s Pioneer Peak Farm in Palmer.
Wild Berries
Foraging for berries has been a way of life for Native Alaskans for centuries. More than 50 varieties of wild berries grow in Alaska including cranberries, salmonberries, blueberries, raspberries, and our favorite, watermelon berries. Foraging for berries is a much anticipated annual activity for Alaskan families.
Visitors to Alaska can find a variety of wild berry products at gift shops and restaurants. If you want to forage for yourself, be aware that there are poisonous berries in Alaska. If you aren’t sure what the berry is, don’t eat it. Also remember that bears love berries too. Always be bear aware when berry picking.
This infographic from Alaska BLM provides a good overview of wildberries in Alaska.
Sourdough Bread
Sourdough bread was brought to Alaska during the Klondike Gold Rush in the late 1800s. Prospectors carried sourdough starter with them because it didn’t spoil quickly and could be made into bread without yeast. The bread is so tied to that period in Alaska that the term “sourdough” is used to describe someone who has been in Alaska a long time and who has proved themselves able to withstand the harsh conditions.
Sourdough bread is still a popular food in Alaska today and can be found in bakeries and restaurants across the state. If you want to take some of this goodness home with you, you’ll find Alaska Sourdough Starter in many gift shops.
Birch Syrup
Maple syrup is probably your first thought to pour on your pancakes, but when in Alaska, try birch syrup. Just like maple syrup, it is made by tapping trees – birch in this case. The birch sap is boiled down to concentrated syrup and can be used to flavor ice cream, tea, candy, and more.
Birch syrup products are available in gift shops all over the state but the best place to get it is at Alaska Wild Harvest. Learn how birch syrup is harvested and made and taste some fresh syrup. Then buy a few birch syrup products to take home.
Many Alaskan families lucky enough to have a stand of birch trees can tap their own backyard trees. Although it takes a lot of sap to produce a small amount of syrup!
Mark and the kids collected birch sap in their backyard. The kids love putting it on ice cream.
Halibut Fish and Chips
Like salmon, halibut is another iconic Alaskan fish. One of the best ways to prepare it is for fish and chips. Its mild and flaky meat is perfect for frying. Be sure to try this dish in one of the seaside towns in Alaska where you’ll get fish fresh from the sea. While you are there, try fish and chips made with Ling Cod or Rockfish – both equally delicious.
Homer, Alaska calls itself the “Halibut Fishing Capital of the World” so you’ll definitely want to get fish and chips there. Anyplace on the Spit is a good choice.
Swiftwater Seafood Café in Whittier is one of our favorite places for fish and chips. It is small and unassuming but you are sure to get fish fresh out of Prince William Sound.
Coffee from a Roadside Hut
Coffee huts are an iconic roadside feature in Alaska. Summer or winter, morning or evening – you’ll likely find cars waiting in line at any of the colorful and unique coffee vendors. Wherever your Alaska road trip takes you, keep an eye out for a coffee hut and grab a hot or cold coffee to enjoy while taking in the breathtaking views. As most of these are locally owned, small businesses, you’ll be supporting local Alaskans while you enjoy your coffee.
There are too many of these to name only a few – so take your chances and pull up to the next coffee hut you see.
During your visit to Alaska, you’ll experience awe-inspiring landscapes, unforgettable wildlife and iconic food that Alaska is known for. Be sure to include some of these famous Alaska foods in your travels throughout our beautiful state.
