If you thought Alaska was too far north to be a foodie’s paradise, think again! Home to some of the most pristine land and waterways in the world, Alaska offers a bounty of rich and unique food. From bustling food trucks to fresh king crab pulled straight from the Bering Sea, Alaska will surprise foodies with all it has to offer. We’ve gathered some of the best local foods you should try during your trip, and where to find them!
Food Truck Pop-Ups throughout the Summer
Fish and Chips from Deckhand Dave’s. Photo Credit: Neal Alfano
Rain or shine, summertime in Alaska means food truck season. In Anchorage, you can spend your Thursday lunches at the Spenard Food Truck Carnival. Each week features different food trucks ranging from gourmet hot dogs to hearty gumbo. The Anchorage Museum hosts Lunch on the Lawn every Tuesday with one or two food trucks along with live music.
Beyond Anchorage, the food truck scene thrives as well. In Fairbanks, locals flock to HooDoo Brewing Co. for both their beer and rotating food trucks. One favorite, Mein Diner, offers traditional German fare to accompany the Biergarten and European-inspired brews. There’s a full range of food trucks along the Southeast such as Enoki Eatery in Sitka or Deckhand Dave’s in Juneau.
Cuisines from around the World
Tacos from El Green-Go’s in Anchorage. Photo Credit: Travel Alaska
Alaska surprises many visitors with its diverse culinary scene. In fact, Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city, actually has the most diverse census tract in all of America, meaning there are so many dining options.
Some must-not-miss spots in Anchorage include El Green-Go’s for street tacos and other Mexican fare, Charlie’s Bakery for dim sum and Chinese, Queen of Sheba for traditional Ethiopian, Kami Ramen for (you guessed it!) ramen, Ginger for Asian fusion and Ray’s Place for Vietnamese.
Fairbanks is known for their abundance of Thai spots, so be sure to try one of the many restaurants like Lemongrass or Thai House. In Juneau, local favorites include Spice Juneau Indian Cuisine, V’s Cellar for Korean-Mexican fusion and Pel’meni for traditional Russian dumplings.
Farmer’s Markets and Produce
Farmer’s market produce in Fairbanks. Photo Credit: State of Alaska / Michael DeYoung
A colder, alpine climate like Alaska’s may not be the first one that comes to mind when considering fresh vegetables and herbs, but Alaska grows some incredible produce. Alaska’s growing season, while relatively short due to its northern location and cool climate, still supports various fruits and vegetables.
In summer months, crops such as zucchini, lettuce, kale, cabbage and broccoli thrive in Alaska, especially in the southern regions where the season is slightly longer. Root vegetables like radishes, turnips, potatoes, carrots and beets also do well in Alaska’s cooler climate. Additionally, hardy fruits like rhubarb and currants can be successfully grown — often you’ll find more than you know what to do with. Greenhouses extend the growing season for tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and herbs like basil and cilantro.
Spend a Saturday morning at one of the many Farmer’s Markets in the state, or take a look through the Alaska Farmers Market directory to find other markets throughout the week.
Berries Galore
Fresh berries that are found in Alaska. Photo Credit: State of Alaska / Mark Kelley
Alaska is home to a variety of wild berries that thrive in its unique climate and terrain. One of the most iconic is the wild blueberry, known for its sweet and tangy flavor. These small, dark berries can be found throughout Alaska’s forests and tundra regions during the short summer months — early August tends to be the best for picking. Another popular berry is the salmonberry. It makes sense that Alaska would be home to a native fruit named after salmon. Salmonberries resemble blackberries but are a yellow or salmon-pink color instead. Juicy, and a combination of tart and sweet, look for native salmonberry in dessert compotes or used as a boost to dressings for fish and game. Lingonberries, resembling small cranberries, grow in dense patches and are prized for their tartness and health benefits. Highbush cranberries, distinct from traditional cranberries, produce bright red berries that can be used in sauces, jams and syrups.
In the summer and fall seasons, you might come across berries in popular Alaska destinations, including Chugach State Park, Denali National Park, Flattop Mountain Trail in Anchorage, and Murphy Dome in Fairbanks. If you’re planning to indulge in these sweet treats, make sure to carry a guidebook with you or ask a local as many edible berries can look similar to poisonous ones.
Abundant Seafood
King Crab at Tracy’s King Crab Shack. Photo Credit: Travel Alaska
Alaska is a seafood paradise, known for offering some of the finest fresh and sustainably harvested seafood in the world. Enthusiasts can count a variety of options, from wild-caught salmon, scallops, and shrimp to clams and Alaska halibut. Crab lovers are in for a treat with Alaska King Crab and Dungeness Crab, known for their large, meaty claws and sweet flesh. Scallops, shrimp and various species of whitefish such as cod and rockfish are popular choices. Whether served in a simple grilled style to highlight its natural flavors or incorporated into sophisticated dishes by expert chefs, Alaska is an essential destination for seafood fans and culinary explorers.
In Anchorage, Simon & Seafort’s Saloon and Grill is one of the best places to order fine cuts of fish such as their infamous macadamia nut-crusted halibut. The immensely popular Glacier Brewhouse serves incredible buttermilk calamari, seafood chowder and Bering Sea King Crab legs. In Juneau, Tracy’s King Crab Shack is known for their crab combos including crab cakes, bisque and fresh crab legs. The Pumphouse in Fairbanks offers locally sourced seafood such as scallops and oysters. Open only in the summer in Sitka, Halibut Point Crab is a locally owned restaurant offering locally caught seafood from the area. In Denali at the McKinley Chalet Resort both Canyon Steakhouse and Karstens Public House offer a selection of fresh Alaska seafood.
Reindeer Sausage
If you see people enjoying hot dogs on the street in Alaska, chances are they’re actually eating a reindeer dog! This lean meat is a staple in traditional Alaska cuisine and loved by locals across the state. Whether prepared in hearty soups, grilled over an open flame or enjoyed in a savory pie, trying reindeer in Alaska provides a culinary experience that is both delicious and steeped in cultural heritage. Restaurants throughout Alaska include reindeer sausage in an array of dishes, from pizza to chili. You’re also likely to find vendors in urban downtown areas serving these tasty treats straight off the cart and into a bun. For those wanting to take a taste of Alaska home, places like Alaska Sausage & Seafood Company in Anchorage and gift shops around the state offer packaged meats that travel well.
Craft Beer and Spirits
Getting a drink at the Anchorage Distillery. Photo Credit: Neal Alfano
Alaska has a flourishing craft beer and spirits scene that reflects the state’s natural flavors. Numerous breweries across the state produce unique and innovative brews inspired by local ingredients. It’s hard to choose where to go first, with over 40 breweries in the state, but some consistently win us over as the best brews in Alaska. Be sure to try King St. Brewing in Anchorage, Denali Brewing Company in Talkeetna, HooDoo Brewing Co. in Fairbanks, Skagway Brewing Co. in Skagway and Alaskan Brewing Co. in Juneau.
Alaska’s distilleries have also gained recognition for producing premium spirits using locally sourced ingredients such as birch syrup, wild berries and glacier-fed water. Visitors can sample artisanal vodkas, gins and whiskeys at establishments like Anchorage Distillery, Ursa Major Distilling in Fairbanks and Port Chilkoot Distillery in Haines. Alaska’s craft beer and spirits scene is not to be missed!
Alaska stands out as a foodie’s paradise with its diverse cultural landscape and abundance of fresh, locally sourced ingredients. From wild-caught seafood to hearty game meats and the fusion of cultural influences creates an incredible food scene. Whether in downtown Anchorage or a small town in the Southeast, foodie’s will not be disappointed. Check out this related post on the top restaurants to visit in Alaska and the Yukon.
