What is Alaska food, and what should you try while you’re there? This northern destination is known for its wild seafood and a few regional surprises you might not expect. From Alaskan king crab legs to fry bread, this guide covers 16 foods and treats to look for during your cruise or trip to Alaska.
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Every destination, whether I’m there on a cruise or land vacation, I try to seek out local foods. And during our Alaska cruises, that was no exception. With limited time in the Alaskan cruise ports — often squeezed between tours — we try to jump right in and eat the top things on our list. While the goal is to eventually try it all, even checking off just one or two of these can be a fun part of the trip.
1. Alaskan King Crab Legs
Alaskan king crab is one of the most sought-after foods in Alaska, known for its sweet, rich meat and massive legs. It’s typically harvested starting in October, so if you’re cruising in the summer, what you’re eating has been flash-frozen after the catch. Still, it’s high quality and worth trying if it’s on your list.
There are a few different types of Alaskan king crab. Red king crab is the one most people know — it’s the largest and most prized. Golden (or brown) king crab is a little smaller but still flavorful, and you may see that served instead when red king crab isn’t available.
You’ll find king crab legs sold by the leg or by the pound in just about every major cruise port. Tracy’s King Crab Shack in Juneau is the most talked-about spot, and they usually have a few kinds to choose from. Many restaurants near the docks offer similar menus, and they tend to be a splurge no matter where you go. This is always on my list during an Alaska cruise and absolutely worth the messy hands.
2. Wild Salmon (Especially Sockeye)
Salmon is everywhere in Alaska, and it’s something you’ll spot on just about every restaurant menu in port towns. Sockeye (red) salmon is especially popular for its vibrant reddish-orange color and rich flavor, but Coho and King (Chinook) salmon also show up in local dishes.
You’ll see it grilled, cedar-planked, in chowder, tossed into tacos, or even shaped into salmon burgers. Smoked salmon is another staple, usually available for sampling at seafood markets or sold vacuum-packed as a take-home souvenir. You might also come across smoked salmon dip, salmon jerky, or sweeter salmon candy in local shops. And if you’re feeling adventurous, Jellifish Donuts in Anchorage even sells salmon donuts—yes, really.
It’s not just a tourist favorite, either. Alaska’s bears spend their summers feasting on wild salmon, especially when the fish start swimming upstream to spawn. If you’re going to try salmon anywhere, this is the place to do it.
3. Halibut
Halibut is another local catch you’ll see often in Alaska, especially in coastal towns like Seward, Homer, and Juneau. It’s a lean, white fish with a mild flavor, which makes it a good choice if you’re not into stronger seafood.
Cruise passengers will probably come across it as fish and chips, but you’ll also see it pan-seared, blackened, or used in tacos. I had some of the best fish and chips, made with local halibut, at Alaskan Fish House in Ketchikan, after a few locals told me I had to go there while visiting Creek Street. They weren’t wrong. Some restaurants also serve halibut cheeks, which are considered a delicacy and have a slightly firmer texture.
If you’re trying to fit in as many local bites as possible, halibut is an easy one to check off the list.
4. Reindeer Sausage
Reindeer sausage is a regional specialty in Alaska, and while it’s not something you’ll find on every street corner, it does show up in some cruise ports and local shops. Reindeer were introduced to Alaska in the late 1800s as a sustainable food source, and they’re still domestically raised today, mostly around the Seward Peninsula.
Anchorage is the most reliable place to find reindeer sausage, with reindeer dog carts and local producers selling it regularly. In some cruise ports, like Juneau, Ketchikan, or Sitka, it can pop up at food trucks, small markets, or cafés, but it’s not guaranteed.
You might see it served as a reindeer dog or sliced as part of a breakfast plate with sourdough pancakes. I haven’t tried it myself yet, but I’ve heard the flavor is slightly smoky and a little sweet, with a richer taste than pork or beef. Most versions are blended with other meats to maintain a juicier texture.
It’s one of those distinctly Alaskan foods that might be worth keeping an eye out for.
5. Fry Bread
Fry bread isn’t unique to Alaska, but it may well feel like it the first time you try it. It’s a soft, doughy flatbread fried until the outside is crisp and golden, while the inside stays fluffy.
Fry bread has deep roots in Native American history, dating back to the 1800s when Indigenous communities, including those in Alaska, transformed government-issued rations like flour and lard into a filling dish. Today, it’s often served at fairs, powwows, and community events. In Alaska cruise ports, it has become a treat that many travelers seek out.
Some people compare it to elephant ears, the fair treat you might’ve had growing up. Both are fried dough, but elephant ears are usually thinner and crispier, while fry bread tends to be thicker with a softer middle.
I had fry bread at Klondike Doughboy in Skagway, where it was covered in cinnamon sugar. It reminded me of a large, flat, flaky donut — warm, sweet, and hit the spot after our White Pass Train ride.
6. Alaskan Oysters
You might not immediately think of oysters when you think of Alaska, but the state is known for its farm-raised oysters grown in cold, clean waters, especially in places like Kachemak Bay, Prince William Sound, and the Southeast. The low water temps keep them from spawning in summer, which means they stay plump and sweet even during cruise season.
If you’re in port near Ketchikan, there’s a tour offered by Hump Island Oyster Co. where you can ride out to the farm, learn how oysters are grown, and taste them fresh from the water.
Otherwise, you might spot freshly shucked Alaskan oysters at local restaurants in Juneau, Sitka, or Ketchikan. I haven’t had the chance to try them yet, but they’re definitely on my radar.
7. Local Chowders
If you’re cruising to Alaska, there’s a good chance you’ll come across a warm bowl of chowder somewhere in port. And it hits just right on a cool or rainy day. Instead of the usual clam chowder you’d find elsewhere, Alaska’s chowders often feature salmon, halibut, or a mix of local seafood.
I’ve had it a couple of times now—smoked salmon chowder at Alaskan Fish House in Ketchikan, and more recently, one of the best salmon chowders I’ve ever had at The Hangar in Juneau. It was creamy, rich, and packed with chunks of salmon. The local Alaskan next to me was chowing down on the same thing, which just confirmed I’d made the right choice.
If it’s on the menu, I’m ordering it.
8. Birch Syrup Products
Birch syrup is made by tapping birch trees in the spring and boiling down the sap, a process similar to how maple syrup is produced. However, it requires significantly more sap to produce a small amount. The result is a dark, rich syrup with a tangy, slightly savory flavor, often compared to molasses or balsamic vinegar.
It’s not as common as salmon, but if you’re browsing local gift shops, you’ll probably spot birch syrup or birch-flavored treats. Think bottled syrups, caramels, glazes, and even birch mustard. It’s not something I’ve seen much on restaurant menus, but it’s easy enough to find if you’re looking for it. And, it makes a great foodie souvenir.
9. Sourdough Bread or Pancakes
Sourdough has deep roots in Alaska’s past. During the Gold Rush, miners and settlers relied on sourdough starter as their main leavening because yeast wasn’t available, and starters could survive harsh winters (some even tucked them inside their clothing to stay warm). Over time, “sourdough” came to mean someone who’d toughed it out in Alaska’s conditions.
You’ll find sourdough bread in cafés and bakeries across coastal towns. Sourdough pancakes are typical in Alaskan breakfast plates. Sandpiper Café in Juneau is known for them if you’re looking to check that box.
You might also find sourdough bread bowls filled with seafood chowder on some menus. If it’s an option, it’s a great way to try two local favorites in one meal.
10. Wild Berry Desserts & Jams
Alaska’s wild berries show up in everything from pies and muffins to syrups, jams, chocolate, candy, and sometimes even ice cream. You’ll spot huckleberries, blueberries, salmonberries, and fireweed used across local cafés and gift shops. I kept seeing Huckleberry products in almost every port, and I ended up trying a scoop of Huckleberry ice cream (seasonal) at Chilkat Cove Cones and Ice Cream in Juneau. And, I brought home a chocolate bar filled with huckleberry jam. Worth it.
Most of these berries are in season during mid to late summer, but you’ll find plenty of preserved versions during cruise season. A small jar of jam or syrup also makes a nice souvenir to bring home.
11. Smoked Salmon Dip
You’ll see this creamy, savory spread in cafés, local markets, and even served with crackers as a quick appetizer. Smoked salmon dip is typically made with flaked smoked salmon, cream cheese, and a mix of herbs or seasonings, sometimes with a little horseradish or dill for an extra kick.
It’s a good way to sample Alaska’s famous salmon without ordering a full meal. If you’re browsing a specialty shop or grocery store, there’s a chance they’ll offer a sample.
12. Salmon Jerky (and Salmon Candy)
This one’s easy to pack and bring home or snack on during your cruise. Salmon jerky is exactly what it sounds like: dried strips of salmon that are slightly salty, smoky, and chewy. You’ll often see it vacuum-sealed in gift shops and seafood stores.
There’s also salmon candy, a sweeter glazed version of smoked salmon with a chewy texture and a sugary coating. It might sound odd, but it’s a favorite among some travelers and easy to sample if you’re curious.
13. Akutaq (Also Known as Eskimo Ice Cream)
This one’s a bit different, and honestly, you probably won’t see it around the cruise ports. But I still wanted to include it because it’s unique to Alaska and rooted in Indigenous culture. Akutaq, often called Eskimo ice cream, is traditionally made by whipping animal fat (like caribou or seal) with wild berries, and sometimes fish or meat. The texture is more like a fluffy mousse than anything close to the ice cream we know.
It’s not something I’ve come across during our trips, but if I ever do, you bet I want to try it. You’re more likely to find it on a food tour, at cultural centers, or in more remote parts of Alaska. Still, it’s worth knowing about, and maybe you’ll get lucky.
14. Alaskan Beer
If you enjoy trying local beer when you travel, Alaska has a few options worth seeking out. The most well-known is Alaskan Brewing Co. in Juneau. Their Alaskan Amber is probably the one you’ll see most often, but they have a full lineup of seasonal and specialty brews if you visit the tasting room.
You’ll also find smaller breweries in ports like Skagway, Ketchikan, and Seward. Many restaurants carry local options on tap, and some offer tasting flights if you want to try a few different styles. I’m not a big beer drinker, but I’ll usually give the local brew a shot when it’s in front of me, particularly if it goes with the view or whatever seafood I’m eating.
15. Russian-Influenced Treats or Dishes
Some parts of Alaska, like Sitka and Kodiak, still reflect the region’s Russian heritage from before it became part of the U.S. You might spot piroshki (stuffed pastries) or Russian tea cakes in local bakeries or markets. However, these aren’t common in cruise ports. I haven’t come across them myself (yet), but it’s the kind of Alaska food find that would catch my eye if I stumbled across it during a land-based visit or food tour.
16. Local Coffee Roasters & Cafés
Alaska has a surprisingly rich coffee scene, and you’ll find locally roasted beans and cozy cafés in just about every port. If you love coffee, this is an easy (and caffeinated) way to get a taste of the region.
Raven’s Brew Coffee, originally from Ketchikan, is known for its bold, dark roasts and quirky packaging. You’ll find their cafés in Ketchikan and Juneau, and they also sell bags to take home. In Juneau, Heritage Coffee Roasting Co. has been roasting beans locally since the 1970s and serves a solid cup in several downtown locations.
And while Glacial Coffeehouse in Skagway doesn’t roast its own beans, it’s a local go-to that’s always buzzing — a nice stop for a pastry and a pick-me-up before heading back to the ship. It’s also right next to Klondike Doughboy, where I had that amazing fry bread, so it’s easy to swing by both.
TRY LOCAL FOOD EXPERIENCES IN ALASKA PORTS
If you’re interested in trying regional flavors while traveling, a few ports in Alaska offer food-related tours. Some focus on seafood, others sneak in bites during sightseeing. Food tours are not as common as in other destinations, but if you can book one, it’s a fun way to add a little flavor to your day in port.
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Meet Kathy Ava, a food, travel, and cruise writer based in Los Angeles/Pasadena, and the owner and main writer of Tasty Itinerary. With over 20 years of experience planning trips and logistics at her full-time job and for herself, she’s become a pro at crafting unforgettable tasty itineraries. She’s always on the hunt for delicious, fun travel destinations and cruise itineraries. She firmly believes that life is short and we must make the most of it, so always say yes to dessert.
