Arctic Cuisine: A Culinary Journey Through Greenland and Svalbard

Author : Unwild Planet

The Arctic isn’t just a destination - it’s an experience, and that includes what’s on your plate. Beyond the Northern Lights and frozen landscapes lies a unique culinary heritage, shaped by the region’s harsh environment and rich traditions.

In Greenland and Svalbard, food goes beyond a meal – it’s a story of survival, tradition, and bold innovation. Here, ancient preservation techniques blend seamlessly with modern culinary artistry, offering a dining experience unlike any other.

If you’re craving something truly extraordinary, it’s time to venture north and discover the wild, untamed flavors of Arctic cuisine.

Here’s a closer look at the foods, traditions, and culinary experiences in the Arctic:

Seafood: The Lifeblood of Arctic Cuisine

Thanks to the Arctic's icy waters, marine life matures slowly, resulting in uniquely flavourful and nutrient-rich seafood. Historically, Arctic communities preserved seafood by drying, smoking, and fermenting to survive harsh winters. Today, modern Arctic cuisine combines these traditional techniques with fresh ingredients, creating gourmet dishes that celebrate both heritage and innovation.

Must-try seafood:

Arctic Char (the northernmost freshwater fish)
King Crab
Greenland Halibut (highest in omega-3)
Stockfish
Cold-Smoked Salmon (preserved the ancient way)

Game Meat: The Arctic’s Wild Bounty

With limited agriculture, Arctic communities have depended on wild game for centuries. These meats are naturally lean, rich in protein, and packed with essential nutrients. Whether it’s reindeer herded by the Sámi or musk ox hunted by Greenlandic communities, Arctic cuisine is deeply connected to nature and sustainability.

Must-try meats:

Reindeer (leaner than beef, high in iron)
Musk Ox
Ptarmigan
Seal (essential Inuit staple)
Whale (nutrient-dense survival food)

Foraged Ingredients: Arctic Superfoods

Despite its frozen landscapes, the Arctic produces an impressive variety of wild berries, herbs, and edible plants. Many of these ingredients were once used by Viking explorers for both sustenance and medicinal purposes. These natural superfoods continue to be an essential part of Arctic cuisine, offering rich flavors and surprising health benefits.

Must-try foraged foods:

Cloudberries ("Arctic gold" packed with vitamin C)
Lingonberries
Angelica (Viking-era herbal remedy)
Seaweed
Crowberries (used in traditional Arctic teas)

Preservation & Fermentation: Arctic Survival Techniques

Without refrigeration, Arctic communities have mastered age-old preservation techniques. Fermentation, drying, and curing not only keep food edible for months, but also create complex flavors that define Arctic cuisine. These methods have been passed down for generations and remain an integral part of local food culture.

Must-try preserved foods:

Muktuk (whale skin & blubber, high in vitamin C)
Rakfisk
Kiviaq (seabirds fermented in sealskin)
Dry-Cured Reindeer (aged for deep, gamey flavors)
Air-Dried Fish (a staple since Viking times)

Modern Arctic Cuisine: Reinventing Tradition

While Arctic cuisine has deep historical roots, it is also evolving. Top chefs in Greenland and Svalbard are transforming traditional flavors into gourmet experiences. Michelin-starred restaurants now serve reindeer tartare, seaweed-infused broths, and Arctic seafood prepared with modern techniques, blending old-world traditions with fine dining.

Here is where you can experience this exotic blend:

Huset (Svalbard): Fine Dining in the Arctic
KOKS (Greenland): Michelin-Starred Arctic Innovation

New Nordic Influence on Arctic Cuisine

The New Nordic movement has shaped Arctic cuisine, emphasizing:

Seasonality – Using fresh, local, or preserved ingredients.
Minimalist Plating – Highlighting natural flavors.
Sustainability – Supporting indigenous hunting and foraging.

Where to Experience Arctic Cuisine

For those exploring Greenland or Svalbard, these destinations offer authentic Arctic food experiences:

Kalaaliaraq Market (Greenland)
Arctic Food Festival (Norway
Sámi Lavvu Experience (Lapland, Finland
Lofoten Islands (Norway)

Vegetarian Food in the Arctic

When travelling to the Arctic, meals predominantly feature non-vegetarian dishes due to the region’s environment. However, recognizing that many of our travellers prefer Indian food, UnWild Planet collaborates closely with local partners to customise menus tailored specifically to dietary preferences.

This level of culinary personalisation is rare in Arctic travel, but we proudly incorporate it into our itineraries to ensure a seamless and enjoyable dining experience for all our guests.

Rethinking Travel In Arctic

Dining in the Arctic is a rare, unforgettable experience, a chance to taste food at its wildest and most authentic. Whether you're enjoying foraged berries beneath the midnight sun or savoring a Michelin-starred twist on tradition, every bite tells a story of the north. For those who seek adventure through flavor, Arctic offers a culinary journey like no other.

Want to know more? Check out the 16 Commonly asked questions about the Arctic Region.