Finding The Best Alaska Food

1. Fresh Fish

If there's one Alaska food the state is known for, it's salmon. This area is a haven for five wild salmon species; king, sockeye, pink, chum and silver. Each species of salmon has a distinct flavor, though Alaskan king salmon is famous the world over. Because salmon is a staple in Alaskan cuisine, you'll find it in nearly every town. Salmon is delicious served smoked, baked, seared, grilled or raw and thinly sliced. But it's not just salmon the Last Frontier is known for: You'll find rockfish, halibut and rainbow trout on many menus in the 49th state.

Where to Get It: Within a 10-minute walk from the cruise ship terminal in Juneau, Deckhand Dave's Fish Tacos serves a fish taco platter that's perfect for indecisive travelers. If you happen to visit on a day when it's listed as a special, opt for a hearty bowl of halibut chowder.

2. King Crab

Alaskan king crabs can grow to be as big as 20 pounds, making them some of the largest crustaceans in the world. Dining on Alaskan king crab is an experience: Grab a mallet and fork and crack the shells open before digging into tender crab legs. A hint of brine adds saltiness to the meat's sweetness, and the crab is delicious with a dab of melted butter.

Where to Get It: Within a 10-minute walk from the cruise ship terminal in Skagway, you can dine on this famous Alaska food at Skagway Fish Co, which serves plates of king crab legs and bowls of king crab bisque. Tracy's King Crab Shack, just a few steps away from Juneau's cruise ship terminal, is aptly named for its king crab offerings, which come in the form of crab cakes, bisque, sandwiches and plates.

3. Reindeer Sausage

Today, most of Alaska's reindeer roam throughout the Seward Peninsula. While reindeer sausage is hard to come by in the Lower 48, it's an easy-to-find Alaska food. Hearty brunch options feature eggs served with hash browns, bacon and reindeer sausage. For lunch and dinner, order a reindeer sausage in a bun topped with caramelized onions or on a stick as a corn dog.

Where to Get It: Come for reindeer sausage, stay for the jovial atmosphere at Red Dog Saloon in Juneau. It's less than a five-minute walk from the cruise ship terminal, so you can listen to the piano music until it's nearly time to venture back onboard.

4. Fry Bread

Fry bread, also called alajuks, originated with the Navajo and later made its way to Alaska. It's soft and chewy on the inside and crispy on the outside. Served sweet, it can come dusted in cinnamon sugar or with a dollop of locally made berry jam. For a savory spin, you might see it topped with shredded beef and cheese or used in lieu of sandwich bread.

Where to Get It: In Skagway, dig into deep-fried deliciousness at Klondike Doughboy, a 10-minute walk from the cruise ship terminal. The signature Doughboy fry bread is large enough to share and comes sprinkled with cinnamon sugar. Don't be intimidated if you see a line — it usually moves fast.

5. Wild Berry Treats

Come late summer, Alaska's wilderness is abundant with berries. Blueberries, salmonberries, cranberries, raspberries and blackberries are just a few of the sweet fruits growing in the wilderness. You can take home a jar of jam and look for berry sorbet and berry cobbler on local menus.

Where to Get It: WildFlour Café & Bakery in Sitka often has buttery, flaky pastries topped with fresh berries and powdered sugar. To get there, take the free shuttle bus from the port — the bakery is a five-minute walk from Harrigan Centennial Hall, the drop-off point.

6. Coffee Culture

Sure, coffee may not grow in Alaska, but Alaskans take their coffee seriously. Some towns, such as Juneau, have some of the highest numbers of coffee shops per capita in the United States. For the past few decades, Anchorage has been battling Seattle as the most caffeinated city. From casual coffee carts to trendy cafés, subpar coffee shops don't last long here.

Where to Get It: For a reliable boost of caffeine, head to Kaladi Brothers Coffee, which has around a dozen locations in Anchorage. Or linger over a cup at Resurrect Art Coffee House, located two miles from the Seward cruise terminal in a church that's been converted into a combination café and gallery.

7. Birch Syrup

Neighboring Canada might stand in the spotlight when it comes to syrup, but Alaska is no stranger to naturally sweet and sticky goodness. Tuck into a plate of pancakes drizzled in Alaskan birch syrup. You'll notice that the consistency is a little thinner than maple syrup and the flavor has a hint of vanilla. Here's a tip: Birch syrup is also delectable as a fish marinade.

Where to Get It: Birch syrups are typically found at Alaskan farmers markets and occasionally the local grocery store. Cruisers can look for Alaskan birch syrup on the shelves of Alaska Juneau Mining Co., just a few minutes' walk from the cruise terminal in Juneau.

8. Akutaq

Akutaq (pronounced a-goo-duk) means "mixed" in Yupik, and while ingredients vary from region to region, it's always a blend of boiled fish, game meat fat, sugar and berries. The mixture is blended until creamy, sometimes with vegetable shortening. Akutaq originated centuries ago, when Alaskan Natives needed sustenance for long days of hunting, fishing and foraging. Because it is crafted with seasonal ingredients on hand, it rarely tastes the same twice, and locals enjoy the sweet and savory blend either at room temperature or frozen.

Where to Get It: You won't find this traditional food in many shops or restaurants; it's a dish typically made at home. However, if you see "Alaskan ice cream" at an ice cream shop, you might find a dish that's similar. Not having any luck finding it? Hit Wild Scoops in Anchorage for ice cream flavors that incorporate regional ingredients (including wild blueberries and strawberries as well as spruce tips and sea salt), plus locally made products such as root beer and potato chips.

Ready to savor fresh fish and other Alaskan treats? Let your taste buds lead the way on a cruise to Alaska!