Crab Feast Meal

Popular Food in Ketchikan: Discover the Best Alaskan Delicacies

The Best Foods to Eat in Ketchikan

When deciding what to eat in Ketchikan, start with seafood staples like Dungeness crab, cedar-planked salmon and halibut tacos

Ketchikan, Alaska’s southernmost city, is famous for its lush wilderness, rich history and thriving fishing industry. It’s no surprise that its culinary scene reflects the bounty of the surrounding waters and forests. Wondering what to eat in Ketchikan? Here’s a guide to the top 10 dishes that capture the essence of this charming Alaskan town.

For tips on unique souvenirs, check out this guide to what to buy in Ketchikan.

1. Dungeness Crab

Dungeness crab is a must-try in Ketchikan. Known for its tender, slightly sweet meat, this local favorite is often served steamed with melted butter.

2. Cedar-Planked Salmon

Wild Alaskan salmon, grilled on a cedar plank, is an iconic dish in Ketchikan. The cedar imparts a smoky flavor that enhances the natural richness of the fish.

3. Halibut Tacos

Fresh-caught halibut wrapped in warm tortillas with zesty slaw and tangy sauce is a local favorite. These tacos offer a perfect balance of textures and flavors.

4. Crab Bisque

This creamy and flavorful soup is made with fresh Dungeness crab, butter, cream and a blend of spices. It’s a comforting dish perfect for Ketchikan’s cooler weather.

5. Reindeer Sausage

A taste of Alaska’s wilderness, reindeer sausage is savory and smoky, often served with mustard or sautéed onions.

6. Rockfish Chowder

Made with fresh rockfish, potatoes and cream, this hearty chowder showcases the flavors of Alaska’s abundant waters.

7. Alaskan Spot Prawns

These sweet and tender prawns are a delicacy. They’re often served grilled, sautéed or in a seafood medley.

8. Smoked Salmon Candy

A unique Alaskan treat, smoked salmon candy is sweet, smoky and slightly chewy. It’s perfect for snacking or as a gift.

9. Wild Berry Desserts

Ketchikan’s wild berries, like blueberries and huckleberries, feature in desserts like pies, cobblers and cheesecakes. These sweet treats are a delightful way to end a meal.

10. Seafood Boil

Experience a classic Alaskan seafood boil with crab, shrimp, potatoes and corn, all cooked together in a flavorful broth.

Enhance Your Culinary Adventure with Food Excursions

Take your culinary journey in Ketchikan to the next level with these food-focused excursions:

  • Exclusive Alaskan Lodge Adventure and Seafeast: This tour combines land, sea and incredible food. Start with a narrated drive through Ketchikan before embarking on a boat cruise along the Inside Passage. At Silverking Lodge, enjoy a seafood boil and stroll through a lush rainforest to see one of the largest red cedars in the Tongass National Forest.
  • Wilderness Exploration & Crab Feast: Begin with a scenic drive to the historic George Inlet Lodge, passing canneries and totem poles along the way. Cruise through the breathtaking waters of the Inside Passage, then enjoy a feast of Dungeness crab and cheesecake topped with wild Alaskan blueberries.

These excursions provide not only incredible food but also unforgettable experiences in Ketchikan’s stunning natural surroundings.

What to Eat in Ketchikan?

When deciding what to eat in Ketchikan, start with seafood staples like Dungeness crab, cedar-planked salmon and halibut tacos. Don’t miss hearty dishes like crab bisque and rockfish chowder and be sure to try unique treats like smoked salmon candy and wild berry desserts. For an authentic Alaskan experience, indulge in a seafood boil featuring the freshest local catch.

Experience The Best Foods to Eat in Ketchikan with these sailings

hubbard glacier alaska iceberg snow glacier
7 Nights
Alaska Adventure Cruise
Radiance of the Seas
Roundtrip from
Vancouver, British Columbia
Visiting
Vancouver, British Columbia · Inside Passage, Canada · Juneau, Alaska · Hubbard Glacier, Alaska · Icy Strait Point, Alaska · Ketchikan, Alaska
View 2 dates
inside passage vancouver island british columbia ocean mountain
7 Nights
Alaska Inside Passage Cruise
Serenade of the Seas
Roundtrip from
Vancouver, British Columbia
Visiting
Vancouver, British Columbia · Inside Passage, Canada · Sitka, Alaska · Tracy Arm Fjord, Alaska · Juneau, Alaska · Ketchikan, Alaska · Prince Rupert, British Columbia
View 12 dates
hubbard glacier alaska yakutat bay icy point
13 Nights
Alaska Wilderness Spectacular Cruisetour 8B (Pre Tour)
Radiance of the Seas
One-way from
Seward, Alaska to Vancouver, British Columbia
Visiting
Seward, Alaska · Hubbard Glacier, Alaska · Juneau, Alaska · Skagway, Alaska · Icy Strait Point, Alaska · Ketchikan, Alaska · Inside Passage, Canada · Vancouver, British Columbia
Land Tours
Fairbanks, Alaska · Denali, Alaska · Talkeetna, Alaska · Anchorage, Alaska
View 3 dates
hubbard glacier alaska sunset icebergs
13 Nights
Grand Mountain Marvels Cruisetour 7B (Pre Tour)
Radiance of the Seas
One-way from
Seward, Alaska to Vancouver, British Columbia
Visiting
Seward, Alaska · Hubbard Glacier, Alaska · Juneau, Alaska · Skagway, Alaska · Icy Strait Point, Alaska · Ketchikan, Alaska · Inside Passage, Canada · Vancouver, British Columbia
Land Tours
Fairbanks, Alaska · Denali, Alaska · Talkeetna, Alaska · Anchorage, Alaska · Seward, Alaska
View 5 dates
juneau alaska pink flowers nature mountains green blue skies
7 Nights
Alaska Inside Passage Cruise
Serenade of the Seas
Roundtrip from
Vancouver, British Columbia
Visiting
Vancouver, British Columbia · Inside Passage, Canada · Sitka, Alaska · Tracy Arm Fjord, Alaska · Juneau, Alaska · Haines, Alaska · Ketchikan, Alaska
View 3 dates
hubbard glacier alaska icy glacier mountainside
12 Nights
Fjord and Tundra National Parks Explorer Cruisetour 6B (Pre Tour)
Radiance of the Seas
One-way from
Seward, Alaska to Vancouver, British Columbia
Visiting
Seward, Alaska · Hubbard Glacier, Alaska · Juneau, Alaska · Skagway, Alaska · Icy Strait Point, Alaska · Ketchikan, Alaska · Inside Passage, Canada · Vancouver, British Columbia
Land Tours
Fairbanks, Alaska · Denali, Alaska · Anchorage, Alaska · Seward, Alaska
View 6 dates

Complete your adventure with these shore excursions

Discover new worlds.