Greenlandic Cuisine: 10 Traditional Dishes of Greenland

Greenland is the world’s largest island, located between the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans, Northeast of Canada and Northwest of Iceland.

Approximately 80% of Greenland’s landmass is covered by a vast sheet of ice, making this country one of the coldest and most remotely inhabited on the planet. Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, and its population largely lives along the ice-free coastal regions.

Greenland has many famous landmarks, including Ilulissat Icefjord which is a UNESCO World Heritage site containing numerous icebergs.

Greenlandic cuisine is heavily influenced by its cold Arctic climate and its location in the ocean, with a diet heavily focused on seafood that can be caught locally.

In coastal regions, fish and seafood are the most popular ingredients, while inland, game meats such as reindeer and muskox are more commonly used.

Inuit peoples have inhabited Greenland for centuries; their traditions and cooking techniques have influenced the country’s cuisine. For example, food preservation for survival in the harsh climate.

Greenlandic delicacies include seal stews, fermented fish, and mattak (whale blubber).

Mattak (Raw Whale Blubber)

Mattak is made from strips of raw whale skin and blubber, which can be eaten fresh or pickled.

Mattak has a very chewy texture, with a nutty, oceanic flavor.

Suaasat (Soup)

The national dish of Greenland, Suaasat is a hearty soup made from seal, reindeer or seabird, which are boiled with potatoes, onions, rice or barley, simply seasoned.

The main protein used in this dish may vary by region.

Musk Ox Roast (Roasted Game)

In Greenland, musk ox meat is roasted over a flame or in an oven and is often served with local herbs and berries.

Musk ox is a game found in Greenland, its meat has a mild gamey flavor, similar to venison.

Amassat (Fermented Fish)

Amassat is fermented or dried fish, usually arctic char or capelin. This delicacy has a strong, savory flavor and can sometimes pungent.

Similar fermented fish dishes can be found across Scandinavian cuisine, such as Norwegian Lutefisk.

Shrimp Salad

Shrimp salad is made with shrimp, salad leafs, mayonnaise and local herbs. This salad dish is served cold, and can be eaten as an appetizer, main dish or side salad during a meal.

Tartarmiut (Raw Minced Whale or Seal)

Tartarmiut is Greenlandic steak tartare; finely minced whale or seal with onion which is served raw.

Greenlandic Coffee

Similar to Irish coffee, Greenlandic coffee is strong black coffee served with whiskey, Kahlua and topped with whipped cream.

This drink is usually served as a dessert at the end of a meal.

Other spirits such as cognac can be used instead of whisky.

Berry Tart

A popular Greenlandic dessert is a berry tart made with wild Arctic berries. This dessert is served during the Summer months, when crowberries, blueberries and cloudberries are in season.

Chef’s Dream Cake (Cake Topped with Coconut)

Chef’s Dream Cake is a dense, moist cake topped with a crunchy layer of coconut and caramelized sugar. This dessert dish is similar to a Danish Dream Cake (drømmekage).

Kalaallit Kaagiat (Sweet Bread)

Kalaallit Kaagiat is a sweet bread with dried fruits, such as raisins or blueberries. This bread is usually baked as a larger loaf, topped with powdered sugar and cardamom, and sliced for serving.

This sweet bread dish is often found at celebrations in Greenland, such as birthdays or religious holidays.