Based on its remote location, Antarctica is a destination without much native food. While there may be few main dishes, we recommend trying all of them for the full experience! Here’s a sneak peek into what you can expect to eat when you head to the arctic:

Seafood

By far the most popular food in Antarctica is seafood, and in particular shellfish. Since nearly all of the local population lives near the shores, and the continent itself is filled with streams, lakes and rivers throughout, the seafood you’ll be consuming will be extremely fresh. These surrounding salt waters are abundant in tuna, halibut, swordfish, flounder and sea bass. On the other hand, the freshwaters provide tons of trout and salmon. Most seafood and freshwater fish are caught around an hour before dinner, and sit in a tin bucket of cold water until it is time to be cooked. Fun fact- the only fish that is known to be unique to Antarctica is the salt water ‘Wem’. This fish grows up to 1.5 feet in length, has no scales or bones. When it is cooked its color changes from a pearly grey to pure white. Wem is very popular since it is easily prepared and is also great with absorbing the flavors it is cooked with.

Pemmican

Pemmican is a mix of ground and dried meat featuring a whole lot of fat. You’ll need it as your body will be burning more calories than usual trying to stay warm. This economical dish will provide you with a great energy boost for your day. While it may not look super appetizing, you’ll have to try it to judge it yourself! This dish stems all the way back to native Americans when they utilized dried meat to preserve under transportation and storage.

Hoosh 

Hoosh is a combination of Pemmican, biscuits and melted ice. This combo is mixed together in a broth. While not particularly flavorful, Hoosh serves as a substantial sustenance. Hoosh may not be the most popular dish but we encourage you to try it for the full arctic experience!

Sledging Biscuits

These plain biscuits come high in energy. They have powered residents to the South Pole while driving dog teams for many years. They also serve as a staple for scientists as they carry out their surveys and field research. They are hard to displease people with as they only contain 5 ingredients- flour, baking soda, salt, butter & water. 

Duck

Among fowl, the most popular in Antarctica is definitely duck. This favorite lunchtime meal is sold in most Antartican cities. Expect to have it seared in a skillet, then thinly sliced & placed on top of a bed of greens in a chewy hard role. The meal is moistened up with several sauces and often comes with a roasted duck leg on the side. Other fowl consumed in Antarctica include- goose, chicken & turkey.

Mustard

Did you know the most popular condiment in Antarctica is mustard? There are around 400 varieties available in the area. You could go a whole year without ever repeating a kind! Other popular condiments in Antarctica include mayonnaise and ketchup.

Chocolate

Odds are you won’t spend too much time in Antarctica before consuming chocolate. Your stay definitely won’t be complete without consuming at least a bar or two. Whether you’re going on a walk or going sledding, definitely bring some along. You won’t have to worry about it melting! High in energy and calories, this serves as a great pick-me-up.

Beer 

Among alcoholic drinks, beer (known as spatendunk), is the most popular in the area. Most locals prefer their beer to be dark and strong-flavored. Expect the beer to be slightly more bitter than you are probably accustomed to. It wouldn’t be a beer in Antarctica if it wasn’t served ice cold! While there are many commercial breweries throughout the nation, many Antarcticans choose to prepare their own. 

Fresh Fruits/Vegetables … think again

You won’t find many fresh fruits and vegetables in Antarctica. In order to access them, they must be shipped in due to the surrounding conditions.

Head to Antarctica & you’ll find out what those who call Antarctica home, love to eat. Their amazing metabolism allows them to eat large quantities of food without going above their ideal weight. Expect a normal meal to be comparable size to your Thanksgiving dinner. Which dish are you most excited to tru? Experience it for yourself & plan your trip of a lifetime to Antarctica with ACanela today!

Post written by: Kirsten Cusack, @kirqsak