Greenlandic cuisine

Tradition and renewal

Greenlandic food and drink

Food for energy and community
Meat from marine mammals, game, birds and fish has been the main ingredient in Greenlandic food for generations. The high meat content in the diet provided energy and nourishment all year round for a physically demanding existence where the harsh Arctic winter could seriously tax one’s reserves of energy.

The Greenlandic culinary culture is also closely tied to the old hunting community’s strong social solidarity, where vital necessities depended on the catch being shared. Therefore today food and mealtimes remain a central part of Greenlanders’ characteristic hospitality.

Chili lettuce with shrimps

Something for all tastes
As a guest at Greenlandic eateries it is possible to taste traditional Greenlandic food – often as part of the highly regarded Greenlandic buffet. The majority of restaurants also have international menus that use Greenlandic ingredients.

If you would like to try the Greenlandic ingredients yourself, then see the recipes for summer casserole with Greenland halibut as a main course and apple and berry with crisp topping as a dessert – perhaps finished off with a Greenlandic coffee. 

Food made from Greenlandic ingredients is always a culinary experience and the ingredients are often organic, since fish, game and marine animals roam free in their natural environment and are not given artificial feed or flavourings.

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