A True Taste of Newfoundland and Labrador: Local Foods You Won’t Want to Miss

Newfoundland and Labrador, with its rugged coastline and vast wilderness, offers more than just stunning landscapes—it’s also home to a distinctive and delicious food culture. Whether you’re a traveler seeking new culinary experiences or a local looking to reconnect with traditional flavours, the province’s cuisine is a reflection of its people and history. Influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, the boreal forest, and centuries of fishing, hunting, and foraging, Newfoundland and Labrador offers a true taste of the wild. From savoury seafood to comforting family favourites, here are the local foods you won’t want to miss.

Seafood Delights

Cod

No food represents Newfoundland and Labrador’s history quite like cod. For centuries, the cod fishery sustained entire communities, and today, this fish remains a beloved staple. Whether served simply pan-fried or in traditional dishes like Fish and Brewis—a combination of salt fish, hard bread, and scrunchions (fried pork fat)—cod is a must-try. For the more adventurous eater, cod tongues are a local delicacy, often fried and served with a tangy dipping sauce.

Lobster and Snow Crab

Thanks to its proximity to the ocean, Newfoundland and Labrador offers some of the freshest seafood you’ll ever taste. Lobster, with its sweet, tender meat, and snow crab, known for its delicate flavor, are prized catches here. You can enjoy these delicacies in restaurants along the coast or even at local festivals celebrating the seafood harvest. Whether boiled, grilled, or served in decadent seafood chowders, lobster and crab are essential tastes of the province.

Mussels and Scallops

Newfoundland’s icy waters are also home to plump, flavorful mussels and scallops. The cold water allows these shellfish to grow slowly, developing a sweet, tender taste. Mussels are often steamed with garlic and butter, while scallops are seared to perfection in coastal kitchens. Pair them with a glass of local wine or craft beer for a true taste of the province.

Traditional Newfoundland Dishes

Jiggs’ Dinner

A Sunday tradition in many Newfoundland homes, Jiggs’ Dinner is a hearty meal that consists of salt beef, boiled root vegetables (like carrots, turnips, and potatoes), cabbage, and pease pudding. Often served with gravy and pickles, this dish brings families together and is a comforting reminder of simpler times. If you’re lucky enough to be invited to a local’s home on a Sunday, don’t pass up the chance to enjoy this meal!

Make this dish: Jigg’s Dinner Recipe

Toutons

For breakfast lovers, toutons are a must-try. These delicious fried bread dough rounds are typically served with molasses or butter and are a beloved part of Newfoundland’s culinary heritage. While traditionally a breakfast food, toutons are enjoyed at any time of the day, often paired with a cup of tea for a perfect snack. Some restaurants offer creative variations, like topping toutons with savoury meats or cheese.

Pea Soup

Made with salt beef and split peas, this hearty soup is the epitome of Newfoundland comfort food. It’s a simple dish, but one that warms the soul on a chilly day. While it’s especially popular during the colder months, you’ll find pea soup served year-round in local diners and family kitchens. It’s a satisfying meal that speaks to the province’s history of making the most of humble ingredients.

Wild Game and Foraged Foods

Moose

Newfoundland and Labrador is one of the few places in North America where moose are abundant, and it’s a common source of food for many households. Whether it’s made into a rich stew, grilled into moose burgers, or enjoyed as steaks, moose is a must-try if you’re looking for a taste of the wild. The tradition of hunting moose is deeply ingrained in the local culture, and you’ll often find moose meat served in homes and small eateries.

Partridgeberry and Bakeapple (Cloudberry)

The wild landscape of Newfoundland and Labrador is perfect for foraging, and two of the region’s most prized finds are partridgeberries and bakeapples. These berries are packed with flavor and are used in everything from pies and jams to sauces and desserts. Partridgeberries have a tart, cranberry-like flavour, while bakeapples (known as cloudberries in other regions) are sweeter with a unique, almost floral taste. Whether you pick them yourself or find them in a farmer’s market, these berries are a true local treasure.

Caribou

While less common than moose, caribou is another traditional source of food in Newfoundland and Labrador, especially for Indigenous communities. Caribou stew or roasted caribou can be found at select restaurants or special events, offering a taste of a long-standing tradition.

Newfoundland Sweets and Desserts

Figgy Duff

Newfoundland’s answer to traditional steamed pudding, Figgy Duff is a dessert rich with history and flavour. Made with dried fruit, spices, and molasses, this steamed pudding is often served during holidays and special occasions. It’s hearty, sweet, and absolutely comforting—a perfect example of how Newfoundland food marries tradition with taste.

Snowballs

A Christmas staple in Newfoundland kitchens, snowballs are coconut-covered chocolate balls that offer a sweet and nostalgic treat. Made with rolled oats, cocoa, and condensed milk, these treats are rolled in shredded coconut to give them a snowball-like appearance. Whether enjoyed during the holidays or made for special occasions, snowballs are a beloved treat.

Partridgeberry Pie

Partridgeberries are often turned into delicious homemade pies, where their tartness pairs beautifully with a buttery, flaky crust. This dessert is a celebration of Newfoundland’s wild foraged berries and is often served with a dollop of fresh whipped cream. Whether enjoyed at a family gathering or a local café, partridgeberry pie is a quintessential Newfoundland dessert.

Beverages Unique to the Region

Purity Syrup and Birch Beer

Purity Syrup is a beloved Newfoundland drink, often mixed with water to make a sweet, refreshing beverage. Birch beer, with its distinctive taste reminiscent of root beer, is another traditional Newfoundland beverage. These drinks evoke nostalgia for many locals and are a must-try for visitors who want to experience the sweet side of Newfoundland’s culinary history.

Newfoundland Screech

No trip to Newfoundland is complete without trying Screech, the province’s infamous rum. Known for its strong flavor, Screech is traditionally part of the “Screech-In” ceremony, where visitors are inducted as honorary Newfoundlanders by taking a shot of the rum and kissing a codfish. While the ceremony is lighthearted, Screech has deep roots in Newfoundland’s maritime history and is a great way to end your culinary tour of the province.

Newfoundland and Labrador’s cuisine is as rich and diverse as the land and sea that surround it. Whether you’re indulging in fresh seafood, savouring hearty traditional dishes, or tasting wild game and foraged berries, you’re getting a true taste of the province’s history and culture. So, when you visit, be sure to seek out these unique local foods—you won’t want to miss a single bite! And if you’ve already had the pleasure of tasting Newfoundland and Labrador’s cuisine, we’d love to hear about your favourites. Share your experiences and let us know which dish left a lasting impression on you!