Unique Foods You Need to Try While in St. John's, Newfoundland

Newfoundland is a popular destination for hikes and watching whales and puffins.

The food scene is a unique mix of seafood and game, and wild berries. Local restaurants are offering traditional meals, as well as modern creations inspired by the land and sea. Read on so you can make sure you're not missing out on unique, local foods you need to experience while in Newfoundland.

Jigg's dinner

This Sunday tradition is similar to a roast dinner in the UK. It consists of salt beef boiled with root vegetables. This meal is topped with gravy and herb bread crumbs called dressing. Jigg's dinner is made less and less nowadays, so it's a nostalgic and comforting meal for most locals. The best way to try Jigg's dinner is to be invited to a Sunday meal by locals. The next best options are Broderick's Sunday Dinner or Jig Poutine by Jack Astor's.

Cod au Gratin

You cannot visit Newfoundland without trying at least one fish dish. Cod has been the main food source since this island was settled.

Cod au Gratin is another one of the traditional dishes. The cod is baked in a white, cheesy sauce, and topped with bread crumbs and more cheese. You can try this delicious meal at The Duke of Duckworth or The Celtic Heart.

Toutons

Toutons are flat fried dough. It is simple, yet delicious. Toutons are usually consumed in the morning or as a snack. They are served with molasses, jam, or baked beans, which are sweetened. My favorite way to eat Toutons is with butter and partridgeberry jam. You can also have them as a sandwich or on their own.

Find toutons with molasses at the Classic Cafe East.

Fish and Brewis

Salt fish and hard (dry) bread have a long shelf life. It is believed that Fish and Brewis was first made on sea voyages, as a soup of fish and hard bread, with bits of salted pork (scrunchions).

It is now a comfort meal, with a unique taste. Some areas add potatoes to their Fish and Brewis.

You can eat Fish and Brewis at the Classic Cafe East.

Fresh Seafood

You can basically have fish and seafood anywhere now, as any supermarket makes them accessible.

But there's nothing like fresh, local fish and seafood.

Fish and chips are a classic and local favorite. It's made with locally caught cod. Try it at Yellow Belly or Quidi Vidi Brewery along with their craft beers.

PEI and Merasheen are renowned for their oysters and mussels. They grow in the coldest waters in the Atlantic, around Newfoundland.

My favorite place for seafood is the St. John's Fish Exchange. Blue on Water, The Merchant Tavern, and Oliver's are also great choices for fish and seafood dishes.

Cod Tongues and Cheeks

Yes, cod has a tongue and cheeks, and in Newfoundland, they're a delicacy. Eat them with tartar sauce or a dash of hot sauce. The texture is similar to scallops, softer, with a crispy coating.

Cod tongues and cheeks may be an acquired taste, but it's a fun and unique dish to try while you're in Newfoundland. You can find cod tongues at Rabble and Bernard Stanley.

Meal Toppings

As mentioned, Scrunchions are fried bits of pork. They are sprinkled on top of fried fish and cod tongues. The salty, fatty scrunchions make a great pair with delicate fish, making for a unique flavor.

Dressing in Newfoundland is buttery, herby bread crumbs. Dressing is enjoyed with Jiggs Dinner, or on Poutine, to give it a local twist.

Moose

Moose were successfully introduced to Newfoundland in 1904. Fishing was not enough to feed the growing population, and the climate and soil are not great for agriculture. So moose are the perfect option, as their favorite vegetation is abundantly available. The moose population is now large, with humans as their only predator.

A few restaurants offer moose burgers, like Shamrock City Pub and Exile.

Or have moose taquitos at Cojones. Moose meat is lean and tastes like beef.

Belbin grocery store offers unique foods, with moose sausages or pies among them.

Sweet Treats

Blueberry Crumble

A thick layer of blueberries is covered in a crumbled dough and baked. Enjoy it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Tea Buns

Tea buns are the perfect addition to a cup of tea. They are similar to scones and biscuits. Traditionally, they are made with raisins, but my favorites are the partridgeberry ones.

Chocolate

Made with local berries and other delicious mixes, you need to try Newfoundland chocolate. The main local chocolatiers are The Newfoundland Chocolate Company, Aunt Sarah's, and Jacobean.

Berries

Whether in jams or pies, Newfoundland berries are not to be missed. Look for local products with Cloudberries, Partridgeberries, Blueberries, and Cranberries. The jams go great with toast, toutons, pancakes, yogurt, and more.

Unique Beverages

Rum

Screech Rum is a dark rum with notes of molasses and brown sugar. It is a traditional beverage, and now you can find it infused in coffee and chocolate.

Wine

Berry wine actually precedes grape wine, and in Newfoundland, it has center stage. The vast selection includes Newfoundland wines made from berries, birch, dandelions, and maple. The Great Auk Winery has a great selection, but you'll also find smaller producers, like Frozen in Time.

Enjoying Newfoundland food is an adventure, with many local delicacies awaiting. I hope you enjoy everything you get to try. Food is a huge part of my travels, and it's the best way to immerse myself in the local culture.