If you’re a travelling foodie and you happen to be in Stockholm, a stop at Saluhallen Market in the hip Ostermalm neighbourhood (or Östermalm, which is the proper Swedish spelling) will be a highlight of your visit. Fish, meats, vegetables, cheese… a veritable fresh food feast – all locally grown and responsibly sourced.
This may look like a fortress, but don’t be deceived. Since its opening in 1888, Ostermalms Saluhall has been a food lover’s nirvana. It has also been a place to observe Scandinavian egalitarianism in practice. Chefs from the Royal Palace queued with everyone else at the popular stalls.
17 small businesses operate at Ostermalms Saluhall, most have been run by the same family for generations. The vendors are happy to share their extensive knowledge and experience, so go ahead – ask about food preparation, recipes, how to put together a menu…
Ostermalms Saluhall has been named the world’s seventh best food market by the award-winning Bon Appétit Magazine, in competition with the likes of Tokyo and Budapest. No surprise then, that Jamie Oliver loves it.
Looking through my archives, I see I have given very little attention to Norway’s eastern neighbour. Only right then, that I’ll be joining my friend Laurel’s Food Friday with this Swedish treat.
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Nirvana may be an understatement! We spent one day in Stockholm on a Baltic cruise and loved the city – can’t wait to go back and explore more.
Lisa recently posted..The Bronze Horseman
Oh, it looks great! I love big markets like that.
Stephanie recently posted..Travel Photo Friday: Old City Motorcycles, Hyderabad, India
Copenhagen has just opened a posh covered market, but I have to admit Sweden does it better.
ItalianNotes recently posted..A church with a view
I love discovering food markets and I love the idea of standing in line with chefs from the royal palace. I’m sure they could share some good tips.
Laurel recently posted..Photojourney to Stuttgart Tram World
Been plenty of times in Stockholm, but never ended up at Saluhall, might have to check that next time around there. The selection looks and sounds pretty good!
Jarmo @ Arctic Nomad recently posted..To Pai and Back, the Long Way
@Lisa – Stockholm is very pretty.
@Stephanie – It’s a big market, but very easy to get around.
@ItalianNotes – Look forward to browsing that new one in Copenhagen.
@Laurel – Wouldn’t that be something. “This is how the Queen likes her salmon souffle…”
@Jarmo – love getting comments from fellow Nordics here.
Seventh best market in the world – that says something. There are farmers markets here but none in the beautiful buildings where you find the markets in Europe. Any good ones in Oslo?
Leigh recently posted..5 Ways to Connect With Your Family While Abroad
Oh! I wish we had known about this slice of heaven during our trip to Stockholm this past summer. We had a great time eating in Sweden. We were lucky to be there for a summer crawfish party and loved all of the berries, jams, polar bread, herring, and shrimp salads. Yum, yum, yum.
Lucia recently posted..Thanksgiving 2011
A cruise of this area is way up on my “wanna see” list and I would love to check out this market. We just spent time at a similar food market in St. John, New Brunswick and loved it. Took time fresh maple syrup and maple syrup candy – yum!
Jan Ross recently posted..The Red Coach Inn, Niagara Falls
@Leigh – Oslo has quite a few seasonal markets, weekend farmers markets and the like, but not a permanent, indoors one like this.
@Lucia – Summer really is a lovely time up here – long, white nights, perfect temperature, outgoing people…
@Jan – Sadly missed the market in St John when we were there. Would absolutely have bought maple syrup goodies, too.
Oslo is finally getting one:
http://vulkanoslo.no/default.aspx?menu=50
Thanks for that info, Andy. Very cool! And about time …
What a pretty market. I love the exterior!
Michael Figueiredo recently posted..Field Trip: A Visit to Crystal Cruises’ Symphony
what an amazing array!! i never associate sweden with a food paradise, but it really does look wonderful!
jenjenk recently posted..Turkish Souvenirs: Spices, Towels, and Turkish Delights
I love the combination of food and great architecture. Reminds me a little of Harrods Food Hall in London.
inka recently posted..Beirut through the eyes of an enthusiast!
That’s the exact kind of place that I’d love to hang out at! I really like that castle fortress appearance too.
Mark Wiens recently posted..VIDEO: Tour of Colombo, Sri Lanka
Very nice. I miss European markets like these as they are so organized and clean. I can only hope that Southeast Asia takes after these styles one day.
David @ Malaysia Asia recently posted..Malaysia Asia Wins Best Online Media at Sabah Tourism Awards 2011
@Michael, Jen, Inka, Mark and David – thanks for reading
Anne-Sophie,
What wonderful timing I found your post about Stockholm’s Saluhall!
I had also timed last Friday’s post about eating at Lisa Elmqvist in the Saluhall with Laurel’s FoodFriday post. Today, I was wandering about, and I found your post, where you’ve described the Saluhall far better than I could have imagined. But at the end of the day, I’m sure you’ll agree that more people should visit and see this place and sample the food.
Thanks again for the photos and your post!
fotoeins | Henry recently posted..Say Hej! to Lisa in the Saluhall, Östermalm Stockholm
OMG- so hungry right now! And that castle has a creepy but cool vibe to it.
Jade recently posted..Hiking in the Dark
@Henry – What a fun coincidence! Will have a look at your post now
@Jade – Cool, isn’t it? In a Harry Potter-kind of way
Making our rounds from the Carnival of Cities. Your photos of the marketplace are fantastic. Making me a bit hungry right now too. We have yet to make it to Stockholm. It is now on our list. Cheers!
Shonda @ Abundant Journeys recently posted..About Brazil Language For Business Travelers And Tourists
It is midnight as I write this and you have made me hungry – fun pictures to help me travel with you
Eileen Ludwig recently posted..Benefits and joys of CommentLuv Premium
@Shonda and Eileen – Hope you found something good to eat
I think I have found one too many good things to eat this holiday season.
Shonda @ Abundant Journeys recently posted..Three Destinations for a Moms’ Weekend in Australia