137 YEARS OF CULINARY DELIGHTS
There are countless food halls around the world. Barcelona alone has 39. From that perspective, it’s no small feat that Östermalm’s Saluhall has been named the 7th best in the world. World-renowned chef Jamie Oliver has listed it as one of his favourite places in Stockholm.
It all began in spring 1888. The newly formed company Östermalm’s Saluhallar AB commissioned architects Isak Gustaf Clason and Kasper Salin to design a food hall in the heart of Stockholm. At 32, both were in their early careers, having just returned from scholarship trips to Northern Germany, Italy, and France. They were fascinated by French brick architecture and the monumental cast iron structures of that time – especially the Eiffel Tower, inaugurated in 1886. Look up at the ceiling next time you visit, and you’ll see the inspiration.
RECORD-BREAKING CONSTRUCTION
The building permit was submitted on March 13, 1888, and approved just three days later. The hall was built in only six months and inaugurated on November 30 with pomp and circumstance in the presence of King Oscar II.
Then, things didn’t go well. Commerce was slow, and many vendor stalls remained empty for years. In 1914, the City of Stockholm made a strategic move by purchasing the property and banning open-air food sales at Östermalmstorg. The city had long struggled with sanitary issues from handling food in the square. Vendors had no choice but to move in, and business soon flourished. Since then, Östermalm’s Saluhall has been the city’s top spot for culinary experiences.
5-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE “NEW” ÖSTERMALMS SALUHALL
In 2016, the hall underwent major renovations. A temporary building was erected at Östermalmstorg for what was supposed to be two years—it turned into four. In 2020, the hall reopened, having preserved its original 1888 character and design.
It is listed as a blue-classed building in Stockholm’s cultural heritage classification, meaning it must not be altered.
This is fortunate. The vendors provide the flavours, but many also come for the architecture. For nearly a century and a half, Östermalms Saluhall has been Stockholm’s leading destination for food lovers and gourmets.