A house of food: Oslo’s very own Mathallen
By Celina Tran | Photos: Mona-Lisa Hyggen
Along the banks of the Akerselva river, in Oslo’s revitalised Vulkan district, stands a building that hums with life, flavour and history. Mathallen Oslo is more than a food hall; it is a gathering place, a showcase for Norwegian produce, and an essential stop for visitors who want to understand Norway through its food.
Mathallen is housed in a former factory building dating back more than 120 years. Once part of Oslo’s industrial backbone, producing steel components and railway bridges, the building is now protected and preserved. As the industry slowed in the 1970s, the structure lingered in partial disuse for decades before new life was breathed into it.
“We bought the building in the Vulkan area because it was worth preserving, and we saw great potential in the old industrial site, centrally located in Iski,” says Frode Rønne Malmo, manager and co-founder at Mathallen. “At the same time, I was working on the idea of a food hall in Oslo. I felt that we were missing something.”
Photo: Willy Nikkers
A culinary hub
That something was a place where quality ingredients and passionate producers could exist outside the dominance of supermarket chains. “Too much of the food market was controlled by grocery chains, but I knew that there were better raw materials out there, not to mention Norwegian producers who needed a place to introduce what they make.”
When the historic factory building at Vulkan became available, the vision came together. Extensive technical upgrades were made inside, but the industrial soul was kept intact. Concrete floors, open spaces and exposed structures now frame a warm and welcoming food experience across 4,400 square metres.
Since opening in 2012, Mathallen has established itself as the city’s culinary heart, welcoming locals and tourists alike. What sets it apart is perhaps its breadth. With more than 30 shops, eateries, cafés and bars, it is designed to meet various purposes. “It’s a large place with room for everyone,” says Malmo. “Some people come to shop, some come to eat, others to learn, meet people, or simply experience Norwegian food culture.”
Malmo describes Mathallen as a house of Norwegian food, a place that did not previously exist in Oslo. “There’s something for everyone here. In addition to Norwegian flavours and food traditions, we’ve also become an international food hall now.”
A place without pressure
For visitors, the size and variety mean they can find everything they need in one place: fresh meat and fish, fruit and vegetables, cheese, baked goods and specialty products, alongside a wide variety of dining options, from casual cafés to sit-down restaurants and bars.
Walking through Mathallen feels like travelling the world. The food offering spans continents, and known eateries include Atelier Asian Tapas, Bistro Budapest, Helt Vilt, and Paradis Gelateria, and more. “Mathallen is a trip around the world, but the focus is always on Norwegian raw materials, quality and flavours,” Malmo says,
Among the many offers, Malmo recommends Vulkanfisk, which combines a seafood shop with a bar. “They have extremely high quality, loyal customers, and it’s become very popular,” he says. “Another personal favourite is Barramon, our pincho and wine bar! When I sit there, it feels like I’m in Spain, like a food market in Barcelona.”
The most important thing about Mathallen is that it is designed for spontaneous and relaxed experiences. There is no need to book tables, no obligation to spend a certain amount, and always somewhere to sit.
“It’s important to us that this is a place where you don’t feel pressured to do or buy anything. You choose how much you spend and what you eat. You can let what you smell, see and hear inspire you,” says Malmo. “Whether you come with children, a date or your mother-in-law, it should be easy and low-stakes, yet fun and inspiring.”
Mathallen also plays an active role as an educational and cultural space. Throughout the year, it hosts tastings, food events and courses, covering themes such as vegetarian cuisine from around the world, street food, wine tastings, French flavours, Mexican tacos and sauce-making for special occasions.
For visitors seeking an authentic taste of Norway, there may be no better place to start.
Kenneth and Viktor from Hopyard.
Web: mathallenoslo.no
Facebook: Mathallen Oslo
Instagram: @mathallenoslo
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