Ingredients
(Makes approx. 2.5 litres soup, 3-4 portions.)
0.6 kg lean beef, 500 g cured ham and 100 g fenalår or similar
1 l potatoes, cubed
250 ml carrots, cubed
150 ml cooked yellow peas
Source: Herlig AS
RECIPE:
Småmat
Traditional Hallingdal soup
This hearty soup with lamb, beef, ham, and vegetables is the ultimate traditional food from Hallingdal, a 200 km long valley in Eastern Norway.
Småmat tastes best when made with fresh ingredients from local farms.
The dish dates back to the 1800s and is served at family dinners and special gatherings of all kinds in Hallingdal. People joke that the locals carry a portion tucked somewhere in their bunad, Norway's traditional costume.
The soup is so precious to locals that the name is now legally protected. You can only call it Småmat if you follow the official recipe, which calls for clear broth and uniform pieces of meat and vegetables.
Småmat
Method
1. Cut the vegetables into even cubes of around a centimetre.
2. Cook each kind of vegetable separately (to keep the broth clear). Strain and cool.
3. Cook the meat until tender (around 1 hour) then remove the beef, cool it and cut it into even cubes of around a centimetre.
4. For a rich taste, simmer the remaining cured meat broth for 4-8 hours. Skim the top regularly to keep the broth clear.
5. Mix the beef and vegetables into the meat broth.
6. Salt to taste.
When people think of småmat, they often think of Herlig AS. The company sells frozen portions of the soup at their bakery in Geilo and at most grocery stores in Hallingdal. Småmat is also served at the cafes Mat so klart and Ein smak tå Hemsedal, as well as at Thon Hotel Bjørneparken.
The heather-covered valley of Hallingdal is also known for its award-winning cheeses, which can be purchased at Hol cheese factory (Hol Ysteri), among other places.
Hallingdal is a family-friendly destination with nature parks, adventure parks, camping and swimming areas, and much more!
It's also a mecca for hiking, climbing, skiing, cycling, mountain biking, horseback riding, and fishing.
Look for Småmat at these locations
For authentic local food, these places are worth a visit.
Book nowHolHol Cheese Factory / Prestholt Goat Cheese
Prestholt Geitost is located at 1242 meters above sea level near Hallingskarvet, partially within Hallingskarvet National Park. Established in 1980, the family business started producing Ekte Geitost in 1990 at their newly purchased mountain farm, Prestholt. Today, they have expanded their production to include goat meat, goat salami, caramel, and chocolates at their home farm, Rudningen in Hol. The cheese dairy has moved to the former Joker grocery store in Hol town center. Hol Ysteri and local food store is located in Hol town center, offering an up-close view of cheese production and aging. It is part of the Prestholt Geitost family business, known for producing world-class cheese. The local food store features cheeses from across the Ostebygda region as well as imported varieties. You can also purchase goat meat here. Hol Ysteri shares a building with the rural bistro, Stundo. A nica and easy tour on bike in the area is around Holsfjorden, there is a whole year round walk from the centre up to the diffrent farms. They are members and active participants in the Bondens marked in Oslo and Drammen, as well as Bondens Torg in Kongsberg. The 3rd generation of cheese makers now runs the farm, mountain pasture, and production, with the 4th generation helping out. A popular hiking suggestion near Prestholtseter is the famous Sherpa stairs. It's a easier, scenic loop with fewer elevation changes. There's a toll road up to Prestholtseter near Hallingskarvet; pay on p-norge.no within 48 hours. Leave your car and use an (electric) bike to ride up the mountain. Prestholt Geitost has been producing cheese since the 1920s at Prestholtstølen, located at 1242 meters above sea level at the foot of Hallingskarvet. The Stenberg family moved to Rudningen farm in 1989 and began operating a mountain pasture and cheese production the following year. Today, they have around 250 dairy goats that move to the mountains in summer. The brown cheese is made at Prestholt, while the rest of the high-quality goat milk is transported to Tim Reidar at Hol Ysteri where 11 types of white cheese are produced, six of which carry the Prestholt Geitost logo. Prestholt Geitost is a traditional full-fat brown goat cheese with roots from Osterøy on the west coast. It is made from fresh goat milk in summer at Prestholtstølen and in winter at Hol Ysteri. Award-winning cheese, Prestholt Geitost is notable for its rich flavor. Leirgrøv Naturell is a white goat cheese with reduced lactose, named after the Leirgrøv mountain pasture where it's made. It matures for 6 months to 2 years, developing a mild, mineral taste. Leirgrøv 1242 is a stronger version made only in summer with summer milk, known for its herb and flower notes. Text: Geilo.com
GeiloMatkrok'n Delicatessen & Catering
Matkrok’n offers delicatessen, Norwegian specialities and Catering. You will find local food and a cheese counter. The perfect store for food lovers who want to cook. They have a good selection of well known Norwegian and international products. And for special occations such as Christmas, you can find local and traditional food such as lamb ribs from Vats, lutefisk and local cheeses. If you need catering, Matkrok’n is the place for you.
GeiloHerlig AS
Traditional food and other Hallingkost products now with a new name! Gunvalds Kjøkken and the company "Herlige tradisjoner på fat" has merged and are now called Herlig AS. For more than 20 years Gunvald has served local food to parties, catering, conferences and grocery stores in Hallingdal. At Herlig AS you can order minced elk steak, elk fillet, sour-cream porridge, cookies and "lefsekling". The food can be brought to you, or you can hire a chef and waiter if this is what you fancy. "Småmat" (a hearty soup) are available in grocery stores in Hallingdal and some selected stores in Eastern Norway. This goes for other products they offer as well. At Lien Landbruksskole where Gunvalds Kjøkken used to be you can rent meeting rooms for small gatherings. The company is a member of Hallingkost.
ÅlRødungstøl Høyfjellshotell
Here you will be served traditional local food, also called Hallingkost, which means that Rødungstøl uses local suppliers. Their game-/Christmastable is famous for its good and varied menu. During the year they serve a varied and good menu. They also have a bar with full license and live music some evenings. The dining room has amazing view to the surrounding mountains. Rødungstøl Høyfjellshotell has a unique location by the lake Rødungen, 1050 meters above sea level, in Bergsjøområdet, Ål in Hallingdal, with a panoramic view over Hallingskarvet and Reineskarvet, one of the greatest mountain areas in Norway. Rødungstøl Høyfjellshotell offers accommodation with full board to individuals, groups, course / conference and parties.
GeiloRestaurant Christian - Dr. Holms
"Restaurant Christian" is Dr. Holm's new Ala Carte Restaurant and inspired by Dr. Ingebrikt Christian Holm's philosophy of life. The story of Dr. Holms Hotel is tall and rich, with over 100 years of continuous activity since its opening on 27 November 1909, the same day as the Bergensbanen was opened. Dr. Ingebrikt Christian Holm's purpose was to establish an offer for health and health in the finest mountain world with the best surroundings and cleanest air. «Restaurant Christian» serves delicious cuisine from French cuisine in combination with local produce. For reservation: [email protected] or at tel. 32095700 Restaurant Christian is open every day from 18:00 to 22:00
GeiloHerlig AS
Herlig offers traditional food from Geilo and Hallingdal, including homemade small food, sour cream porridge, and local baked goods like lefsekling and rømmebrød. They also produce elk and beef patties, meatballs, and pickled meat. Herlig AS was established in 2014 by Gunn Kristin Øen Uthus and moved to new production facilities in Geilo Næringspark in 2016. Their products, including fresh and frozen small food, are available at Spar Geilo, Matkrok'n, and Kiwi, and online via Hallingkost.no. Herlig is set to expand after EFTA approval. Småmat is a traditional Hallingdal dish made from local ingredients, often served at festive occasions. The recipe was originally submitted by Ål Bygdekvinnelag in 1989. In the villages of Hol and Ål småmat was also used as mean course during the først day of a wedding. When Gunn Kristin startet Herlig AS she learned the art of making småmat of Gunnvald, he made småmat since 1983 Herlig AS took over production in 2016, continuing the tradition with a modern twist. During Norsk Matglede, The Norwegian Food Festival in 2024 event on Geilo recognized småmat with Protected Designation status. More information can be found here. The website is in Norwegian, so lett a translate program help you. Below on the side you can watch a video about Småmat. Småmat is a traditional dish from Hallingdal, Norway, consisting of small, bite-sized portions made from local ingredients such as meat, potatoes, and grains. It is often served during festive occasions and has historical roots as a main dish at the first guest feast in rural Hallingdal communities. The recipe traditionally includes elements like meatballs, sausages, and cured meats, making it a quintessential representation of local food traditions. For more detailed information, you can visit Visit Norway.
ÅlBergtatt Bistro - Hallingdal Feriepark
The Chefs in Bergtatt Bistro at Hallingdal Feriepark serves delicious lunch and dinner every day. Their specialities are dishes with local food from Hallingdal varied with more international recipies. The restaurant is also open for those who do not visit the holiday park. The restaurant offers party menues for all kinds of occasions. Choose from either the standard menues or create your own. The chefs are more than happy to help you with advice and tips. They are open Thursday to Saturday 12.00-20.00 (14 August - 8 October). For opening hours visit www.feriepark.no .
GeiloPrestholtseter
Prestholtseter a farm cafe based on traditions. Prestholtseter is located by Hallingskarvet at 1242 m, by Hallingskarvet National Park. It is a popular destination both summer and winter. The café offers waffles, buns, the local specialties "lefsekling" (thin, sheet bread), "Rummebrød" (thin cakes made with sour cream), cakes, omelets, buns and rolls. In summer you can also get cured meats and tasty sour cream porridge By Prestholtseter you will find great hiking in the summer and cross country tracks in the winter. In summer you can hike on dirt roads or paths, either flat or the Prestholt stairs up to the top of Hallingskarvet Mountain. In summer the road goes all the way to Prestholtseter (toll road). In winter there are ski trails that are groomed daily, from Havsdalen and from Ustaoset. Prestholtseter offers catering for groups from 15 -100 people for dinner or lunch. A nice layer at the base of Hallingskarvet provides a unique and beautiful setting for the event. Prestholtseter was built in 1904 and has been in the family Uthus since. In the beginning it was a pure summer farm, where they sold products that they produced themselves. Opening hours winter: Normally, Prestholt opens in week 7 in February, every day until Skarverennet in mid-April. Opening hours summer: The road usually opens around July 1st. Check for updated information on Facebook. Tolls Kr. 40 cash or Vipps. Prestholt café normally opens in early July to mid-August, every day from 10:00 to kl. 16:00. After that only on the weekends of the autumn holidays until week 40, around the last week in September.
GeiloJakobsplass cheese factory and farm
Jakobsplass is located 925 meters above sea level in Skurdalen. Trine and Lars Lilleslåtten have operated the farm since the 1980s, raising around 20 dairy goats. They produce cheese using traditional methods, firing a kettle with wood from their own forest and using milk from their goats, supplemented by cow’s milk from Hamarsbøen when needed. Jakobsplass sells their cheese and other farm products at their on-site farm store. Main products include Ekte Geitost, a prize-winning brown goat cheese made in a wood-fired kettle; Søtprim, a type of brown cheese with a bit of sugar; and Mjølkeprim, a local tradition from Hallingdal, served thickly sliced with coffee or with fresh waffles or pancakes. Jakobsplass is located 14 km from Geilo, follow road Rv40, look for a sign along the road, and then continue 1 km after leaving Rv40.
HovetGurostølen - Rueslåtten Ysteri
Gurostølen is located 900 meters above sea level and has maintained continuous summer farming since the 1300s! The farm is owned and operated by Rueslåtten, which also runs Rueslåtten Dairy. During summer, 15–20 cows from Rueslåtten move to Gurostølen, producing rich, nutrient-dense milk for “Stølsost,” a Swiss-inspired Gruyère cheese. Visitors can experience daily life on the farm during summer events—check the calendar for details. Stølsost is a low-fat cheese made from summer milk and aged in mountain tunnels for a year, blending tradition and bold flavors. Round tour to Einsetnuten, top tour til Millomfjellet. Follow the link to description. Location: Drive Rv50 Hol–Aurland, turn off 2 km west of Myrland towards Raggsteindalen, then 2 km to the farm (signposted).
GeiloSofias Restaurant & Bar
A meal at Sofias Restaurat & Bar at Bardøla is an exciting and quite different experience in the mountain village Geilo. In this charming atmosphere you are yourself a part of the surroundings and experience the chef and waiter giving free rein to their imagination. Enjoy our fantastic home-made food and be inspired by creative recipes. Sofias is also known for its sweet confectionery, tempting cakes and tasty bread from its own bakery. And of course we have an international coffee menu.
Book nowGolBørt's Fusion Restaurant
Børt's Fusion Restaurant in Gol offers a unique dining experience where traditional Thai dishes meet Japanese sushi. The restaurant is renowned for its diverse selection of flavorful dishes, ranging from sushi and sashimi to aromatic curries and stir-fries, all prepared with fresh ingredients and authentic spices. Perfect for both everyday dining and special occasions, this restaurant provides an unforgettable experience with its warm, inviting atmosphere and dedication to genuine Thai and Japanese culinary arts.
GolKjersti's Vine and dining
Kjersti’s Mat and Vinhus We delight in offering lovingly prepared food, whether that be a filled baguette, lunch or dinner. Relax with a coffee or glass of wine in our coffee bar, which has more than a touch of French ambience over it. We offer menus and catering for private arrangements, and we are number one for al fresco dining. Quite simply, Gol is the place for the good life! Welcome! Adress: Sentrumsvegen 65 Tlf: 95 48 42 16 Mail: [email protected] Web: https://www.facebook.com/kjerstismatogvinhus/
ÅlBergsjøstølen - Restaurant
This mountain lodge knows how to appreciate good food. The starting point is the traditional Norwegian ingredients, but with a small continental twist. They are well known for their hospitality. Every afternoon you will be served homemade waffles with your coffee. Full licence.
GolHallingkost
Hallingkost wants to give people experience with food only available in Hallingdal. This is what we call short-travelled food basically produced by local raw materials. Most products are organic, and only raw materials with no artificial admixtures are being used. Products from Hallingkost can be obtained in several grocery stores in Hallingdal.
GeiloHallingstuene
Restaurant Hallingstuene, located right in the center of Geilo and is run by the famous chef Frode Aga and his wife Berit Kongsvik. The restaurant is decorated like three old living rooms with a fireplace, and rose painted walls. You can get local specialties and exquisite a la carte. Hallingstuene specializes in game dishes such as grouse, moose and deer. They also have their own gourmet menu. The restaurant also has a great wine cellar with over 900 different wines on the wine list. They have received an award in the American wine magazines Wine Spectator. Welcome to a nice experience at Restaurant Hallingstuene.
GolHoftun Kro
Hoftun Kro, located at First Camp Gol in Hallingdal, is a cozy restaurant that offers a wide menu suitable for any taste! At the campground, there is the possibility of accommodation and rental of cabins, apartments, camper places, and tents. Check out the First Camp Gol - Hallingdal website for more information on this.
Get inspired
Find more delicious things to taste.
More delicious recipes
Make traditional Norwegian waffles, kjøttkaker, or other Norwegian culinary delights.
A taste of Norway
Get more inspiration on where to visit and what to eat.
Take advantage of top offers
See our selection of trusted companies that work hard to make you happy all through your trip.
My Nordic TravelChoose between DIY itineraries and pre-packaged holidays to the very best destinations in Norway.
HurtigrutenExperience the world's most beautiful sea voyage on an unforgettable cruise along the stunning Norwegian coast.
Fjord ToursHome of Norway in a Nutshell, Norway's most popular tour. Fjords, mountains, and stunning destinations — all in one trip!
StrömmaSightseeing by bus and boat in several major tourist spots and cities in Norway.
Benzini CampersThe adventure of your life starts here. Book a campervan with Benzini Campers now.
CampcationBook a camping stay in stunning and unique locations all across Norway with Campcation.
Thon Hotels ASFantastic breakfast included! Experience true comfort and reasonable rates at our 80 hotels in Norway.
Booknordics.comUnique holiday packages, adventure hotels, tours, and activities.
Norwegian HolidaysLow-price package holidays with Norwegian. Book your flight, hotel, and rental car all in one place.
Classic Norway HotelsWhen the hotel is the destination. Book a night to remember in one of Norway's most unique and distinctive hotels.
Radisson HotelsGreat value offers and comfortable quality stays in Norway´s major cities, airports, and ski resorts.
Arctic Campers ASDo you want to try van life? Explore Norway in comfort and style with our smart and cosy campervans.
Discover NorwayOffers a range of exciting self-guided hiking, biking, and skiing holidays in Norway. Luggage transfer included.
NOR-WAY BussekspressEnjoy scenic views on comfortable bus trips to the fjords and from city to city with our express buses.
NorwegianNorwegian offers cheap flights in Norway and direct flights from more than 70 European destinations. Book flights through our low fare calendar to your destinations.
NorgesbookingBook your perfect cabin stay in the fjords, mountains, and valleys of Norway.
CityboxModern and affordable hotels in central locations in Oslo, Bergen, and Kristiansand.
Scandic HotelsExperience Nordic hotel hospitality at its finest at more than 90 hotels across Norway. Special offers are available.
Auto EuropeAlways a smooth car rental experience. Search and compare rental rates. Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to pick-up.
Authentic ScandinaviaTravel curated by locals. Our tailormade tours suit every type of traveller and budget.
StrawberryA different hotel company! Look out for great weekend deals at more than 100 hotels in Norway.
CampioNorway's biggest camping booking site. Find the best camping and motorhome pitches throughout Norway.
Vy TrainGlide through scenery on a train between Oslo and Bergen on the Bergen Railway and explore the greater Oslo region.
Fjord Travel NorwaySleep in an ice hotel, hunt the northern lights, and discover the magical fjords. Book your tour now!
Rent-A-Wreck of Scandinavia ASThe smart and affordable car rental alternative.
Go FjordsBook fantastic tours and experiences! We offer tours in Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, Lofoten, the North Cape, and more.
De HistoriskeHave an unforgettable stay at one of Norway's unique, authentic historic hotels. Enjoy first-class dining experiences and a broad range of activities.
50 Degrees North NordicChoose between unforgettable tailormade individual trips and small, exclusive group tours of Norway.
Brim ExplorerQuiet fjord tours on award-winning electric catamarans in Oslo, Tromsø, Lofoten, and Svalbard.
Vy expressDiscover Norway on comfortable express buses that take you between major cities, mountains, and fjords.
SJ NordSJ NORD - the adventure starts on the train
Norrøna AdventureGet ready for expeditions and adventure holidays with Norrøna Adventure. Hiking, skiing, and biking trips.
Up NorwayBespoke luxury hand-picked by local experts. We combine your preferences and our knowledge to make an unforgettable journey.
CampanyonUnique camping in nature. Book a stay in a treehouse or glamping tent or rent a motorhome pitch.