Local food markets are becoming increasingly popular as many South Africans are getting in touch with their inner gourmand. We explore the country’s most popular markets and the delicious delicacies they have on offer.
Market Magic in Mzansi
Gauteng’s food markets offer the residents of South Africa’s financial epicentre respite from the hustle and bustle of city life. For example, Sundays see many citizens of the City of Gold flock to Market on Main (www.marketonmain.co.za) in Johannesburg’s fashionable Maboneng Precinct. Situated in the heart of the city, this world-class food market boasts over 100 stalls, and offers a relaxed space for food lovers, culinary experts and food entrepreneurs to mingle and munch.
Another inner city gem is the hugely popular Neighbourgoods Market (www.neighbourgoodsmarket.co.za), which takes place every Saturday in Jozi’s creative hub of Braamfontein. This atmospheric area is a local hotspot over weekends and offers goods from artisanal producers, gourmet merchants, specialty cooks, and regional farmers.
With over 600 stalls and voted as Johannesburg's premier market for ten consecutive years, the Rooftop Market (www.rosebankmarket.co.za) at the Rosebank Mall attracts local and international patrons alike. In addition to the wide array of arts and crafts on offer, shoppers can also enjoy an eclectic mix of mouth-watering delights at this lively location.
Dubbed the “definitive food market in Gauteng”, the Blubird Wholefood Market (www.blubird.co.za) offers a true epicurean adventure with delicacies like designer cupcakes, specialist deli items, homemade sweets, and delectable baked goods. The market is based at the Blubird Shopping Centre in Illovo and takes place every Sunday between 09h00 and 14h00.
Away from the buzz of the city and neatly nestled in the Northern suburbs of Johannesburg, the Bryanston Organic Market(www.bryanstonorganicmarket.co.za) is Joburg’s original outdoor market. Here shoppers can enjoy earthy energy and purchase a variety of hand crafted wares, homemade foods and delicious organic produce on Thursdays, Saturdays and public holidays.
A few miles away from Bryanston and situated beneath a thick canopy of tall trees, the Fourways Farmers’ Market (www.ffmarket.co.za) takes place every Sunday and features around 50 carefully selected vendors. Here sociable market goers relish local and seasonal produce, homemade goods, a champagne bar, artisanal beers and live music, all while surrounded by birdsong and butterflies.
However, one of the most beautiful markets in the Gauteng region is the charming Irene Market (www.irenemarket.co.za), which is an hour’s drive from Johannesburg. Held on the second and last Saturday of every month, this child-friendly market offers a fully licensed tea garden, numerous quality food stalls, as well as over 300 interesting stands for the whole family to enjoy.
Shopping Escapes in the Cape
The Neighbourgoods Market at the Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock is considered to be Cape Town’s original gourmet market and takes place between 09h00 and 14h00 every Saturday. Baked goods, organic produce, fresh seafood, premium roasted coffee and gourmet goodies draw Cape crowds to this bustling market.
Housed in an old fish factory at the water’s edge, the Bay Harbour Market (www.bayharbour.co.za) in Hout Bay is another well-loved market which offers visitors an eclectic South African celebration of culture and creativity, as well as a uniquely social shopping experience in a vibrant and authentic environment. It offers home-made crafts, great food, flowing drinks, and live music over weekends. A massive indoor fireplace adds to the allure of this lively location in the cooler winter months.
Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront complex features the V&A Market on the Wharf (www.marketonthewharf.co.za), which opens its doors from Monday to Sunday every week and is the Mother City’s first permanent bazaar. With over 50 traders, this gourmet fair treats food lovers to lush harbour views and food styles from around the world.
If traditional African dishes make your mouth water, pay a visit to the Khayelitsha Craft Market, which is held every weekday in the vibrant township of Khayelitsha. This market also aims to alleviate poverty, and all goods sold are made by members of the community, making it well worth a visit if soaking in African culture and giving back to those less privileged appeals to you.
Delightful Durban Markets
Situated just outside of Durban, the Shongweni Farmers Market (www.shongwenimarket.co.za) attracts hoards of Durbanites every Saturday morning between 06h00 and 10h30. A relaxed country vibe and a wide selection of handmade food, spices, clothing, art and crafts makes this market one of the coastal city’s most enjoyable and best known shopping meccas. Alternatively, a visit to the Stables Lifestyle Market (www.stableslifestylemarket.co.za), along Jaco Jackson Drive, makes for a fun family outing in a vibrant equestrian-themed environment. A large selection of food outlets, décor, antiques, crafts and live music keep local crowds returning to this market from 18h00 to 22h00 on Wednesdays to Fridays, and throughout the day on Sundays.
Fabulous falafels are the biggest sellers at the Essenwood Craft Market (www.essenwoodmarket.com) in Musgrave, but food fundis can also purchase fresh goods like fruit, vegetables, pancakes, cheeses, baked treats and gourmet sandwiches at this charming kid-friendly spot. Nearly 20 years old, this market is held every Saturday between 09h00 and 14h00 under lush evergreen trees.
<sidebar>Festive Feasts & Treats
Why not skip stressful shopping trips to overcrowded malls this festive season and purchase your gifts and goodies at a Christmas market instead? Western Cape residents can take their pick from the following Christmas markets:
- The Annual Kloovenburg Wine & Olive Christmas Market Day at Kloovenburg Wine Estate, Saturday 13thDecember
- The All Star Christmas Market at Cape Gate Lifestyle Centre, Brackenfell, from the 13th to 22nd December
- Made in the Cape Festive Fair in Claremont from 2nd to 7th December
- The Edgemead Christmas Market from 5th to 21st December
- The “HomeThingz”, “ManThingz” or “KidsThingz” Christmas Gift markets at The Bay Harbour Market in Hout Bay from 6th to 21st December
If you reside in Gauteng, consider visiting:
· Bryanston Organic Market’s Magical Moonlight Market on Tuesday evenings between 17h00 and 21h00 on 18thand 25th November and on 2nd, 9th and 23rdDecember
Locals from KwaZulu-Natal can purchase hand crafted Christmas goodies and treats from the following festive markets in December:
· Shongweni Annual Christmas Market on 16th December
· The South Coast Christmas & Summer Market in Uvongo from 12th December to 5thJanuary
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