Weekend mornings used to be reserved for sleeping in, and maybe a hike or cycle for the more adventurous among us, but in the past few years that’s all changed. Now even those most devoted to lazy lie-ins can be found up bright and early browsing for freshly-baked artisan bread and fair-trade organic coffee. What’s turning us into morning people? The food market, of course. And the rise in popularity of these markets means that now there’s something for everyone - from the avid chef to your pony-obsessed five-year-old. Here’s a round-up of some of our favourites.
Maboneng Precinct, Johannesburg
Trading hours: Sundays 10am to 3pm; first Thursday of the month 7pm to 11pm
Located at Arts On Main, this market brings the best of Gauteng-based food, produce and design to the inner-city. Here you’ll find everything from locally grown organic vegetables to vintage clothing and mouthwatering culinary creations. Definitely worth a visit.
Braamfontein, Johannesburg
Trading hours: Saturdays 9am to 3pm
This is a good place to spend a few hours if you’re looking to be inspired. Check out the 15-storey wall mural by artist Eduardo Villa, sample the artisanal chocolate, sip on some craft beer and stock up on seasonal fruit and veg. You’ll leave feeling at least 65% more cultured and interesting than when you arrived.
Silverton, Pretoria
Trading hours: Saturdays 5.30am to 9.30am
Calling all early birds who love nothing more than produce fresh from the farm! This market is a favourite for locals and it’s not hard to understand why - boasting “the tastiest boerewors in the region”, freshly-picked proteas, home-baked traditional treats and an opportunity to shop directly from some of the best local suppliers. We’re sold.
Menlo Park, Pretoria
Trading hours: 8am to 2pm
If you enjoy people watching, then this is your weekend morning spot. Relax in the communal sitting area with a cup of coffee and maybe some cherry nougat, to observe the cool crowd in their natural habitat. Or load up on a delicious assortment of pates, pickles and fresh bread for an artful picnic.
Stamford Hill, Durban
Trading hours: First Saturday of every month, 9am to 2pm
Located under the impressive arches of the Moses Mabhida Stadium, this market showcases a colourful range of local art, crafts, fashion, jewellery and artisanal food. After sampling some of Durban’s finest fare, you may even feel brave enough for a journey up the stadium’s SkyCar to take in a stunning panoramic view of Durban’s skyline.
Howick, KZN Midlands
Trading hours: Saturdays 7am to 11am
If you need a break from entertaining your kids on a Saturday morning, this is the perfect place for them to let off some steam. Pony rides, a giant sandpit, and a jungle gym for them; delicious wood-fired pizza, famous locally-made camembert, and wine tasting for you. Sounds like a great start to the weekend.
Tokai, Cape Town
Trading hours: Saturdays 9am to 3pm
With more than 40 traders to choose from, prepare to go home with bulging shopping baskets. We recommend stocking up on free-range meat, fresh seafood, stone-ground bread, and local cheeses. Once your grocery shopping is done, you can’t leave without having a gourmet hot dog and a pint of beer on tap, or a Belgium waffle with a cup of fair-trade coffee. It’s compulsory.
Woodstock, Cape Town
Trading hours: Saturdays 9am to 2pm
If you’re interested in rubbing shoulders with Cape Town’s trendiest, and possibly a celebrity or two, this is the place to head. Although be prepared to battle the fedora-clad crowd for one of the popular egg-and-bacon rostis or a spot at a communal table. Some of our favourite stalls include Honest Raw Chocolate and The Creamery ice cream.
Hout Bay, Cape Peninsula
Trading hours: Saturdays 9am to 2pm
Located in an old fish factory on the edge of the Hout Bay harbour, this market oozes character and charm. The live music, seagulls and local traders bantering with customers make for a boisterous and fun experience, not forgetting the delicious aromas of freshly baked bread and braaing fish. It’s the kind of place where no one will bat an eyelid if you decide to start dancing to the music, in fact, they’ll probably join you.
Sedgefield, Garden Route
Trading hours: Saturdays 7.30am to 12pm (summer); 8am to 12pm (winter)
No list of our favourite food markets would be complete without mentioning this award-winning gem tucked away on the Garden Route. Get lost for hours wandering through stalls of exotic ethnic food, freshly picked berries, locally roasted Arabica coffee, antique treasures and handcrafted furniture. If you need to give your feet a rest, we recommend indulging in a few pancakes and relaxing on a bench in the tree grove.
Have we missed your favourite neighbourhood market? Let us know about it on Facebook! (Use #neighbourhoodmarkets to spread the news.)
