I LOVE the vibe of a good, wholesome, foodie market. It’s a special place where family, friends, food, and fun culminate in an atmosphere that is both relaxing and electric. My favourite markets are the ones where everyone is welcome, from the baby-bouncing mommas and dreadlocked hippies, to the silver-streaked execs and toddlers darting underfoot. After visiting the Cape Point Vineyards last Thursday and watching the sun dip below the waters of Noordhoek beach as anthem-inspiring music blared and a smorgasbord of fragrances danced in the air, I decided that I could very easily make this a regular outing. This led me on a hunt to find a market a day in Cape Town…
Monday & Tuesday: V&A Market on the Wharf
It doesn’t take long to discover that foodie markets are virtually non-existent on Mondays and Tuesdays. Luckily, the V&A Market on the Wharf is open DAILY for 363 days of the year (closed Christmas and New Year’s Day), from 10:00 – 19:00 (1 Nov – 30 April) or 17:30 (1 May – 31 October). Situated at the Waterfront, the V&A Market on the Wharf is Cape Town’s first permanent fresh food and produce market, with over 40 vendors, a foodie bookshop, demo kitchen, and bar. While you’re here, visit the V&A Waterfront Craft Market and Wellness Centre, the Red Shed Craft Workshop, and The Barrow Court.
Wednesday: Earth Fair Food Market
Home to what is easily the world’s best malva pudding; the Earth Fair Food Market in Tokai is an indoor family and foodie haven with the best homemade, natural, and organic produce. The market is open from 3pm – 8:30pm, so linger a while and don’t leave without at least sampling the tuna biltong and assortment of flavoured fudge! Earth Fair is also open in Tokai on Saturday from 9am – 2pm, and in St Georges Mall on Thursday from 11am – 3pm.
Thursday: Cape Point Vineyards Market
I don’t think there is a market in the world with a view quite like Cape Point Vineyards. Set on a mountainside in the “rural” suburb of Noordhoek, the market is surrounded by vineyards, overlooking the peaceful valley and white stretch of Noordhoek beach. You can’t help but be sucked into the vibe as people of all ages and sizes chill on the deck, fill the tables in the hall, and lounge about on the grass. The market is open from 4:30 – 8:30pm, with a great selection of food (some a tad pricey), wine, and craft beer. Be warned: it will be tough convincing yourself it isn’t Friday!
Friday: Blue Bird Garage Market
Finally, Friday is here! It’s time to kick back and relax; and the Blue Bird Garage Market in Muizenberg is just the spot to do so…whether you rock up in a beach towel or business suit. The market opens from 4 – 10pm and, because it is in a beautiful old postal plane hangar, it runs no matter the weather. The market brings the butcher, the baker, and the t-shirt maker together under one roof, along with a selection of craft beers, wines, crafts, vibey music, and a creative kids’ play area. Some of my favourite eats include the beef wraps, burgers, falafels, the unusual selection of samoosas, the mammoth slices of red velvet cake, and of course a pint of Birkenhead’s Honey Blonde Ale to wash it all down. And if you love good fashion, keep an eye out for Blue Bird’s Fashion in the Village Markets on select Saturdays – I simply can’t resist the handmade lace and leather earrings from White Rabbit Days!
Saturday: City Bowl Market on Hope
Ask any Cape Town foodie where to find the best freshly baked breads, cupcakes, salads, and curries in the city on a Saturday morning, and they’ll undoubtedly point you in the direction of the City Bowl Market on Hope. Aside from the sheer volume of outstanding food from around the world, there is a kids play zone, live music, and an all-round awesome vibe. A Fashion Market is hosted once a month on a Saturday morning. The market is open from 9am – 2pm on Saturday, and from 4:30 – 8:30pm on Thursday evenings. Visit their website and snag yourself some tasty insider recipes!
Sunday: The Village Market @ Cape Quarter
The Village Market @ Cape Quarter is a European lifestyle market in the Cape Quarter Lifestyle Village in Green Point, surrounded by excellent restaurants, retail shops, and piazza entertainment. You’ll find stalls laden with speciality foods, second hand books, décor, and clothing, as well as kiddies’ entertainment, a sports bar, and wine tasting. Even pets are welcome! The market runs every Sunday and Wednesday from 10am – 3pm.
Now that I’ve found a market a day in Cape Town, maybe you can recommend some fantastic foodie markets in the rest of South Africa. Let me know which ones you love most!
