With a vague semblance of normalcy returning to the hospitality industry in South Africa, Cape Town food markets are going to be abuzz with locals and visitors from abroad seeking out the best fresh produce and tasty snacks that they can find. Let’s face it, cooking is great, but sometimes all you really want to do is grab a bite to eat on a Saturday morning cooked by someone else and the opportunity to do that with a bunch of friends.
Here are half a dozen Cape Town food markets currently operating and worth looking into.
Sol’s six Cape Town food markets for summer
- Oranjezicht City Farm Market
- Mojo Market
- In-Season Mobile Market at Montebello
- Old Biscuit Mill
- Greater Lynfrae Civic Association: Family Market in Keurboom Park
- Something outta the Cape Town CBD
Oranjezicht City Farm Market
Also known as OZCF Market, the Oranjezicht City Farm Market isn’t actually in Oranjezicht, but then again, Sydney isn’t the capital city of Australia so who really knows? Located in Granger Bay between Mouille Point and the Waterfront, the OZCF market is a treat for Atlantic Seaboard dwellers or weekend visitors, purely through the sheer quality of the fresh produce on offer and the high possibility that you’ll run into someone you know.
When does the OZCF Market operate?
Typically, the full OZCF Market trades on Saturdays from 08:15 until 14:00 and Sundays from 09:00 until 14:00, and then it operates a limited night market on Wednesdays from 17:00 until 21:00. Check out more deets on the OZCF website. For the Christmas period, these operating hours have been temporarily updated, and take note that it’s completely closed on Saturday 25 December and Saturday 01 January 2022.
What is the OZCF Market best for?
Organic produce, Dish Food & Social (a long-term friend of the Sol’s brand), Richard Bosman’s quality cured meats, coffee & people-watching.
This is the most buzzing market in Cape Town because it attracts customers with its vast array of fresh food, cheese, charcuterie, preserves and more, that can be eaten live or taken away as groceries. It’s a place where one can easily spend a couple hours sampling coffee, quiche, bagels, dumplings and pancakes, but it’s also ideal for a quick purchase and getaway. Therein lies its massive appeal.
Mojo Market
A relatively new kid on the Cape Town food markets block, Sea Point’s Mojo Market is a unique blend of hotel and multi-purpose venue that’s conveniently positioned a stone’s throw from the Sea Point promenade and bustling life in that neck of the woods. It’s open seven days a week, until 11 pm, so it’s always there if you need something quick and delicious to eat.
Mojo Market is different to a lot of other Cape Town food markets because of the sheer variety of cuisine on offer. You can snack on poke, pizza, curry, seafood and an array of live food offerings in an eclectic social setting that is enhanced by live big-screen sport and music purveyed by local performers.
What is the Mojo Market best known for?
Any-weather occasions, vibey live music, sport on big screens & a plethora of global cuisine offerings including some shucking good oysters.
In-Season Mobile Market at Montebello
If you haven’t heard of them, do yourself a favour because it’s a very cool concept indeed. The Mobile Market at Montebello delivers boxes of fresh fruit, vegetables, leaves and herbs and they’re just a call or WhatsApp message away. This isn’t a sociable market situation, but for introverts, that’s just fine. Bear in mind that produce is delivered from Tuesday to Saturday every week across Cape Town.
What is the In-Season Mobile Market best known for?
Convenience & fresh locally-sourced produce.
Neighbourgoods Market at the Old Biscuit Mill
One of the OG (slang for originals, to those not familiar with this jargon) names in the Cape Town food markets game. The Old Biscuit Mill is known around Cape Town as a venue that houses a fascinating array of products offered up by local artisans, clothing designers and foodies. The Neighbourgoods Market runs from 9 am-3 pm every Saturday, come rain or shine.
What is the Old Biscuit Mill best known for?
Artisanal treats, a huge variety of ice-cold beer and “the” place to be on a Saturday morning.
Greater Lynfrae Civic Association Family Market
The lush and spacious setting of Keurboom Park is home to the Greater Lynfrae Civic Association’s Family Market. The GLCA’s excellent work in the park in recent times has made it a much cleaner and more hospitable outdoor setting for markets of this type, and its spaciousness lends itself well to families and pets. We set up shop at the last GLCA Family Market on October 24th and we’ll be watching this space for developments on the next edition. If you’re in the burbs, do the same!
What is the GLCA Family Market known for?
Food stalls, park market products and “adopt a pet” where you can find your new best friend.
Something outta the Cape Town CBD
The Root 44 Market in Stellenbosch is known for its live music, wide-open space and family atmosphere. The Chilled Market at The Range in Orpen Road, Tokai, is similarly family-oriented and a chance to take the car for a spin out of the city. Friday nights are great for live music too.
In closing, the concept of food markets has been hit by the global pandemic but it’s great to see them gradually resurface. Always ask yourselves where and how you can support the “little guy” instead of buying all of your groceries and fresh produce at massive supermarkets. A little goes a long way, and you’ll be surprised at the sheer quality and abundance of fresh food on offer. Needless to say, we’re on board with this philosophy in a big way.
Sol’s Foods is online over Christmas, taking orders for gifting and hosting, but we have also started to hit the road with recent debut appearances at the GLCA Family Market in Keurboom and the Western Province Cricket Club Wine Festival. Watch this space to taste and experience our full range of products as we make waves in 2022.
After all, one of the prevailing joys of eating and sourcing food is doing so as a shared, social experience.
