Food Tourism has grown across the world as a way to explore local cuisine and indulge in the best meals around. Cape Town itself has seen a surge in food markets in recent years. City restaurants are great to kick back and relax but there’s something about the upcoming chef, that you won’t find in a formal setting. The food produced for the markets are fresh, locally made and often unlike anything you’ll find in nearby stores and restaurants. Here are the best food markets to explore in Cape Town.
Neighbourgoods Market
Probably one of the more popular of the lot, this market found at The Old Biscuit Mill, is a vibrant platform for micro-merchants, designers, specialty producers and traders from around the city. Stop by for breakfast or lunch and choose from a delicious range of food — there’s something for all tastes and dietary requirements. The market is open every Saturday from 9 am until 3 pm, come rain or shine.
V&A Food Market
Located at one of the busiest tourist attractions in the city, the V&A Food Market is in the popular V&A Waterfront. The buzzing market boasts a variety of stalls offering an array of yummy street food, craft beer, baked goods, ice cream and more. The market is open seven days a week from mid-morning until early evening, which means there’s always time to pop by for a delicious meal after shopping.
Bay Harbour Market
The Bay Harbour Market is a veritable feast of food and drink, arts and crafts, fashion, beauty products and live music, all under one roof. The market is housed in a refurbished fish factory in the working harbour of Hout Bay, and features more than 80 stalls offering everything from fresh mussels to freshly brewed coffee. Enjoy a variety of delicious eats while sipping on superb wine or craft beer on tap. Meanwhile, established and up-and-coming musicians provide a live soundtrack.
Lourensford Market
The city is great, but a few days out of town will do you good. And while you’re out there, plan a day trip to the Lourensford Market in the beautiful suburb of Somerset West. The bustling market is set on the scenic Lourensford Wine Estate, on the slopes of the Hottentots Holland Mountain Range. There are more than 70 stalls to browse, which offer everything from delectable food and art and crafts to organic and artisanal produce. You can also enjoy a glass of the estate’s superb selection of wines or in-house craft beer to complement your food. There is weekly live music and fun entertainment for kids, and pets are also welcome. The market is open every Sunday from 10 am to 3 pm and on alternate Fridays from 4 pm to 9 pm.
