Off-late I’ve been on a ‘Joburg markets’ discovery (and re-discovery) drive! This Sunday, hubby and I decided to visit the Market on Main in the Maboneng Precinct  with some friends. Although we’ve been to this one before, it continues to be a favourite Sunday afternoon hangout.

Market on Main is located at the Arts on Main venue, which is a creative hub comprising of artists’ studios, galleries, local restaurants and offices. The main aim of both, the Market & Arts on Main, is to encourage inner-city development, provide sustainable living and a place for artists’ and art to thrive and grow.  Maboneng (place of light)- the area where the Market takes place every Sunday between 10am-3pm – is an urban neighbourhood located on the east of the Joburg CBD. This is yet another thriving example of an inner city project undertaken to revive the CBD and encourage the locals to visit the area once more.

Reaching early is a good idea as the Market tends to get very busy after 12pm. Parking is not a big problem as there is ample street parking available and very friendly ‘car guards’ to help you. Since we had several errands to run before visiting the Market, we only made it there after 12pm, by which time the place was packed with exuberant & boisterous people, all out to have a great time.

Market on Main is not only a place for some lip-smacking, mouth-watering food from the African continent but international fare as well. I always like to walk around and  look at all the stalls first, before deciding where to begin. That way I get to prioritise because its impossible to sample everything. The food ranges from traditional Ethiopian delicacies sold by Little Addis, Spanish paellas (that seem to be disappearing at top speed), Durban curries (famous for their Bunny-Chow), spicy Thai delights, Greek pita wraps, and something similar to pizzas that the hubby wanted to try from a place called Chery Bomb Funky Foods! Junta with a sweet tooth, don’t be disappointed. There are a lot of goodies for you too!

In order to make the most of this place, its a good idea to go in a large group with everyone trying different food, or else you will have to go frequently like us to try the wide array!

On the drinks side, don’t miss out on the awesome Mojitos that they serve here (the alcoholic variety of course!). The place also houses a micro brewery called Smack! Republic on one side where you can sample the 4 types that they brew.

Furthermore, the Market show cases a lot of art made by the locals. This would range from fashion jewellery, clothes, hand-made scarfs, paintings, pictures and lots of Jozy knick-knacks. There is also a studio on the premises which displays ongoing exhibitions of paintings & photographs.

On the whole, there is no better way than to spend a nice lazy Sunday with friends at this place. I will be going back again in a few months for another dose of food & art.

Details:

Venue: Arts on Main, Fox Street, Maboneng

Every Sunday from 10am – 3pm, and the first Thursday night of each month (besides January) from 7pm – 11pm

Parking: Street parking on either side of Fox street