8 Best Street Food Markets In Durban, South Africa

1. I Heart Market

Are you sick and tired of commercial shopping malls? And, do you find these venues somewhat soulless, which only seem to feature large brands while forgetting about smaller but more unique vendors? If that’s the case, then head over to I Heart Market and discover a bevy of creative vendors that push the envelope. Here, you’ll have an opportunity to browse and purchase art, accessories, ceramics, clothing, children’s clothes, collectibles, deli goods, food, home decor, jewelry, and natural skincare, to name a few. Moreover, you can engage the friendly stall owners and learn more about them and the products they sell.

I Heart Market

Address: The HayStore, Albert Terrace &, Camperdown Rd, Point, Durban, 4001, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Website: I Heart Market

Opening hours: 9am - 2pm (First Saturday of every month)

Price: 1.50 USD

2. Durban Dessert Festival

If you have a sweet tooth and want to sample the tastiest delicacies in South Africa, then head over to Durban Dessert Festival this March. Held at the trendy Park Square shopping center, this festival features a plethora of vendors that specialize in a wide range of sweets, confectionery, and other food items. Expect to find vendors selling craft beers, cupcakes, desserts, giant choc-chip cookies, gourmet cakes, ice-creams, muffins, and waffles, to name a few. Also, there’ll be DJs and live music performers for your entertainment, and food demonstrations so that you can learn the latest preparation techniques.

Durban Dessert Festival

Address: Park Square, Park Avenue, uMhlanga, 4321 Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Website: Durban Dessert Festival

Opening hours: Sat: 10am - 8pm; Sun: 10am - 6pm (Festival only takes place on the 28th & 29th of March 2020)

Price: 1.50 - 3.50 USD

3. Stables Lifestyle Market

Stables Lifestyle Market is yet another popular market in Durban that left a lasting impression with both locals and visitors alike. What makes it so unique is that it’s built on converted old horse-stables, and now houses over a hundred amazing shops. Here, you’ll find vendors selling antiques, arts and crafts, books, clothing, foods, home decors, mobile phone accessories, paintings, toys, and many other items. Furthermore, there are live bands that play music and there are also ample bar facilities and eateries at the venue. Also, there’s plenty of parking available where you can park your vehicle or rental car in a safe environment.

Stables Lifestyle Market

Address: 9 Jacko Jackson Dr, Stamford Hill, Durban, 4025, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Website: Stables Lifestyle Market

Opening hours: Wed: 6pm - 10pm; Fri: 6pm - 10pm; Sun: 10am - 5pm (closed on Mon, Tue, Thu & Sat)

4. Victoria Street Market

Ever wanted to purchase hot spices and other Indian delicacies? Well, you can track all of these down at this popular market, which is also renowned for being an important cultural hub among locals. Now, if you don’t have an interest in spicy food items, you can still discover other interesting gems here. A few of these include African artworks, Chinese wholesale goods, mobile phones, and a wide range of creatively named spices. There’s also a dedicated fish market, so make sure to drop by and purchase a plenty of fresh fish!

Victoria Street Market

Address: 151/155 Bertha Mkhize St, Durban Central, Durban, 4001, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 8am - 5pm (closed on Sun)

5. The Morning Trade

KwaZulu-Natal is one of the key agricultural hubs in South Africa, which means that tasty, fresh food is always available in Durban. But it’s always more fun heading out to discover the latest food spots and markets that sell the best homegrown produce in the region. The Morning Trade market is a recommendable spot that specializes in artisanal foods and it is located in the bustling Rivertown precinct. It has become an important social and meeting point for friends and one of the best places to grab a freshly-brewed cup of coffee. Moreover, it’s a good choice for purchasing groceries, as you’ll be purchasing organic and chemical-free produce that’s healthy for you and your loved ones.

The Morning Trade

Address: 22 Sutton Crescent, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Website: The Morning Trade

Opening hours: Sun: 8:30am - 2pm (closed during the rest of the week)

6. Durban Street-Food Festival

Durban Street Food Festival is no ordinary festival, as its organizers have gone the extra mile to create an exciting social space like no other. Locals and tourists have an opportunity to get together and celebrate the region’s rich food heritage while enjoying live music performances and sets from talented DJ’s. Furthermore, you can view dances performed by energetic African and Indian dancers and even check out intense urban dance battles. But it doesn’t end there, as there are plenty of food stalls selling Asian, Indian, vegan, and fast-food delicacies.

Durban Street-Food Festival

Address: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Website: Durban Street Food Festival

Opening hours: Check with the organizers for dates and reservations

Price: 3.50 - 14 USD

7. Golden Hours Family Market

As its name implies, this is indeed a family-friendly market that makes it easy for parents to find the things they want, while the kids have many entertainment options to keep them busy. Golden Hours Family Market also features plenty of vendors that sell accessories, arts and crafts, books, cakes, clothes, coffees, doughnuts, fat cakes, fresh fruits, flowers, handmade items, pastries, plants, sweets, and vegetables, to name a few.

Golden Hours Family Market

Address: Uitsig Rd, Prospect Hall, Durban North, 4051, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Website: Golden Hours Family Market

Opening hours: Sun: 10am - 3pm (closed from Mon - Sat)

8. Smarket

Expect to find everything from tasty South African meats to fashion items at one of Durban’s leading markets — namely, Smarket. Moreover, it’s a market that boasts a great atmosphere and it’s where visitors have an opportunity to sample some of the most delicious foods and drinks in Durban. These include choc-ice chai, cookies and cream, desserts, dhai puri, fish & chips, gourmet nachos, haleem, lollipops, prawns, samosa chaat, sev puri, and smoothies. Make sure to get there early as there’s a limited amount of seats and the venue is a bit on the small side.

Smarket

Address: Cowey Park, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Website: Smarket

Opening hours: 4pm - 10pm (Saturday only)

Many affordable and fun street-food markets in Durban

Durban is worth visiting for its great weather, friendly locals, beautiful coastline, and amazing cuisine. Fortunately, there are many street-food markets that showcase the city’s creative and rich culinary heritage, while also featuring modern alternatives. Some markets also offer live entertainment with music acts and DJs, while others focus on an organic fare and chemical-free produce.