9 Must-Visit Food Markets In Pretoria, South Africa

1. Banting Real Food Market

Mark your calendars on the first Saturday of each month to visit Banting Real Food Market. This market isn’t simply a place to get food—it is a whole different lifestyle experience. Get a taste of the Banting diet (low carb, high fat), which is extremely popular in South Africa. Indulge in guilt-free treats like sugar-free ice cream from The Ice Creamery, GUDGU’s all-natural cordials, and a range of low-carb bread, pasta, and pizzas from different vendors. Even non-foodies will have an enjoyable time here as the market is situated in Pretoria National Botanical Gardens, making for the most beautiful and tranquil setting. Bask in the sunlight, speak with friendly locals, be entertained with live music, and simply soak up the atmosphere at Pretoria’s top real-food market.

Banting Real Food Market

Address: 2 Cussonia Rd, Pretoria

Website: Banting Real Food Market

Opening hours: Sat: 9am - 1pm

2. Pretoria Vegan Food Fair

Calling all vegans, this is the food market for you! Spend your Sunday mornings indulging in delicious vegan food and yoga. Children will be wholly entertained as well, with a large variety of games and interactive booths. Adults will be treated to live music with a DJ and a huge variety of stores selling food, produce, cosmetics, and lovely keepsakes for you to gift to family and friends.

Pretoria Vegan Food Fair

Address: 62 Leribisi Rd, Tierpoort

Website: Pretoria Vegan Food Fair

Opening hours: Sun: 9am - 3pm

3. Cowhouse Market

More than just eating and drinking, Cowhouse Market boasts a wide selection of activities. The market got its name from its history that dates back to the 1940s when it used to be a barn that is home to 640 dairy cows. It is now a gourmet food and craft market that happens every weekend, with a night market on every last Saturday of the month. There are over 40 stalls at this fair, with live music adding to the ambience. After having your fill of vetkoek—a traditional South African food—partake in activities like pony rides, target shooting, and ziplining, or embark on a hike along Hazeldean Valley Trails that start and end at Cowhouse. This is the perfect place to experience farm life right in the city.

Cowhouse Market

Address: Ridge Rd, Hazeldean, Pretoria

Website: Cowhouse Market

Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 9am - 4pm

4. Deep Roots Night Market

Deep Roots Night Market is an initiative by Deep Roots, which is an online gallery showcasing local South African artistic talent. At the night market, people from all over the world can enjoy great local and international food and craft beer. For those who aren’t hungry, check out the huge variety of local handmade crafts, which are perfect gifts and souvenirs for your friends and family back home!

Deep Roots Night Market

Address: CBC Old Boys Club, 78 George Storrar Dr, Pretoria

Website: Deep Roots Night Market

Opening hours: Fri: 4pm - late

5. Hazel Food Market

Hazel Food Market offers a huge selection of international flavours, with more than 70 stores. Drop by on a Saturday morning to devour food from India, Portugal, and Thailand. Get a taste of traditional South African treats like sosaties (meat on a skewer), koeksisters (deep-fried plaited dough with syrup), and many more. Though the market does not sell alcohol, you will not be disappointed by the fresh juices, homemade tea, and coffee from locally sourced beans. Relax on one of the benches and take in the view of Menlo Park, while the kids play on the jungle gym and jumping castle.

Hazel Food Market

Address: 64 13th St, Menlo Park, Pretoria

Website: Hazel Food Market

Opening hours: Sat: 8am - 2pm

6. Market @ the Sheds

Nestled in the central business district, Market @ the Sheds provides a hip urban African experience. It provides a blissful marriage of the flavours of South Africa with the best of its city markets. The market is a project by a non-profit organisation, Capital Collective, which aims to promote rejuvenation of the inner city. It is not surprising then to find the market packed full of local entrepreneurs, musicians, artists, and designers. Enjoy live music while browsing through pop-up art exhibitions and shopping for craft items created by local designers. Of course, gourmet food and drink options (such as fresh coffee) are aplenty as well! Do take note that there is an entrance fee of R50 (3.35 USD) before 2pm and R100 (6.70 USD) thereafter.

Market @ the Sheds

Address: 387 Helen Joseph St, Arcadia, Pretoria

Website: Market @ the Sheds

Opening hours: Sat: 11am - 8pm

7. Pretoria Boeremark

At Pretoria Boeremark (farmers’ market), the farmers arrive at daybreak with the freshest produce. Visitors, too, have to arrive early as the market is only open on Saturday mornings. However, the variety of delicious food and intricate crafts should be enough to get you out of bed. Indulge in a steaming cup of coffee and some traditional African breakfast food before shopping for everything you could think of—from jewellery and wooden crafts to fresh meat and cheeses. Start off your weekend on the right note, and if you’re early enough, you might even catch the sunrise at this market!

Pretoria Boeremark

Address: 665 Moreleta St, Silverton, Pretoria

Website: Pretoria Boeremark

Opening hours: Sat: 5:30am - 9:30am

8. Waenhuiskrans Plaas Mark

Escape from the hustle and bustle of the city with your family at Waenhuiskrans Plaas Mark. Get your fill of farm-style treats, and let your children interact with farm animals present on the premises. Since this market falls on a Saturday, the whole household can join you. Invite your friends too if they’re up for it! Here you’ll find stalls selling fresh fruits and vegetables, sumptuous food items, handicrafts, lovely pieces of clothing, and a lot more. Sufficient parking space is available at this venue as well.

Waenhuiskrans Plaas Mark

Address: 0186 Enkeldoorn Ave, Montana AH, Pretoria

Website: Waenhuiskrans Plaas Mark

Opening hours: Sat: 8am - 2pm

9. Tripswitch Market

Tripswitch is located right in the heart of Pretoria’s central business district and is held once a month on Friday nights. Of course, it is a hit with both locals and visitors looking for a place to unwind and relax. Treat yourself to a craft beer, cocktails, or a glass of wine, before browsing through the multitude of craft stores available. Then kick back and groove to the beat of the DJ or have a chill evening listening to an acoustic performance. Numerous food vendors display their respective specialties, offering you mouthwatering fare ranging from traditional recipes to gourmet offerings.

Tripswitch Market

Address: 358 Richard St, Hatfield, Pretoria

Website: Tripswitch Market

Opening hours: Fri: 4pm - 10pm

Explore Pretoria's food markets

Arm yourself with this list of food markets when searching for food options in the city! Make the most out of your trip to Pretoria by venturing away from the usual restaurants, and soak up the atmosphere at these unconventional dining places. Visiting food markets is also a great way to get a glimpse into the culture of the locals while enjoying a great variety of delicacies.