The Jo’burg Market, formerly known as the Johannesburg Fresh Produce Market, has its origins in the centre of Johannesburg in 1893, in what used to be called Market Square. By 1913, the Market had grown to such an extent, that larger premises had to be found. For almost 60 years, all manner of good were traded from what is now the Market Theatre in Newtown.
In 1972, the Johannesburg City Council elected to relocate the Market to it’s present site in City Deep, south of Johannesburg. The Joburg Market is the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, and if you haven’t been to the market before it’s size is mind blowing. Slow Food Johannesburg makes trips to the market throughout the year, where we chat to the wholesalers, and take advantage of the seasonal bounty, and the exceptional value for money the market offers, by buying in bulk and then sharing the fruit and vegetables we’ve purchased among the group.
Tucked into the back of the veggie hall, is a tiny cafe, crowded with grocers and wholesalers from the market, where you can enjoy traditional Portuguese dishes, and a good coffee, in an authentic atmosphere.
