The Bay Harbour Market is one of Cape Town’s most popular hang outs, located in the Hout Bay harbour near a few popular fish and chips establishments and housing around 125 traders. The area has been reinvigorated by the market, now next door to a brewery and art studio. A warm spring day with typical fishing harbour smells in the air, it wasn’t surprising to find the road jam-packed with cars and people heading towards the vibey market. Housed in a warehouse, the market becomes a hub of activity on Friday nights and continues the festivities over Saturdays and Sundays.
T-shirts, hats, bags, jewelry, artwork, portraits, sculptures, and lots of tasty food choices, the market is bedecked with stalls, each peddling some sort of hand-crafted or locally-produced selection with a story to tell. While you’re bound to find a great gift for someone or a new addition to your wardrobe, the real highlights are the food market and the people-watching. Meeting our media contact at the Boom Bar, a central drinks spot to help you relax into the festive spirit, we were given a chance to soak up the bustling atmosphere. It truly is an all-inclusive place for everyone, as witnessed by the diverse range of people, hairstyles and dress codes. Infused with the bohemian spirit of Afrika Burn, the Bay Harbour market is a wonderful spot for anyone wanting to chill out at one of the many open tables, enjoy Cape Town’s good life, and try out an alternative shopping destination.
Prior to our arrival, I was made aware of a vegan stand, named Earth Tribe, and met a lovely gentleman by the name of Kudo, who told me about their various products, including the wonder-product Moringa oil. Unfortunately that particular stand is moving away from the market shortly, but hopefully some more vegan stalls will be found to fill the gap.
Generous portions of nachos, hearty burgers, succulent lamb, fresh seafood, breakfast pizzas, delicious artisan soup and cheese sticks… it’s one of those markets that has something for everyone. My husband enjoyed a filling and tasty plate of beef and black bean nachos, which included salsa, melted cheddar and sour cream sauce. Served in a metal plate and melted before his eyes, the mexican-themed stall has everything from deep-fried Bar Ones to an adventurous range of jalapeno poppers.
There was also a gluten-free and wheat-free stand where they were selling a variety of confectionary items. While attempting to get as close to vegan as possible, I found myself at the pizzeria, ordering a variation on the vegetarian pizza on a gluten-free base with no cheese. The result was wonderful, with what could be described as a matzo-style base, and while there was no cheese to hold the ingredients together for ease of eating, it was delicious.
Being so busy, you’ve just got to sit where you can, making the market experience very communal and even cozy. We found ourselves opposite a sweet older couple, who moved from their main to a Belgian waffle with ice-cream accompanied by syrup to a hearty tomato soup and tasty-looking cheese stick. They seemed to be loving the experience, mesmerised by the talented musician on stage behind us. Calling him a “one-man-band” would not do his craft justice, as the artist created a bed of music to weave his guitar playing skill in a number of world music-infused instrumental pieces. He could’ve been in his own world, eyes shut and allowing himself to be taken by the music as if in a meditative state. It was quite magical – the perfect music for a bustling marketplace.
After my custom pizza, I decided to find something to drink, settling on a natural smoothie juice bar where I enjoyed a creamy blend of various fruits and veggies. We strolled around the marketplace, enjoying the many curiosities on display, both products and people. Hilarious and cute animal-themed Sherpa hats, custom-made t-shirt logos and a variety of arts and crafts later… I found myself at an artist’s stall, where I was compelled to buy several beautifully composed Southern African Bushveld bird and animal colour pencil sketches repackaged as card prints. Matthew Bell is the very talented artist.
If you like bustling markets, craft food and curiosities with a bohemian edge, then you should definitely make a point of spending a morning or afternoon at the Bay Harbour Market – one of the first of its kind. It’s a big and festive event, where you can enjoy good food, freshly brewed coffee, experience a cross-section of society and tap your toes to some great live music. The authentic community feel gives it heart, the something-for-everyone quality makes it easy to take friends or family, and the festive spirit will probably bring you back for seconds.
One-word review: Festive
31 Harbour Road
Hout Bay, Cape Town