While Maboneng hosts its weekly Sunday market, Market on Main, 28 August was just a little different than usual as the official Street Food Festival South Africa was held for the first time in Johannesburg.
Set up on Albrecht Street, between the Museum of African Design and the historically significant Cosmopolitan building, the festival was buzzing with activity as the intermingling smells of various food stalls wafted through the rejuvenation precinct.
Michael Western, an Australian in South Africa and visitor to the festival of food, noted that the food on offer was indeed something to write home about. “There’s so much to smell and so much to eat. From churros to burgers; sweet to savoury; big portions and bite-sized parcels – there’s everything!”
There were some familiar stalls including Bun Box and Sumting Fresh from the Fourways Farmers Market; Paquito’s Treatery which has been seen at the Zone at Rosebank; and Vuyo’s serving their delicious treats at the market.
Hannerie Visser, the festival director, confirmed that about 3 000 people were in attendance and said that it was a great success. “We are extremely happy as it exceeded all our expectations,” Visser said.
The market was not the only activity that formed part of the Street Food Festival South Africa Johannesburg leg, as the festival had its official launch on 26 August.
The first day of the festival opened with a gala Indian-style dinner, as well as a number of talks hosted by foodies from Johannesburg.
With the success of the festival, which is held in Cape Town every year and in Johannesburg for the first time, there is no doubt that it will return to the City of Gold in the future.
You can also read: Festival celebrating the food market scene
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