South Africa's food truck scene doesn't look like what you see in the States or Europe. You won't find trucks parked on random street corners waiting for walk-ups. Instead, a lot of the action happens at markets - weekend gatherings where food trucks and mobile vendors set up alongside artisans, farmers, and live music. If you want to eat from food trucks and street food stalls, it helps to know where the markets are.
Here's a guide to food markets and street food festivals across South Africa where you can find food trucks and stalls. Many of them are food markets or food halls rather than pure food truck markets, and trading days change, so check each market's own page before you go.
| Market | City | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Neighbourgoods Market | Cape Town (Woodstock) | Weekend variety |
| Mojo Market | Cape Town (Sea Point) | Food stalls, bars and live music |
| Oranjezicht City Farm Market | Cape Town (Waterfront) | Produce plus prepared food |
| Lourensford Market | Somerset West | Wine estate setting |
| Prison Break Market | Midrand | Food sheds, Thursday to Sunday |
| Rosebank Sunday Market | Johannesburg (Rosebank) | Rooftop market every Sunday |
| Blaauwklippen Family Market | Stellenbosch | Weekend market on a wine farm |
Cape Town
Cape Town has the most food trucks on Food Truck Finder, and plenty of markets to go with them. Between the Waterfront, Woodstock, and Sea Point, you could spend every weekend at a different market. If you want trucks rather than stalls, see where the Cape Town food trucks trade. Food Truck Valley, the old Northern Suburbs truck event, has had no venue since it left the Bellville Velodrome in February 2026; our Food Truck Valley page has the latest.
Neighbourgoods Market
Where: The Old Biscuit Mill, 373-375 Albert Road, Woodstock (neighbourgoodsmarket.co.za)
Neighbourgoods Market at the Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock is one of Cape Town's best-known weekend food markets. Set inside the heritage Old Biscuit Mill precinct, it draws a mix of locals and tourists. You'll find a wide mix of food, including Mexican street food, wood-fired pizza and more, alongside local designers and craft vendors. Check their website for current trading days.
Mojo Market
Where: 30 Regent Road, Sea Point
A food hall in Sea Point with food stalls, bars and live music. It suits a coffee, a lunch stop on a promenade walk, or an evening out. Check their website for hours.
Oranjezicht City Farm Market (OZCF)
Where: V&A Waterfront
A farmers' market at the V&A Waterfront with prepared food stalls next to the produce. It's more produce-focused than a typical food truck market, but the prepared food is worth a look. Check the market's own pages for days, times and the current venue.
Lourensford Market
Where: Lourensford Estate, Lourensford Road, Somerset West
Set on the Lourensford wine estate just outside Somerset West, this market combines food and craft stalls with estate wines and craft beers in a Helderberg setting. Some estate markets close for winter, so check the estate's market page for the season and trading days.
Johannesburg
Joburg's markets are spread out, from the Ferreirastown warehouse district to rooftops in Rosebank and sheds in Midrand. The cuisine variety reflects Joburg's diverse population.
Prison Break Market
Where: Glenferness, Midrand
A permanent market of sheds in Midrand. The Yard Eatery food shed trades Thursday to Sunday from 10am, and Balkan Burger has its permanent spot there.
Rosebank Sunday Market
Where: Level 4 rooftop, Rosebank Mall
A Sunday market on the mall's rooftop, 9am to 4pm, with food stalls and a rooftop bar among the fashion and craft traders.
Looking for Neighbourgoods in Braamfontein or Market on Main in Maboneng? Both have closed: Market on Main ran from 2011 to 2022, and the Braamfontein Neighbourgoods building has since become The Playground.
The Sheds@1Fox
Where: 1 Fox Street, Ferreirastown
A warehouse precinct in Ferreirastown with food stalls, a brewery and bars, and a monthly night market. Check their pages for dates.
Fourways Farmers Market
Where: Taroko Farm, Norfolk Lane, Modderfontein (despite the name, it's no longer in Fourways)
A large weekend market, now trading as the 4 Ways Farmers Market, open Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 6pm with street food stalls and bars. Check their website before you go.
Durban & KwaZulu-Natal
Durban's food scene is influenced by its Indian and Zulu culinary heritage. Durban has fewer regular weekend markets than Cape Town or Joburg, but it does have a yearly street food festival.
Durban Street Food Festival
A yearly street food festival in Durban, usually in spring, with food trucks, stalls and live music. Tickets are sold online. Check the festival's own pages for the next dates.
Durban's trucks lean into Indian-inspired food like bunny chow, curries and samoosas. You can also browse bunny chow trucks.
Pretoria
Pretoria's market scene is more laid-back than Joburg's. Two venues are worth a look.
Hazel Food Market
Where: PHSOB Hofmeyr Park, Queens Crescent, Lynnwood
A Saturday morning food market in Lynnwood, Pretoria, with shaded seating and a play area. Check their page for hours.
Market@TheSheds
Where: 012central, 381 Helen Joseph Street, Pretoria CBD
A monthly market at 012central in the Pretoria CBD with food, drinks, design stalls and live music. Check their page for dates and entry fees.
Winelands (Stellenbosch & Franschhoek)
The Cape Winelands add a layer of scenery and wine culture to the food market experience.
Blaauwklippen Family Market
Where: Blaauwklippen Wine Estate, R44, Stellenbosch
A Saturday and Sunday market on the Blaauwklippen estate on the R44, with food stalls, food trucks and estate wine. Check the estate's pages for current days and hours. (Root44 Market, further along the R44, closed until further notice in June 2026.)
Boschendal Friday Night Market
Where: Boschendal Wine Estate, Helshoogte Road (R310), Pniel, Franschhoek
A seasonal Friday evening market on the Boschendal estate. You usually need to book, so check Boschendal's website for the season and how to get tickets.
Tips for Visiting Food Markets
Whether you're a regular or heading to your first market, these tips will make the experience smoother:
- Arrive early: Popular stalls can sell out, especially at busy markets. Getting there early means shorter queues and the full menu available
- Bring cash and card: Most vendors accept card payments now, but some smaller stalls are still cash-only. Having both covers you
- Check for seasonal closures: Some estate markets, such as Boschendal, are seasonal. Always check before you go
- Follow markets on social media: Vendor lineups change weekly at most markets. Instagram and Facebook are the best places to see who's trading that weekend
- Go hungry: The biggest mistake is eating before you arrive. Half the fun is trying multiple stalls - share dishes with friends and sample as widely as you can
- Check the weather: Outdoor markets are weather-dependent. Indoor venues like Mojo Market are a rain-proof alternative
- Parking: Popular markets fill up fast. Consider ride-sharing or public transport to busy markets like the Rosebank Sunday Market
Beyond the Markets: Hire a Food Truck for Your Own Event
Love what you've tasted at a market? Many market traders also cater private events, so ask at the stall. Whether you're planning a wedding, corporate event, birthday party, or year-end function, hiring a food truck you've already tried at a market means you know what to expect.
Browse food trucks available for hire →
Find Food Trucks Near You
Want to discover food trucks in your area beyond the markets? Food Truck Finder lets you browse food trucks by city and province, or by cuisine type. From Mexican and Asian street food to dessert trucks and halaal options - there may be a truck closer than you think.
Curious about what's on offer? Check out our guide to the top food truck cuisines in South Africa or learn what to expect when visiting a food truck for the first time.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I find food markets in Cape Town?
Popular options include Neighbourgoods Market at the Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock on weekends, Mojo Market in Sea Point (indoors), the Oranjezicht City Farm Market at the Waterfront, and Lourensford Market in Somerset West. Many of these are food markets or food halls rather than food truck markets. Check each market's website for current days and times.
Where can I find food markets in Johannesburg and Pretoria?
Options include the Prison Break Market in Midrand (Thursday to Sunday), the Rosebank Sunday Market on the mall rooftop, the Fourways Farmers Market (now at Modderfontein), the 1Fox precinct in Ferreirastown, and in Pretoria the Hazel Food Market in Lynnwood. Check each market's page for dates.
Are there food truck markets near me right now?
Most big cities have weekend food markets. Use Food Truck Finder to find trucks by city and province, then check a truck's Instagram or Facebook page (linked on its listing) to see where it is trading this week. Saturday mornings are the busiest time at most markets.
Are food truck markets free to enter?
Many food markets are free to enter, but some charge a small fee, especially after a set time or on special nights. Festivals usually sell tickets. You pay for the food and drinks you buy. Check before you go.
What food can I expect at a South African food truck market?
A typical South African food market offers a wide spread: pizza, burgers, tacos, bao buns, Indian curries, shawarma, bunny chow, boerewors rolls, oysters, and plenty of coffee and craft beer. Dessert options often include waffles, crepes, churros and ice cream. Many markets have vegetarian and halaal options. Vegan and gluten-free choices vary, so ask at the stall.
Can I hire a food truck I tried at a market for my own event?
Often, yes. Many market traders also cater private events, and it is a good way to find a truck: you have already tasted the food and met the operator. Ask the truck directly at the market, or search for it on Food Truck Finder to see if it is listed as available for hire, then contact it directly.
What's the best time of year for food truck markets in South Africa?
Spring and summer (September-April) are usually the busiest, with outdoor markets fully open and reliable weather. Some outdoor markets close or run shorter hours in winter, so check before you go. For shorter queues and easier parking, try a winter weekend.
