The annual celebration of all things delicious and proudly South African comes to Maboneng this spring.
The best way to spend an afternoon outside in the city, street food festivals could almost be considered to be the unofficial confirmation that winter is over, and summer is well and truly on its way. A little bit of sunshine, a delicious plate of homegrown South African food, and, of course, a nice cold beverage in hand, and street food festivals are bound to be your favourite way to enjoy spring, starting with the VISA Street Food Festival.
A festival of authentic and innovative street food mixed with entertainment and education, the VISA Street Food Festival is already into its fourth year in Cape Town, where it’s a highly-anticipated annual event loved by the Mother City’s biggest foodies. In Joburg, South Africa’s other food capital, the festival takes on the same format, using the inner-city backdrop as the perfect setting for a celebration of South African food. Prepared by some of the country’s best chefs and food makers, the market is guaranteed to be packed with the kind of food that you’ll need both hands to eat: think vinegary fish and slap chips, gatsbys stuffed to capacity, and some of the most delicious braaivleis you’ve ever tasted, directly from the fire.
South Africans have always been fans of informal dining, as noted by the festival’s director, Hannerie Visser. “With more food trucks than ever popping up, the festival will not only give visitors the chance to taste all their favourite foods but also create a platform where food makers can educate visitors.” This education will come in the form of talks throughout the festival from industry leaders like Jako van Deventer from The Rogue Cheddar, food writer and stylist Dorah Lydia Sitole, and small scale urban farmers, The Kotze Rooftop Garden Co-operative. On top of this, there will be a long table session with award winning chef Vanessa Marx, and a special focus on Joburg’s unique and eclectic food. Taking place amidst the smooth beats of the country’s hottest music agency Black Major, the festival is a true South African celebration of so much more than just food.
The festival will be taking place next Sunday, 10 September, 10am – 5pm. Tickets cost R100, kids under 12 enter for free.
Experience for yourself:
- VISA Street Food Festival | streetfoodfestival.co.za
This article originally appeared in Neighbourhood, Sunday Times.
