We Check out the Coolest New Market to Hit Cape Town [Review]

If you frequent the Sea Point area then you’ve probably noticed that for the last eight months, an entire block of Regent Road has been the site of furious activity as the ground floor of the building that houses the Mojo Hotel has was being transformed. Last week the highly anticipated new space was revealed as a fabulous indoor food and fashion market. Boasting over 80 stalls in an impressive 2000 square meter space, The Mojo Market brings together some of the best food and fashion from across Cape Town in one convenient, chic space. I went to check out the market when it opened and there’s no doubt that this energetic new space is set become a firm favourite amongst locals and visitors alike.

Perhaps the most striking thing about the Mojo Market is its indoor-outdoor feel. While it’s housed in a double volume building the combination of retail spaces facing both inwards, towards a central bar, and outwards onto the pavement help to ensure you forget you’re ‘cooped’ up inside. There’s also plenty of seating inside the market including a lower floor seating area against the glass floor-to-ceiling windows which offer spectacular views of the sea and palm-lined Promenade.

Foodies rejoice

The market offers an interesting mix of lifestyle, food and retail but it is, of course, the food that has me the most excited. Simply put, Mojo Market is a foodie’s paradise. With everything from pizza, burgers, and Mexican grub to sushi, smoothies, seafood, and ice cream you really are spoilt for choice here. Health nuts, carnivores, and vegans are all catered for in one space, so there’s no more fighting over where to have dinner with mates. Plus, with the Mojo Market in town, there’s no reason to travel, you can now experience food from so many parts of the world right here in Cape Town – alongside traditional South African cuisine such as bunny chow, bobotie and potjiekos you’ll find international treats such as Mexican, Japanse, Cuban and even Hawaiian.

Some of my favourite spaces so far include Manga Sushi (which had me going back for seconds and then thirds), Te Awesome Tea (offering a unique menu of tea-based drinks), Raclette Grilled Cheese (a must for cheese lovers), El Greeyo Cuban Tapas (a taste sensation of note and something oh-so-different), and Krokette German cuisine (because you can’t leave without trying their Poffertjies!). If you’re there to shop make sure you also stop by the Cape Point Bakery stall to grab a loaf of freshly baked bread and the Beet Box for a wide range of fresh, organic vegetables. Coffee lovers will also adore The Mojo Coffee Collective offering the best of Cape Town’s artisanal roasters (including Deluxe, Baseline, Hazz, Truth, Origin, Za Cafe) 24-hours a day. Some of the other food stalls on offer include Kubu African Grill, The Mussel Monger, Argies Argentinian Grill, The Candy Shoppe, IYO Burger, Chilo and Hokey Poke.

Fast fashion

While you’re stuffing your face with delicious delights make sure you also check out the many fashion and decor retail stands. The retail section focuses largely on local and international producers who are creating fresh, contemporary wares from clothing to gifts, jewellery and homeware. Some of my absolute favourites when I visited were Dammit Janet clothing (their hand-knitted ponchos are to die for), Shika Africa (this designer’s brightly-coloured, Shwe-Shwe inspired clothing and accessories will mesmerise you), Matsidiso handmade shoes (for the most comfortable shoes you’ve ever worn), Just a Rumour beaded jewellery, and King of Denim’s ethically created jeans. There are, of course, loads more brands I didn’t mention and I’d suggest you absolutely take your credit card along when you visit – it’s the ideal place to shop for gifts for loved ones and yourself.

Visit anytime

The Mojo Market is also unique in that it will be open 7 days a week, 364 days year with the option for some vendors to open on Christmas day if they’d like. In summer the food stalls will be open Mondays to Sundays from 10:00 – 22:00 and in winter Mondays to Sundays from 10:00 – 21:00. The retail stores will trade Mondays to Sundays from 09:00 – 21:00 in summer and winter. In addition to the fabulous food and shopping available the market will also host a variety of events in the coming months. Shoppers will also be delighted to hear that you can pay by card at all the food and fashion stalls, so there’s no need to draw cash before visiting the market.

Find Mojo Market on Regent Street Sea Point, between Church and Clarens Roads. Want to know more? Say Hi to The Mojo Market on Facebook.