The Maboneng Precinct in Johannesburg is an up and coming hub for Joburg creatives and design fiends. The Market-on-Main, is an established hub for hard-to-please foodies. The market happens every Sunday from 10am to 3pm and on the first Thursday of every month from 7pm-11pm and promises to blow your mind. In summary, a must-do on the foodie list of things to do in Joburg.
One of the things that make this market unique is the uber urban nature of the venue. The Maboneng Precinct is a small urban development on the east side of Johannesburg, between the CBD and Jeppestown. It is the poster child for inner city loft living and is a treasure chest of converted warehouses, hip boutique stores and independent eateries.
The Market-on-Main is housed in the flagship design and living centre, Arts-on-Main. The converted industrial space is home to an exhibition and event centre, restaurant, roof top bar and courtyard, which is put to use by the market.
The market itself is housed on the ground floor of the building and is positively bulging with foodie delights. If you go for a meal (and you should), expect options as wide as Mexican, sushi, Portuguese prego rolls, Greek and Ethiopian cuisine, and that’s just a taster. As one might expect from any self-respecting market, you can also buy the ‘raw materials’ directly from vendors. At Market-on-Main stalls sell artisanal cheeses, breads, biltong, cupcakes, raw hot chocolate and organic veggies among other things.
On the second level you can peruse vintage and second hand fashion, cutting-edge furniture and other design trinkets. Design junkies beware. It is all for sale!
Inside, the market has a decidedly industrial feel but it is softened by the strong community ethic which drives it. The ambience of the Sunday market is given a nice touch through the ‘living room sets’, where voluntary members of the public share their Sunday morning playlist with the market from a living room suite of furniture.
If the sun is out, the market bubbles over into the green courtyard allowing hyped up Joburgers and visitors alike the chance to relax with a beer, a plate of food in front of them and the sun on their backs.
The idea behind the Market-on-Main, according to their website, is to foster inner-city lifestyle, learn about sustainable living and provide a relaxed, creative space where friends can hang out. It certainly seems like they’ve achieved that!
You should definitely add this to your list of foodie things to do in Joburg.
For directions, visit the Market-on-Main website.
