A fresh taste of summer lands at Time Out Market Cape Town

The seasonal menu changes are a definite highlight for foodie lovers in the Mother City - and the Time Out Market's annual Summer Dish event is no exception.

Why? Simply because of what the Time Out Market Cape Town aims to represent - a curated experience of some of our city's top chefs. And of course, with a focus on summer, the likes of Carne, Kapoochka, Sibas, Opa! and Sushiya, to mention only a few, bring a whole new approach to the vibrant, fresh flavours we consider non-negotiables as we head into Dezemba!  

So what's on the Summer 2026 menu that has us salivating?

After a ridiculously good showcase of 10 new dishes on Thursday evening, I'm hard-pressed to pick a favourite. But you certainly have a sweet seasonal selection available from this weekend, if you find yourself hungry and in the vicinity of the V&A Waterfront.  

Some highlights included Una Mas's Baja-style crispy fish tacos (they made a special version for me due to my nut allergy), but the tacos' flavour and the crunch of the kingklip (all sustainably sourced) are consistent and undeniably yum.    

READ: V&A Waterfront Initiative aims to strengthen sustainable fishing across the Western Cape

The chicken potstickers from How Bao Now brought all the heat, and the selection on offer will see me heading back for more, if Head Chef Jeriah Frederick's explanation is anything to go by - like the steamed prawn dumplings with pickled daikon, carrot, spring onion and Khao soy sauce. 

Of course, the Mediterranean magic from Opa came in the shape of dolmade that hit all the expected notes. Chef Callan Austin, also the creative force behind Dusk in the Winelands, isn't just playing it safe with his summer options at the Market. He says they're also bringing freshly-made Greek frozen yoghurt, served simply with honey, pistachio, or sweet tahini crumble on top. Ooh, we love a bit of health-and-wellness dressed up as a delectable dessert.   

I can see it playing out, so very healthy after a spot of padel, a sunset promenade walk or run.   

If you prefer to keep things dirty, so to speak, Unframed is bringing the right sundae for you: three scoops of Dirty Pistachio, Dirty Sea Salt Caramel and Dirty Milk Chocolate ice cream, finished with whipped cream.

Also, another excuse to hit a weekend park run!

READ: Cape Town parkrun: the complete guide

There are those of us who live to eat, and those of us who live to eat Sushi. I'll take the spicy kick of Sushiya's Yellowtail Jalapeño Uramaki with its ponzu, lemon-zest mayo on any day of the week. It's easily set to be a 2026 summer staple.   

Of course, the ever-savvy, chef-entrepreneur Giorgio Nava is bringing us locals the food things we love - a hearty plate of braai delights. Carne has crafted a 100% beef sausage tucked into a buttery brioche bun with onion relish and grilled corn. It felt like Will Smith's classic Summertime on a plate! 

And just because food is a definite love language in my home, the backstories behind the reveals from pizza aficionados, The Yard, and chef Eugene Smith make me enjoy their new offerings even more. It all started with him wanting to impress his wife, who loves Italian food, admittedly at the expense of selling a drill she had bought him that he just wasn't using. This year, The Yard's offering includes hummus, roasted aubergine, olives, peppers, feta, and sun-dried tomato pesto. The bases were a bit thick and doughy, so personally I'd choose the Roma option next time.  

Siba's offering for summer flies the Cape flavours flag for the season, and I'm sure, served hot from the oven, this spicy babotie is going to be a food-culture seeker's delight.   

But there's so much more coming from the Time Out Cape Town Market in the next couple of months, from an exciting line of mocktails (not so sugary ones at that, like a vanilla mock mojito, and of course, the full reveal of the newest addition to the Market, Awe'.    

READ: Durban swagger is coming to Time Out Market Cape Town

There couldn't be a better excuse to gather your favourites and make a meal of it this summer. And just in case you needed any more convincing, I'll leave these Chicken Lolipops from Kapoocha right here! 

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