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On Friday, 6 February, Time Out Johannesburg spent the evening at the Fourways Rustic & Gourmet Market, an event that usually takes place at the end of the month and draws hundreds of Joburgers eager to soak up the atmosphere, enjoy exceptional food, and unwind after a long week.
But before we get into the details about the market, can I appreciate the venue, the Design Quarter piazza? What a beautiful space, and despite the 30 degrees Celsius outside, the setting felt welcoming and relaxed.
Before fully exploring the market, I caught up with Annah Moremela, the Marketing & Events Manager at Design Quarter, who explained why hosting the gourmet market every month is so important to them. At its core, she said, the market aligns with their own values - sustainability, healthy living, and supporting local enterprise. She also highlighted how the market opens doors for small, independent vendors - people you might not ordinarily encounter, who are doing remarkable things but may not have access to expensive retail spaces.
Early on, around 4 pm, there weren't many people at the market, allowing for a stroll through the stalls and a chance to admire the venue. As the sun went down, around 6 pm, people started streaming in, and the lights also came on, adding to the beauty of the outdoor space.
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As I walked through the market, I was impressed by the variety on offer: gourmet food and drinks, herbs, handcrafted jewellery, organic beauty products, clothing, books, and artisanal décor. The diversity extended beyond the products to the people behind them - young entrepreneurs and elderly ones. It was clear that this was a market for everyone, no matter your taste or age.
Let me share the products that really tick the right boxes. One standout was Govindas' pani puri. The crisp water-filled shells delivered a sharp tang at first, before melting into something unexpectedly delicious. I must say that was an experience in itself.
Then there were the doughnuts from Doughnuts R Us, which I absolutely enjoyed. They were perfectly balanced in sweetness and bursting with flavour. Founder Hendrik Dube revealed that the secret lies in making the flour himself and working with top Belgian chocolatiers.
Madder's it was another highlight, especially his West African pineapple sourced from Nigeria. The dried fruit had just the right level of sweetness, and because I have a sweet tooth, I really enjoyed the treat.
Waffle Along Chips were also delivered. Their American sweet-and-smoky flavour was a personal favourite - crunchy, bold, and completely free of additives or preservatives. Founder Michelle shared that their tomato flavour is also a top seller, and after tasting the range, it was easy to see why.
Vegan options were plentiful, too. Johannesburg's vegan restaurant, The Vegan Chef, was on site, and I ordered their bao ban for dinner. It was served alongside delicious fries. I also got to enjoy vegan cheese served by Nicky Head, who launched her plant-based cheese business in 2019. Her locally produced chilli-flavoured cheese is a must-try for anyone curious about dairy-free alternatives.
Another standout at the market was the clothing offering, which ranged from carefully curated thrift pieces to stylish handmade designs and bags. Hoko Activewear and Elegant DE drew particular attention with their leggings and joggers, which impressed not only visually but also in texture. Simply feeling the fabric gave a sense of comfort. Activewear also feature practical pockets, making them ideal for travellers or anyone constantly on the move.
The highlight of my evening was mocktails from Drink Up. The bartender prepared a watermelon-infused creation so refreshing and flavourful that I immediately went back for a second round.
We were entertained by live music. Groups of people gathered near the stage, dancing together and soaking in the energy. One particularly touching moment came when the artist performed Dance with My Father and a father was spotted slow-dancing with his daughter. This scene perfectly captured the warm, family-friendly spirit of the market.
Overall, the Fourways Rustic & Gourmet Market delivered an experience that is easy to recommend to Joburgers looking for something different to do on a Friday evening. With free entry, excellent food, live music, local vendors, and strong values centred on sustainability and healthy living, it is more than just a place to shop - it is a celebration of community, creativity, and conscious living in the heart of Johannesburg.
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