Killarney Whole Food Market
Thursday is the day to stock up on the very best ingredients for your weekend entertaining – which is why you should pay a visit to the folks at Killarney Mall, who lay out a spread par excellence every week.
The Killarney Whole Food Market, a market centred on the vibrant Jewish community in the area, was started 12 years ago by Robyn Higgins. Her timing coincided with an influx of Poles, Romanians, Bulgarians and other Eastern Europeans into South Africa; many of them immediately picked up on the market phenomenon, which so welcomed their traditional skills. A number of these traders, many of whom couldn’t speak English when they arrived, still sell their wares at the Killarney market today.
The market gets its vegetables from Bruno, a Lesotho farmer who farms without the use of pesticides. Along with tomatoes, green beans, spinach and the like, he sells morogo and other unusual varieties.
At the heart of the market is a food court, where you can have your purchases cooked to your personal taste. Thai, African and Indian chefs will dish up a meal on the spot or cater for an upcoming event – they are also happy to share their trade secrets with customers and sell their spices. Vegetarians are sure to enjoy sampling the dishes prepared by Hari Krishna and Satsangi adherents.
Jason, who is Chinese, makes exquisite dim sum, which is as much an art as making sushi. George, the cheese supplier from Macedonia, makes his cheese at a factory in Northcliff and will grill you some haloumi for a snack. Then there is Chris, also from Eastern Europe, who makes and sells delicious sausages and smoked meats.
Of course, there’s fudge and biltong and all manner of treats to tempt as you wander around. The market works with a number of bakers: Jacqui, for example, is French and offers delicious patisserie. Cor, who is in her late 80s and an absolute fixture at the market, makes pancakes that people come from far and wide to enjoy. The berry lady is Maggie, who has strawberries, gooseberries and other seasonal delights on her table each week.
Avril makes baby quilts and the linens in which kitka and matzos are served in Jewish homes. Then there is Audrey, who makes beautiful rag-dolls, angels and similar bespoke items. Seamstress Helen does smocking and will make quilts to order.
Roleen runs the pottery studio, from where students sell porcelain creations and terracotta bowls. Brad sells desert roses and makes leather belts and buckles. William, the crystal and jewellery man, is happy to share his geological and esoteric knowledge with his customers.
The list of wares available goes on and on, and includes fresh herbs, potted beautifully in hanging baskets, seeds for gardeners, environmentally friendly household cleaners and cosmetics, and other items you may need for your home. The Killarney Whole Food Market is well worth a visit.
Admission
Free
Visiting hours
Thursdays, from 09h00 to 15h00
Directions
From the M1 South, take the Riviera Road exit and turn right. Killarney Mall is directly on your left. From the M1 North, take the First Avenue exit, cross over the highway, turn left into West Street and immediately left into Riviera.