Weekend at Play
Want to know what you should eat while you’re visiting the market? We chatted with a few of the traders about how they got started and what their must-try dish is.
Kanash Banash
“It all started when 9-year-old me wasn’t happy with the lunch boxes I was getting for school,” says Kanash. “I told my mom to teach me how to cook so I could make my own lunch. She did, and I’ve never looked back!” Today you’ll find “the meatiest burgers and the most banger wings in town” at Kanash’s stand at The Playground, where he gives burgers his own spin by experimenting with bun flavours and secret sauces.
Eat This: The burger with the instagram-friendly charcoal bun!
Have A Meal
Serving up a range of gourmet sourdough toasties as well as other delicious things, Have a Meal’s dishes are all prepared fresh using only the finest ingredients. With a vision to make people happier one tummy at a time, owner Jean-Marc says he gets great pleasure and fulfilment in creating something and sharing it with others. “Food brings people together like nothing else on earth!”
Eat This: Spanish paella, with either a mix of seafood or chicken and chorizo.
Erica’s Eats
Plant-based food stall Erica’s Eats is all about food that is hearty and packed with flavour, while being sustainable, cruelty-free and supporting small businesses. Heading up the team are Erica and George, a classically trained opera singer and Chartered Accountant who were brought together by their love of food. “Food is a love language. It is one of the few things we can directly control which impacts our mood. So why settle for anything less than something absolutely delicious!” says Erica.
Eat This: Incredible vegan bao buns
Life + Lemons = Lemonade
Kathleen Wolmarans left the corporate world after 30 years without a plan – but after a 10-day silent meditation retreat she kept seeing the phrase ‘When Life Gives you Lemons, Make Lemonade!’. She decided that perhaps the universe was guiding her in a certain direction so she researched how to make lemonade and began experimenting. “Four years later, I’m still proud of the quality of my products and have added new flavour combinations, lemon ice tea and old fashioned ginger beer to my offering,” says Kathleen.
Eat This: Her homemade lemonade – it’s delicious!
Kicks for Change
Siba from Offbeat Sneakers and Jeff started the Kicks for Change initiative in Braamfontein in 2014. Essentially, they collect sneakers and then distribute them throughout the area to people in need. Keep an eye out for the collection point at the market or at Offbeat SneakerServices at 70 Juta Street.
Get Connected
The Playground Market is open every Saturday from 10:00am to 18:00pm, rain or shine. Entrance is free before 12:00pm, after which it’s R20 entrance, and the whole market is a cash-free environment so remember to bring your card.
