The I Heart Market in Durban

Updated Friday, 26 May 2017

I joined a friend this morning on a visit to the I Heart Market in Durban. Located bang outside the Moses Mabhida Stadium, the market takes place from 9am to 2pm on the first Saturday of every month (to accommodated Christmas shoppers the market is open on every Saturday in December).

I Heart Market in Durban

After moving from Cape Town in June I was interested to see what this market had to offer in comparison to the abundance of markets held all over the Mother City and I’m pleased to say that I was far from disappointed. Although there were not as many food stalls as one might find at a Cape Town market, what it lacked in food it more than made up for in arts and crafts.

My talent with a needle and thread is non-existent and as a result I have huge admiration for those who are ‘crafty’! Wares on display included beautiful cushions, enormous silk wraps, fabrics, clothing for both adults and children – I loved what was on offer at the Dandelion and Bella Ruffle stalls, decor for bedrooms as well as handbags and cloth carrier bags (ideal for grocery shopping)!

The jewellery is unique; dainty ceramic earrings and necklaces, quirky Perspex brooches, knitted wool covered buttons while the array of shwe-shwe fabric items – anything from skirts and aprons to tablecloths and head scarves had me reaching for my wallet! Perfect for this time of year were the beaded Christmas decorations and at three for R75 they would make a great stocking filler.

On the food side we stocked up on plump, delicious olives in a honey and thyme marinade, bought pancakes for the kids and drooled over the beautifully decorated cupcakes and the smorgasbord of eats on display at Boutique Boulangerie.

I Heart Market in Durban

For those with a bigger appetite try the waffles, the sourdough flat bread topped with rocket, parma ham, courgettes, parmesan cheese and artichokes was delicious and the fillet rolls or braai’d chicken looked just as good. The coffee too won’t disappoint.

Most stalls are under marquees, so if the weather is inclement one would have cover. The majority of the food stalls are set up outside and a number of leafy trees provide excellent shade for an impromptu picnic on the lawns. There are tables and chairs for those who prefer not to sit on the ground!