This month, we bring word that Kleinsky's (and their killer bagels) have landed in leafy Melrose and Pantry is expanding with two more branches, while Sandton gets a sweet new sip spot with Tea and Antique. Craving 100% halaal indulgence? The Halaal Goods Market has got you. In Parktown North, tomatoes reign supreme at GardenFresh – and we’ve got the juiciest recipe to celebrate it. Looking for indigenous African ingredients? Exotically Divine Pulse’s new treasure map for Joburg's City Centre leads the way.
We are thrilled that Chef Coco is making a comeback with Pan-African flair at the newly opened Épicure at ONE in Rosebank. Our Soweto daytime adventure led us to the only natural endpoint, Native Rebels, for a soulful meal surrounded by friendly faces. Motherland’s new winter menu is causing a stir, and Joburgers can now try Refreshi – the app Cape Town has been obsessing over – for faves at a discount. If it's Christmas in July you're after, there's a swinging good time waiting for you at The Troyeville.
From vine to divine – using GardenFresh’s tomatoes the right way
There may be over 10,000 tomato varieties out there (or so says the internet), but you probably won’t get to taste them all in this life. Still, at GardenFresh in Parktown North, you’ll find far more than just cherry tomatoes. And, while their offerings are wonderfully diverse, it’s this juicy staple that's been stealing the show in this sun-drenched glasshouse of delights of late. To show our gratitude to this star product, here’s a recipe for a tomato curry (shared by a regular GardenFresh customer) that we hear is utterly delicious and worth a try this winter.
For more of the backstory, spend 10 minutes with GardenFresh founders Yorrik Lotto and Christiaan Chadderton.
TOMATO CURRY RECIPE
Serves four as a main course.
Photo: Samantha Bouiliart.
Note: You'll need two large frying pans for this recipe.
INGREDIENTS
1/4 tsp fennel seeds
1/4 tsp black mustard seeds
1/4 tsp cumin seeds
1/4 tsp coriander seeds
Rapeseed oil
2 onions, halved and finely sliced
1/4 tsp salt
8 fresh curry leaves, plus extra to garnish if you like
1.2 kg tomatoes (ideally 1kg vine and 200g yellow baby plum)
1 1/2 green finger chillies, very finely chopped
4 cloves of garlic,
Crushed 2 1⁄2 tsp tamarind paste
1 x 400ml tin of coconut milk
DIRECTIONS
Heat a large frying pan on a medium flame and, when hot, toast the fennel, mustard, cumin and coriander seeds for a minute or two, shaking the pan every few seconds, until the coriander seeds turn golden (coriander always takes first). Tip the seeds into a mortar and bash until fairly well ground.
Heat 4 tablespoons of oil in the same pan and, when hot, return the ground spices with the onions, salt and curry leaves. Fry for 10 to 12 minutes, until the onions are golden and crisp-edged.
Meanwhile, cut the vine tomatoes into eighths and the baby tomatoes in half. Add the chillies and garlic to the pan and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Then add the tamarind and coconut milk, stir, and transfer half the mixture into your second large frying pan.
Divide the tomatoes between both pans, so they sit in one layer. Set both pans on a medium heat and cook for 20 to 25 minutes without stirring: you want the tomatoes to keep their shape while driving off the water in the coconut milk. You'll know there's none left when you can see oil at the sides of the pan. (The curry won't be dry: the tomatoes contain a lot of juice, which will come out while they're resting.)
Now tip the contents of the second pan gently back into the first. If you'd like to add a final bit of pizazz, heat a little oil in a saucepan and, when hot, drop in a handful of extra curry leaves. Let them crackle and crisp, then take off the heat and pour over the tomatoes. Serve with naan or rice.
This recipe is from 'East: 120 Vegan and Vegetarian Recipes from Bangalore to Beijing', a cookbook by Meera Sodha.
New and noteworthy in Joburg
WINTER WARMERS AT MOTHERLAND COFFEE
Our usual in-office Tuesday afternoon was deliciously derailed when we were invited to Motherland Coffee in Blairgowrie to sample their new winter menu. From the nutty pistachio matcha latte to a just-sweet-enough pistachio and cream croissant, these tasty offerings were well worth stepping out for. The chicken prego roll was juicy and tangy; so good we had to keep some to savour at home. Spruced up with sides of potato salad, cucumber ribbons with savoury nut granola and feta (our favourite), or a fresh bean-and-corn salad. Most combo deals at Motherland Coffee cost R120 – a nice price that gets you the aforementioned prego with a side, plus water, or a breakfast croissant stack and a cappuccino, among other options. This cosy spot is conveniently located near one of the entrances to Delta Park for those wanting a walk, and makes a great office away from home.
CAPE DISPATCH: KLEINSKY'S ARRIVES IN JOBURG
Craving a proper New York-style bagel? Cape Town’s cult-favourite deli Kleinsky’s has finally landed in Joburg – with weekend queues out the door to prove it. Known for its killer bagels and an array of breakfast and lunch classics inspired by the Big Apple, they've built a loyal following from Sea Point to Gardens in the City Bowl. Now, they've brought their noshes (snacks and light meals) to Birdhaven in leafy Melrose. Kleinsky's fans will be happy to know the art wall is a feature of the Joburg branch, too, and there is merch, including playful tees and caps for sale. Our recommendations? The pastrami bagel is hard to beat, with a side of coleslaw and pickles. Get the chocolate babka to go.
FROM BEDFORVIEW WITH LOVE: TEA AND ANTIQUE IN SANDTON
Tea and Antique, a beloved Chinese tea house, restaurant, and bakery spot tucked away in Bedfordview, has branched out – opening a second location in Sandton (107 Elizabeth Avenue, Parkmore). Expect the same elegant mix of traditional teas, hand-made Chinese pastries by the owner Nini Zhao, and curated antiques right in the heart of Joburg’s business district. Be sure to try the steamed garlic prawns and rice vermicelli, and a hot pot or tea-tasting experience.
MEXICAN FLAIR AT OCASO IN OXFORD PARKS
Oxford Parks in Rosebank welcomes a new Mexican eatery and cocktail in Ocaso. Inspired by the joy of shared moments, it’s a place where bold flavours, laid-back afternoons, and delicious drinks come together in perfect harmony. We'll be booking our table soon.
FURTHER AFIELD: YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD PANTRY
The second half of 2025 is going to be big for Pantry by Marble – the "fancy but easy" garage shop we all know and love. Pantry's first standalone store will open at The Village in Hazelwood, Pretoria, while Bedfordview is getting a slice of the action too, with a brand new Pantry on its way. Expect the same winning mix of style, snacks, imported luxury foods and supermarket variety.
A feast for all – The Halaal Goods Market
You may remember this market from its days in the Fox Street Precinct in Joburg's City Centre. Now in its eighth year, the Halaal Goods Market, founded by Fehmida Jordaan, returns for a weekend celebration of culture, community, and small business love at Waterfall City Park, Mall of Africa on Sat, Jul 26 and Sun, Jul 27, 2025. The space will host over 100 local, halaal-certified vendors. We attended last year's market, so we know it's going to be a global feast for food lovers – with this year's lineup promising everything from tacos, kimbap, bunny chows, and smoked brisket burgers on offer, to Indian sweetmeats, boerie rolls, Middle Eastern dips, and pancakes. It's family-friendly, with fun entertainment for the kids, and beyond food, there are plenty of handmade goods for sale, too. Tickets are R30 p.p. Book now.
Exotically Divine traces indigenous food in the city
With their Indigenous Map and African Food Talk, the visionaries Kganyapa and Ayanda of Exotically Divine at the Drill Hall in Hillbrow invite you to walk, eat, and remember. This isn’t just about finding a good meal, although you certainly will with their assistance – it’s about reconnecting with the kind of food that knows your name. The map introduces you to street vendors, hidden eateries, and community food spots that celebrate the rich flavours of the African continent, while also providing walkable routes through the city to reach them, along with insights and stories about each location.
Those interested can join a food talk on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 11:00 – 13:00 or 14:30 – 16:30 and Saturdays at 11:00 – 13:00. It’s R280 per person, which includes your own map to keep. To book or get a map, WhatsApp +27 79 227 8712 or +27 73 123 6993.
Food fun on the apps
TREATS FOR A FRACTION OF THE PRICE
You may have seen Capetonians raving about their mid-week sweet treat pickups at the fraction of their usual cost, and now, Joburg gets to rejoice too. Use the Refreshi app to grab discounted Surprise Bags of unsold food from local cafés and stores near you, including Bootlegger and Krispy Kreme. Delicious food gets saved from the bin, and you score a scrumptious bargain. Download the app for Android here or for IOS here.
NICK HAMMAN, TRIED AND TESTED
From home kitchens in Alexandra to seafood in the Cape and shisanyama in KwaZulu-Natal, Nick Hamman – the 5FM DJ behind those viral food reels on Instagram – brings his culinary obsession to the app store. Hamman's new app, Hammy's Approved Spots is your guide to the food destinations that he's personally tried and tested. Available at www.hammyeats.com, the app works on any device and lets you discover amazing local food with directions, videos, and stories.
What to book for at The Troyeville
PRAWN FESTIVAL
For the seafood lovers. Enjoy 1kg of succulent queen prawns served with your choice of chips, rice, or milho frito (fried cornmeal squares) for R325 at The Troyeville's Prawn Festival on Sat, Jul 26 from 12:00 – 17:00. Book here.
CHRISTMAS IN JULY FEAST
Get into the festive groove this winter as Swing City’s Graeme Watkins and Nathan Ro bring smooth jazz and big band energy to The Hangout at The Troyeville on Sun, Jul 27. You can enjoy a two-course meal for R259 p.p., in true Christmas style. This includes a main course of roast beef and gravy, roasted potatoes, and a medley of veggies. For dessert, there’s a choice between crème caramel, hot sticky pudding, or fruit mince pasteis de nata. For R100 more (R359 p.p.) add in a starter course of either chicken and prawn rissoles, or hearty beef soup. Book now.
Recent tastes: From Soweto afternoon lunches to Pan-African flair in Rosebank
ÉPICURE AT ONE
We recently took a trip around the continent without ever stepping outside Rosebank at the media preview of Épicure at ONE led by celebrated Chef Coco Reinarhz. After a four-year hiatus, this restaurant has found its new home on the rooftop of One Rosebank. Chef Coco’s menu reflects his love for pan-African flavours: it's layered and inventive, yet deeply rooted in local culinary traditions. We were treated to a five-course tasting menu, with each course inspired by one of Africa’s five geographical regions. Read our review.
NATIVE REBELS
On the last Friday of June, we left our desks for a markedly chilly Soweto adventure – the day would not have been complete without lunch on the sunny terrace of Native Rebels among friends, old and new. We enjoyed dishes like a butter chicken curry bowl with tzatziki and salsa, a grilled hake with beurre blanc, and the kind of beer-battered fish and chips that make you question your loyalty to your usual fish spot (we’ve had this dish every time we've visited). For burger lovers, the grilled fish burger with sweet chilli, sour cream, and jalapeños delivers heat and slight tanginess. The drinks menu keeps things easy and unpretentious with a good balance between popular alcoholic beverages, smoothies, and soft drinks. We went with Devil’s Peak Lager, a Black Label, and a frozen margarita for good measure. Stay tuned for our review.
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