Restaurant
FYN
Peter Tempelhoff's FYN serves seasonal modern African tasting menus shaped by Japanese culinary thinking, from a fifth-floor dining room on Parliament Street.
Eastern Food Bazaar
This busy city-centre food hall on Longmarket Street serves halaal Indian, Chinese and Turkish street food from a row of counters at low prices.
At a glance
- Type
- Indian, Chinese and Turkish food hall
- Area
- City Centre, Cape Town, South Africa
- Price
- $ · Budget
- Opening
- Open daily
- Official site
- easternfoodbazaar.co.za
Good to know
- Halaal certified
- Vegetarian-friendly
- Counter service
Why we recommend it
Eastern Food Bazaar is a food hall on Longmarket Street in the city centre, with a row of counters serving regional Indian, Chinese and Turkish street food. It has become one of the most popular cheap eats in Cape Town, loved by office workers, students, families and visitors looking for a quick, filling meal at a low price.
The counters each specialise in something different. Bombay Bites, Madras, Punjabi, Nizami and Tandoori cover dishes from different regions of India. China Town serves Chinese food, Istanbul offers Turkish dishes, Delhi Pizza serves pizza, and there are counters for drinks and ice cream. Groups can each order something different and eat together at the shared tables.
Everything is halaal certified, and the menus are vegetarian-friendly, with plenty of meat-free choices. Ordering is simple: choose a counter, order and pay, then collect your food when your order is called. Sharing a few dishes between friends is a good way to try more than one counter.
The bazaar opens every day from 10:00, closing at 21:00 from Monday to Friday and at 21:30 on Saturday and Sunday. It is busiest at weekday lunchtimes, when queues can build at the most popular counters, so come a little earlier or later if you prefer a calmer meal. It is informal, with no bookings, and works well for a quick lunch between sightseeing stops.
Longmarket Street runs through the heart of the city centre, a short walk from Greenmarket Square, St George's Mall and the Bo-Kaap. It suits budget travellers, families and anyone who wants to try several cuisines in one place. Combine it with a walk around the city centre's historic streets, or with a visit to the Bo-Kaap Museum on nearby Wale Street.
The bazaar is one of the few places in the city centre where a group can eat well for very little, so it is especially useful for families and backpackers on a tight budget. Seating is simple and the hall can be noisy at peak times, but turnover is quick and tables free up fast. It is also a handy option for a takeaway meal to eat back at your accommodation.
Eastern Food Bazaar FAQs
Is the food halaal?
Yes. The menus are halaal certified and vegetarian-friendly.
What are the opening hours?
Monday to Friday 10:00 to 21:00, Saturday and Sunday 10:00 to 21:30.
What cuisines are served?
Regional Indian, Chinese and Turkish street food, plus pizza and ice cream.
Do I need to book?
No. Order and pay at the counters.
Is it good for vegetarians?
Yes. There are many vegetarian options.
When is it busiest?
Weekday lunchtimes.
Is it cheap?
Yes. It is one of the city centre's best-value places to eat.
Where is it?
At 96 Longmarket Street, a short walk from Greenmarket Square.