The Essential Guide To Durban's I ♥ Market, South Africa

These locally produced, handcrafted, American-style gourmet doughnuts come with a variety of toppings and are sold at at some of Durban’s famous markets. We suggest you get them quickly because they sell out fast.

For breakfast with a healthy punch, head to Beetroot and Bear, a health bar that features pan-fried mushrooms on bruschetta with thyme and aioli for only R30 ($2). Comes well recommended.

Fresh coconuts are broken in front of you and infused with fresh pineapples or peaches. They are cold and delightful to sip while you peruse the stalls. You can drink the coconut water out of a cup like a decent human being or pretend you’re a party reveller living on a tropical island, and sip it out of a coconut.

GoneRural is a development programme that has 80 women in rural KwaZulu-Natal creating beautifully beaded and crafted products. These women are often the main breadwinners in their family. They sell products online at their website as well as at their market stall. You can pick up some lovely beaded necklaces here to take home.

This stall features an array of decadent brownies in different flavours that are all made with Lindt chocolate. The little squares of goodness come in flavours such as peanut butter, rolo and strawberry compote. They’re just the sugar rush you need to keep you going as you begin to peruse the second tent.

There’s a stall at the market that sells delicate silver jewellery designed by a number of design students from DUT (Durban University of Technology). They’re unique, delicate pieces designed by local and talented students.

These handmade purses and bags not only support local talent, they also benefit the environment. They are made from discarded crisp packets and chocolate wrappers and they make a unique and funky statement on your arm.

Durb ‘n’ Burger is quickly becoming popular with locals for their fun and fresh burgers that are made right in front of you. We suggest you keep some napkins handy as these babies can get pretty juicy.

If you want a healthier lunch option or you’re not into meat, Out To Lunch has been at the market for ages and they’re famous for their delicious vegan burgers that are made out of mushrooms, walnuts and aubergine, topped with a healthy salad of chickpeas, beetroot and carrots. They also sell great health wraps that you can buy in packs.

Once you’re finished eating (again), head over to the henna store and get your hands done by a crew of young professionals. The designs can be as intricate or as simple as you like and the design washes out after a week or so.

This collection of quality leather handbags is made locally and features some wonderfully hand-stitched designs. We suggest you get one to keep as a souvenir; it will last you a lifetime.

Anesu Jonga makes beautifully crafted wire and bead animal designs. They make great talking pieces for your home and will always remind you of your holiday. The larger designs of trees and elephants are really spectacular.