Eastern Food Bazaar
The Eastern Food Bazaar is street food at its best. Taste Indian food in Cape Town with flavours and foreign spices from as far as Istanbul to Bombay.
Eat curries and shawarmas at the most affordable prices or choose from a variety of other spicy dishes made fresh while you wait.
Experience the authentic atmosphere with Indian décor and Bollywood music while surrounded by all walks of life in busy downtown Cape Town.
Where is the Eastern Food Bazaar?
Situated in a long wide passage between Longmarket and Darling streets.
Physical Address | 96 Longmarket Street, Cape Town.
When is it open?
Monday – Thursday & Sunday 11:00-22:00 | Friday – Saturday 11:00-22:30
Is the food 100% Halaal?
Yes. The Eastern Food Bazaar is a certified Halaal establishment and conforms to the Islamic Council of SA’s Halaal standards.
Halaal mainly refers to meat that is prepared
[from slaughter to serving] as prescribed by Muslim law.
What can I expect to eat?
Anything Indian. Menus are set high above the counters with 7 major headings.
- Bombay
- China Town
- Madras
- Istanbul
- Nizami
- Punjabi
- Tandoori
What’s on the Bombay menu?
The Bombay menu is for vegetarians with vegetable curries, biryanis and rice.
What’s on the China Town menu?
Different types of fried rice and noodles with dishes made in Manchurian, Szechuan, sweet&sour or chilli style.
What is on the Madras menu?
Dosa [fermented crepe or pancake made from rice batter and black lentils] in all forms; plain, cheese, masala, chicken or a mixture of everything.
What’s on the Istanbul menu?
Chicken and lamb shawarmas and falafels served with options like pita breads, humus, rice, chips or salads.
What’s on the Nizami menu?
Indian omelettes, kebabs and chicken which include ingredients like fresh cream, spices, yogurt prepared in a tandoor oven.
What’s on the Punjabi menu?
Meat biryanis, bunny chows and traditional curries like chicken tikka masala and butter chicken.
What’s on the Tandoori menu?
Kebabs, stuffed paratha [baked Indian bread], potato, mince and a variety of Indian breads like naan and roti.
Is there table service at the Eastern Food Bazaar?
No, only counter service. Order and pay at a pay station and take your order to the food counter where the dish that you ordered is being served or will be prepared for you.
How much do I budget for a plate of food?
Most dishes cost between R20 and R40.
Can I drink alcohol at the Eastern Food Bazaar?
No.
Can I eat with my hands?
Yes, there is also a basin especially for customers who want to wash hands before or after eating.
Does the Eastern Food Bazaar do catering?
Yes, for corporate and private functions in their private venue located on the same premises. Their venue can seat up to 100 people and can offer a set menu or buffet.
Interesting Facts about the Eastern Food Bazaar and Indian Food
- It used to be the Wellington Fruit Growers market.
- Not all Indian food is spicy hot, some spices actually lean more to being sweet opposed to being stereotypically hot.
- Most of the décor like the carved doors in the Eastern Food Bazaar are imported from India.
- Indian dishes are only cooked in vegetable oil and never oils made from animal fats.
- The earliest example of curry was found in the Indus Valley in North India 4000 years ago.
- When adding spices like turmeric and cinnamon to a meal, one is actually cutting away fat levels in the blood. [Even if the meal is rich in oily sauces and high in fat.]
Content and Images | Ed Beukes
Read Ed’s personal experience.
Blog Post #25 | Eastern Food Bazaar
on his personal blog Editor in Love.