Situated in Assagay, Durban, Shongweni Farmer’s Market oozes country charm. It’s almost mandatory to pack up the family and dog, grab a sturdy basket and arrive from 6.30am onwards. (There’s four acres of level parking, so you won’t struggle to find a spot.) Treat yourself with breakfast and, from your vantage point on a hay bale, decide your method of attack.

The hit-list
There’s a wide range of delicious delicacies to eat there, from Greek baklava and French rillettes to Middle Eastern morsels and traditional English sausages. Start off with a rösti and poached egg and bacon from Hearty Breakfast; then move on to a saucy oxtail pie from Pie Lady; and finish your meal with Greek loukoumades – little puffed dough balls that are deep-fried and rolled in honey – from the Two Greek Ladies.

Stock the pantry with Salt of the Earth’s bread (made the artisan way with stone-ground flour); charcuterie from Chuck & Bob (who won an Eat In Small Produce Award in 2011); hormone-free meat and free-range chicken from Hope Meats; and fresh veg from Heirloom Vegetables.

Got room in the station wagon for more to take home? There’s organic cheese to be had at Gracelands Organic Cheese; pure Atlantic sea salt with herbs from Imbali Blend Salts; and olives from Romesco Olives. And if all this hard shopping has left you thirsty, pick up a cappuccino from Colombo Coffee.

The crowd
You can spot every type wandering around the Shongweni Market, from new families and older couples to the younger crowd, accompanied, of course, by Fido.

For the kids
There’s plenty for mini-people: an aero jump machine, sand art, jungle gyms and a petting zoo. And new parents can stock up on sustenance for their little ones at Spoonfulls baby food products.

Seating
Pull up a chair under the large nomadic tent, where there’s seating for about 500 people. You can also scout around for a shady area in which to put your feet up. The market is on in any weather, so if it rains in the summer months, simply put on a raincoat and pop open your brolly.

By Katharine Jacobs