As the temperatures drop, our bodies require more warmth and nourishment to maintain optimal health. One way to achieve this is by incorporating warm spices and nourishing foods into our diets. Scientific studies have shown that cold weather can increase our appetite and metabolism, leading to a higher demand for nutrient-dense foods.
Additionally, consuming warming spices such as cinnamon, ginger and cloves can improve circulation, boost the immune system, and provide comfort during the colder months.
Stock up on some moreish winter warmers from these beloved and trusted local establishments.
Merhaba Spice Oasis – Cape Town, Western Cape
Conveniently situated central to the CBD and surrounding suburbs, Merhaba Spice Oasis is a must-visit destination for spice lovers that are strapped for time. The store offers a vast selection of spices, herbs and seasonings from around the world, including hard-to-find ingredients such as Turkish and Middle Eastern spices. Their pre-mixed masalas and blends are a major hit, especially, as you need only add water, tomato and meat to create a showstopper meal in an easy, hassle-free way. In addition to its extensive spice collection, Merhaba also offers a range of teas, imported delicacies, as well as a selection of exotic condiments and sauces.
Shop 127, Entrance 4, Canal Walk Shopping Centre, Century City, Cape Town
Modern Tailors – Johannesburg, Gauteng
A rising star on the Joburg food scene, Modern Tailors aims – and succeeds – to bring the fragrance and flair of Indian street food to South Africa. The moment you enter through the double door with blue stained-glass windows of Modern Tailors, be prepared to smell and taste India. From pani puris to papri chaat and proper hariyali tandoor chicken, Modern Tailors’ head chef Jessica Munisamy recreates nostalgic childhood recipes in a vibrant setting. The menu changes every three months, aligning the flavours with the seasons and weather. Look out for the pav bhaji and masala fish fry, and snack on small plates with okra fries and gunpowder wings while sipping on a few cocktails before dinner.
The Zone, 189 Oxford Rd, Rosebank, Johannesburg
Masala Box – Gqeberha, Eastern Cape
From Gujarat to Gqeberha … there’s a slice of India being cooked up in The Friendly City from the kitchen of Anusha Ranchhod, owner of Masala Box in Port Elizabeth. Combining a grocery store and a takeaway restaurant might be the best thing since sliced bread, as the wonderful aromas wafting in the air are all the inspiration you need to fill up your spice box. Anusha is always around to help with special blends, give recipe advice or just share her love for the freshest ingredients and great food. She also offers the most flavourful and authentic takeaway meals and her vegetarian dishes – an ode to her home state of Gujarati. Exotic veggies such as tindora – aka ivy gourd – and okra often feature, stirred up in the shop kitchen with the perfect blend of spices from the adjoining spice store.
646 Old Cape Road, Hunters Gardens Shopping Centre, Gqeberha
Eastern Food Bazaar – Cape Town, Western Cape
Situated in the bustling business centre heart of Cape Town, the Eastern Food Bazaar is a stalwart when it comes to moreish, spicy dishes. This marketplace offers a range of authentic Indian and Middle Eastern food products from aromatic spices to fresh naan bread. Oh, and not to mention the lip-smacking mango lassis. The bazaar is a sensory delight for food lovers, whether you’re popping in over your lunch break or heading over to fill up your masala box. In addition to its food stalls, the bazaar also features a spice market where you can purchase a range of exotic spices and seasonings.
96 Longmarket St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town
The Pantry on Main – Gqeberha, Eastern Cape
Located in the coastal city of Port Elizabeth, The Pantry on Main is a charming deli that offers a range of artisanal food products, including a selection of locally sourced seafood. Their fish and chips combo has legendary status in The Bay with locals lining up for their collections. The deli fridges and freezers are always packed to the brim with ready meals and locally sourced beef, chicken, eggs and more. What’s more, they cater for many specific dietary requirements including keto, gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian and more. The deli also features a range of homemade jams, chutneys, and pickles, as well as a selection of freshly baked bread.
155 Main Rd, Walmer, Gqeberha
Spice Emporium – Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
Durban is known as the world’s largest Indian city out of India, so it’s only natural that a slice of authentic Indian flavour heaven can be found here. The Harie family with its rich, more-than-a-century-old legacy in the spice industry is the force behind The Spice Emporium’s success. The shop is adored by foodies across SA for its amazing masalas, and an extensive range of aromatic spices, and condiments. The store has been operating for over 50 years and is a popular destination for both locals and tourists. From fragrant curry powders to exotic chutneys, the Spice Emporium offers a wide range of products to enhance the flavours of your hearty winter cooking.
33 Monty Naicker Rd South Beach, Durban
The Roots Earth Friendly Pantry – Paarl, Western Cape
Wasteful packaging is so last year, which is why The Roots refill store in Paarl is like a breath of fresh air in the Winelands. This tiny deli and grocer recently opened in southern Paarl and is already a hit with locals. How does it work, you may ask? You simply rock up with your empty containers, fill up and weigh your pickings, and pay for what you need. They stock all the favourite pantry staples like pasta, flour, beans, pulses, breakfast grains, oils, nut butters, dried fruits, nuts, seeds, superfoods, cleaning products, and more.
24 Station Street, Paarl South, Paarl
Lello’s Deli – Cape Town, Western Cape
A sprout of its big brother Scarpetta in Woodstock, Lello’s Deli is a charming Italian hole-in-the-wall deli where you’ll find the reddest, homegrown tomatoes alongside other Italian classics. Like Scarpetta, Lello’s is run by the third generation of the Turilli family. Scarpetta’s classic beef lasagne is available at the deli as a ready-to-heat home meal, along with several more old favourites such as osso buco, melanzane parmigiana and spinach and ricotta cannelloni.
106 Vos St, De Waterkant, Cape Town
ALSO SEE: Where to get a delicious, hearty curry in Johannesburg
Written by Louzel Lombard Steyn for Food&Home Winter 2023 Issue.
Feature image: Unsplash
