The Cape Town Halaal Food Festival is arguably one of the most anticipated events in the halaal scene. What began as a humble food review Instagram page has blossomed into a celebratory amalgamation of South Africa’s finest – be it fashion, food, health and wellness, homeware, books and more. You think it, they’ll have it.

Samreen Kumandan started Cape Town Halaal when she had just moved back from the States.
While there, she found that there were a number of apps available that made finding halaal eateries easy, no matter the city or your level of familiarity with it.
But when she returned, she came to realise there wasn’t really anything as accessible or known when it came to Cape Town’s halaal scene at the time.
It was one of her friends who had come back with her for a holiday in the Mother City who suggested she start an Instagram page.
Thus, Cape Town Halaal was born at the end of 2016.
Much to her surprise, the food and restaurant review page and its following grew tremendously in such a short period of time. In just a few years, it became a community advertising platform, helping our ever-increasing list of local businesses hone their potential and gain exposure.
What’s more, it’s become the community’s unofficially trusted point of contact for discovering the many gems nestled right under our noses.
But that’s just the start of the story.
The first Cape Town Halaal Market took place in 2018. It was born from this notion of bringing the community and small businesses together to celebrate and showcase the incredible skills and craftsmanship that have always existed within the halaal scene.
While modest in vendors and size, it was Cape Town’s first curated, strictly halaal market that became a pioneer in the thriving halaal-driven market culture we have today.

This year, Samreen, Altaaf Parker and Kashief Green, along with over 130 vendors, are pulling out all the stops to make the Cape Town Halaal Festival a fun-filled, family-friendly weekend to remember.
Two marquees teeming with modest fashion and artisanal treasures, gourmet food trucks, kids’ play areas, carnival rides, and good vibes all around. This is what you can expect this weekend when you make your way to Youngsfield Military Base.
The details:
- Date: 10 to 11 December 2022
- Location: Youngsfield Military Base, near Kenilworth
- Time: 10am to 7pm
- Entrance Fee: R30, carnival rides paid separately
Also read:
51 on Roodebloem, a little Halaal oasis for the mind and body
Picture: @oak_clothing / Instagram