Halaal Goods Market ideally situated

FEHMIDA Jordaan and her team started the first Halaal Goods Market (HGM) in July 2017.

After searching through several Joburg markets and food trucks, Jordaan realised there was not much diversity in halaal food.

She enlisted the help of her husband and a group of other like-minded people to establish the first artisanal halaal food and design market in the country.

The main struggle was accommodating the thousands of people who wanted to attend the market, with the first one held at a venue in Kramerville, Sandton.

They advertised HGM exclusively on social media at the time and Jordaan admits they didn’t anticipate the interest they received when they first opened.

“We had people waiting outside the venue for hours. We didn’t want people to be upset but we physically were unable to move inside,” Jordaan says.

They have since moved to The Fox Junction Event Venue in Ferreirasdorp. Apart from the need for additional space, Jordaan says this venue was purposely held in the heart of the city and not in a suburb so that it was not isolated to a single area.

Since then, HGM has started to create its own history in the historic venue by providing not only Muslims but people of all races and religions the chance to enjoy interesting and unique halaal meals.

“We don’t realise with halaal, you can get Indian, Mediterranean, Arabian and even sushi meals.”

HGM also tries to be true to its South African nature by reflecting several of the nations’ unique flavours in its offerings. Vendors who showcase at the market are alternated to allow fresh talent to continuously be showcased.

While a range of beverages are sold at HGM, alcohol is prohibited in accordance with Islamic law. “The factoring of the alcohol for our (Muslim) youth doesn’t really work, although there is a bar right outside the venue so it works out for everyone.”

Another appealing factor of The

Fox Junction Event Venue is that it is wheelchair accessible and has ample parking.

To keep vehicles and attendees safe, HGM has recently hired security to patrol proceedings. Those who visit the market have to now pay an entrance fee of R20 per person, while children under the age of 12 enter free. | Karishma Dipa