Croydon Bakery’s freshly baked bread and yummy pastries would tempt even the strongest resolve. From the doughiest of loaves to the daintiest of cakes, sweet and savoury pies, and gourmet sandwiches, it’s hard to know what to choose from. And if you can’t choose, you can order a platter including a little bit (or a lot!) of everything! Can you smell those delicious oven aromas from there?

croydonbakery.co.za, 011 974 4549

If you don’t know your sirloin from your short rib, your fillet from your flank, or your loin from your leg, then get to Meat Word where their master butchers will give you the best advice and prepare whatever cut you need. And with the cost of our grocery baskets soaring every day, you can be sure of the very best prices, as well. In a world of convenience food, Meat World is your friendly family butcher.

meatworld.co.za

There’s only one thing worse than being talked about and that’s not being talked about! It is because of word of mouth that has kept By Word of Mouth (Best Caterer) at the top of the caterer extraordinaire list for many years.  And it’s not just their mouth-watering tailor-made menus that keep people using their services over and over, it’s their impeccable and complete event management service. Next time you’re planning a special party, give them a call – and we’re looking for an invitation!

bywordofmouth.co.za, 011 553 7600

No one wants the hassle of deep frying (and have you seen the cost of cooking oil?) so when a plate of piping hot, salty, vinegary chips is in order then get to Steers for their fries. Nothing tastes quite as good as their hand-cut chips, complete with their special seasoning sprinkled on top. But don’t miss out on their juicy burgers, flame grilled, just how we like them. Burgers and chips – a perfect pair just like bread and jam.

steers.co.za

It’s not only the coffee we go to Mugg & Bean for, but their servings are the most generous you’ll get anywhere. Their gi-normous muffins are infamous and whenever you order one of their giant muffins you are also supporting Cupcakes of Hope, which helps children suffering from cancer and their families. Order a bottomless cup of coffee and stay as long as you like.

muggandbean.co.za

Holstein Meat’s time-honoured German recipes for their delicious processed meats are fiercely protected and have been in the family for years. You will never be able to replicate their mouth-watering Eisbein or pork belly. So that leaves only one option – a trip to their shop and restaurant to try them for yourself! And it’s not only the charcuterie they’re famous for, there’s a vast range of other deli items to choose from.

holsteinmeats.co.za/

One bite into a light, fluffy Krispy Kreme doughnut, and you’re transported into a world of pure joy. And they look so appetising, too. With so many glazes and fillings to choose from, the only solution is to take home a box of every single kind. And if you still can’t make up your mind, what about combining two for the flavours to melt in your mouth? But perhaps what you didn’t know is that they will customise doughnuts for kids’ parties, gender reveal parties, company events and more.

krispykremesa.com

Not only does the Mediterranean Fish Centre have the best and freshest fish, but they also have the friendliest and most helpful staff who will advise, fillet and prepare your fish for you. If you don’t know your line fish from your deep sea catch, they will advise on the best piece for you. And you can pick up all the deli items you need for that paella or fish stew whilst you’re there.

mediterraneanseafood.co.za / (011) 615-5760

Shopping should be as much about the experience as it is about having healthy, wholesome, and fresh food at affordable prices and that’s just what Evergreens provides. A fresh produce market that nevertheless offers the convenience of a whole range of groceries all under one roof. From the farm to the table, they offer bulk foods, fresh produce and non-food items for both retail and wholesale consumers.

evergreens.co.za/kempton-park-store

Is there anyone in the world who doesn’t love chocolate? Beyers aren’t just any chocolates, they’re Belgian style, luxurious, smooth, and beautiful and did we mention that they have a 100% sustainable cocoa supply chain? They have also partnered with the Amarula Trust to support job creation and conservation, in particular of the African elephant. They also support confectionery schools by providing expertise and chocolate ingredients. That’s what we call decadence with a conscience!

www.beyerschocolates.com

No picnic or outdoor concert would be complete without a visit to Woolies, where we just don’t know what to choose from. And just when we think we’ve over-catered with those dips, samosas, cocktail sausages, bite-size meatballs and so much more, there’s not a morsel left. They also have tempting healthy snacks for school bags, packed lunches and ‘padkos’ along with tried and tested favourites from their ready meals.

woolworths.co.za

Don’t you wish your folks had the forethought to gift you with an ice cream making machine at 21 so you could turn it into a successful business? That’s exactly what happened to Paul. Now, after much churning and experimenting with flavours, who today doesn’t recognise those iconic turquoise boxes filled with Paul’s Homemade Ice Cream yumminess? Too many flavours to mention, but not too many for you to try over the coming summer.

paulshomemade.com

What is it about roadhouses and milkshakes? We remember the thickest and best shakes always came delivered through the rolled-down window of the car, but hey, it’s 2022 and things are a little more sophisticated these days! Kota Joe though has stuck with some secret recipes only they know about to create more than 20 different shake flavours that leave you with that distinctive milky moustache. Don’t we just love to lick off long after the milkshake is finished?

kotajoe.co.za

There are essentials and then there are essentials. Apart from cleaning products, cosmetics, small electrical appliances, fresh fruit and veggies, a bakery and butchery, a wine section and all your other grocery basket basics, Checkers now boasts a Forage & Feast range of French and Italian cheeses, condiments and sauces selected together with Michelin star chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen. But if you can’t get to one of their stores in person, their Sixty60 online shopping service guarantees the quickest delivery right to your door. Start making that shopping list!

checkers.co.za

Home of the original Whopper, need we say more about Burger King? Think succulent, juicy patties, crispy, tender chicken, vegetarian options and delicious French fries. Next year they’re celebrating their 10^th anniversary in South Africa and we’re sure they’ll come up with something special. In the meantime, there’s the King of the Day offer available on their app. Our mouths are watering just thinking about our next order.

burgerking.co.za

Pizza Perfect has spent the past 32 years perfecting the perfect, iconic Italian pizza. From their hand-stretched dough to the generous toppings and lashings of cheese all cooked in an authentic wood-fired oven, it’s no surprise that this well-named company is the winner in this category. And if you don’t believe us, pop in and watch them preparing the pizzas in their signature open kitchens.

pizzaperfect.co.za

Spur Steak Ranches have hardly changed over the years and that’s why we love them. You can rely on them to provide great service no matter how many times they have to sing happy birthday in one evening. Their nutritious child friendly menu, combined with their play areas make them a firm family favourite. But don’t let grown up kids stop you reminding yourself how delicious their signature burgers, ribs and steaks are. And do not forget their famous onion rings.

spursteakranches.com/za#, 021 555 5100

As soon as you see a Nando’s ad in that iconic font, you know they’re going to make you smile. And boy, does their chicken also make you smile. It doesn’t matter how you dress it up – with lemon and herb sauce or with their very own mild or peri peri (no one does it hotter!) – Nando’s flame-grilled chicken is the taste we crave. And we know lots of Seffers who make a beeline for their nearest Nando’s store when they’re overseas just for that taste of home!

nandos.co.za

Featuring thousands of restaurants, the only tricky thing to navigate on the Mr D app is the number of options! They will bring you convenience food or an entire gourmet menu from your favourite restaurant – always delivered fast and hot. And be sure to look out for their regular special promotions and discount vouchers – as if you needed any incentive to tap on that Mr D icon!

mrdfood.com

Not only do TOPS at SPAR stores offer great value, convenience and an amazing range of the finest spirits, wines, liquor and non-alcoholic beverages available, but they also seriously know the difference between a cultivar and a vintage, double from triple distilled, between peaty and oak aged and they know when it’s whisky or whiskey (we’ll help you with that one – without an ‘e’ is Scottish and with an ‘e’ is Irish) Cheers!

topsatspar.co.za

Dim the lights and turn up the live music, News Café is the quintessential place to meet friends old and new. Let your hair down, order yourself a drink, soak up the atmosphere and scan the room for a new bae. If they’re hanging out at News Café you already know they have great taste so you can’t go far wrong!

newscafe.co.za

If is a fine craft they at The Green Craft Bar – beer, cider, gin, brandy, whisky. So if you can pour it, you can drink it. The Green also offers some of the best views in Ekurhuleni. Throw in some delicious craft food from snacks to signature Green Burgers (obvs named after the restaurant, not for their colour!) and you’ve got all the makings of a great afternoon or evening out.

thegreen.co.za

Get your dancing shoes on as guitar duo and sisters Nicola and Lindie-Lee Venter, better known as Die Venterjies, know how to get a party going. Their upbeat original tracks, combined with some old favourites, have been a hit at every langarm dance party in the country. In 2019 they won an Aitsa Music Award for Best Boeremusiek or Traditional Album and recently landed a record deal with the music giant, Universal Music, who immediately recognised their unique potential. Now the girls are back in the spotlight, with a brand new album, Roer Jou Voete.

facebook.com/dieventertjies