If you’re following a low-carb, high-fat lifestyle and find Banting-friendly restaurants hard to come by, head to Martins Bakery in Diep River. Now.
A family-owned European-style bakery that’s been in existence since its convenience store days in the ’70s, Martins is a hidden gem that too few people in Cape Town know about. Walking in I was blown away by the vast variety of breads, cakes, pastries and sweet delights (all preservative free). The selection of carb-free breads and gluten-free cakes separates it from other bakeries, and the warm and welcoming service from the staff makes the experience all the more worthwhile.
The bakery was originally founded in 1970 by Firmino Martins, but later taken over by his son, John Martins. John and his wife Teresa continue to run the establishment today. The day’s baking begins at midnight, so everything is perfectly fresh when you arrive for your traditional sourdough loaf or croissant. The coffee shop parallel to the baked goods heaven offers a new Banting menu along with an extensive selection of breakfasts, sandwiches, salads and cafe classics. I opted for the Banting breakfast complete with bacon, two eggs (made to your liking), mushrooms, tomatoes and carb-free bread. The portion was more than satisfactory and went for an easy R50. If you don’t subscribe to the LCHF lifestyle, you’re not without choice of home-style meals rich in flavour and reasonably priced. My partner’s plate opposite me held a shepherd’s pie generously topped with cauli mash (R50). It was warm and tasty and reminded me of home.
Teresa shared that the menu is undergoing a revamp – all the more reason to return for their eggs Benedict or French toast stack (with a takeaway brownie of course, those are enormously popular too). Small and somewhat nondescript, Martins has a family friendly vibe while remaining contemporary and catering for multiple lifestyles, and within it is a selection of treats that will keep you coming back for more.
OF NOTE
Where 43 Main Road, Diep River
Trading hours Monday to Saturday 7 am – 4 pm, Sundays 8 am – 2 pm
Contact +27 21 712 8555, www.martinsbakery.co.za
Photography Daniela and Teresa Martins
Marta Mawa Jekot
Revaan Jutzen