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Lekker Kos: Street Food Sensations from Mzansi

Welcome to the vibrant world of South African street food! At Lekker Kos, we bring the tastes and aromas of the street corners of Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban right to your kitchen. South African street food is a melting pot of cultures, flavors, and traditions, reflecting the country's diverse heritage. From savory snacks to hearty meals, there's something to satisfy every craving. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.

Close-up of a freshly made Gatsby sandwich, overflowing with chips, meat, and sauce

The Mighty Gatsby

The Gatsby is a legendary sandwich originating from Cape Town. This monstrous meal is typically a long roll filled with slap chips (thick-cut fries), polony, steak, sausage, or any combination of these, drenched in sauces like achar, peri-peri, and tomato sauce. It's meant to be shared – and you'll need help finishing it! The Gatsby embodies the spirit of South African generosity and communal eating.

Ingredients:

Instructions:

  1. Cut the long roll lengthwise.
  2. Layer generously with slap chips.
  3. Add polony, steak, and sausage slices.
  4. Drench with achar, peri-peri sauce, and tomato sauce.
  5. Close the roll and cut into manageable portions for sharing.
Overhead shot of a Bunny Chow, a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with Durban curry

Durban Bunny Chow

Bunny Chow is a Durban Indian street food staple. It's a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with flavorful Durban curry, typically mutton, chicken, or beans. The bread soaks up the delicious curry sauce, making every bite an explosion of taste. The "bunny" is not rabbit, but a corruption of "Bania", referring to the Indian caste of merchants who first sold this convenient and filling meal.

Ingredients:

Instructions:

  1. Cut the loaf of bread in half or quarters, depending on the desired serving size.
  2. Hollow out the bread, removing the soft inside (save this for breadcrumbs!).
  3. Fill the hollowed-out bread with Durban curry.
  4. Serve immediately and enjoy the spicy, flavorful goodness.
Close-up of Vetkoek, golden brown fried dough, some filled with mince, others with jam

Vetkoek (Fat Cake)

Vetkoek, meaning "fat cake" in Afrikaans, are deep-fried dough balls that are a beloved South African treat. They can be enjoyed sweet or savory, filled with mince, cheese, jam, or simply enjoyed plain. They're often sold at roadside stalls and markets, making them the perfect on-the-go snack. The crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior make Vetkoek irresistible.

Ingredients:

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
  2. Add warm water and mix until a soft dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
  5. Heat oil in a deep pot or fryer.
  6. Roll the dough into small balls.
  7. Fry the Vetkoek in hot oil until golden brown on all sides.
  8. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.
  9. Fill with your favorite filling and enjoy!
A Kota sandwich, stacked high with various fillings like polony, chips, egg, and cheese

Kota

Similar to the Gatsby and Bunny Chow, the Kota is another iconic South African street food sandwich. It originated in Johannesburg and is a quarter loaf of bread (hence "Kota," meaning "quarter" in township slang) filled with a variety of ingredients. Common fillings include polony, slap chips, cheese, eggs, Russian sausage, and various sauces. Each Kota vendor has their own unique spin on this customizable sandwich.

Ingredients:

Instructions:

  1. Hollow out the quarter loaf of bread.
  2. Layer with slap chips, polony, cheese, fried egg, and Russian sausage.
  3. Drizzle with achar and tomato sauce.
  4. Enjoy this incredibly filling and flavorful sandwich!
A close-up of walkie talkies (chicken feet and heads) being grilled over an open flame on the street

Walkie Talkies

For the adventurous palate, Walkie Talkies are a popular street food snack consisting of chicken feet (walkies) and chicken heads (talkies), grilled or deep-fried and seasoned with spices. They are often found at informal street food stalls and are a budget-friendly and flavorful option. While it might not be for everyone, Walkie Talkies are a true South African street food experience. Preparation and sanitation are very important when preparing this dish.

Ingredients:

Instructions:

  1. Thoroughly clean and sanitize the chicken feet and heads. Remove any feathers or unwanted parts.
  2. Boil the chicken feet and heads for about 30 minutes to tenderize them.
  3. Drain the water and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and other spices.
  4. Grill over an open flame or deep-fry until golden brown and crispy.
  5. Serve hot and enjoy this unique South African delicacy.

South African street food is more than just a meal; it's an experience. It's about the people, the atmosphere, and the vibrant flavors that make Mzansi cuisine so unique. We at Lekker Kos hope you enjoyed this taste of the streets and encourage you to try these recipes at home. Share your culinary creations with us and let us know your favorite South African street food! Bon appétit!