Kota, the popular street food from Gauteng, will be celebrated in Cape Town this weekend. The Cape Town Kota Fest takes place on Saturday 5 September, on a farm in Philadelphia.
Prepare for a Kota invasion this weekend
According to Wikipedia, a kota is a popular South African street food made from a hollowed-out quarter loaf of white bread stuffed with savoury fillings. These fillings include food items like slap chips (soft French fries), polony, cheese, atchar (mango pickle), and various meats.
“Whether you’re a longtime fan of this beloved street food or discovering it for the first time, the Cape Town Kota Festival promises an immersive taste adventure that you won’t want to miss.”
Capetonians are getting ready to celebrate this popular street food from up north
The free, online encyclopedia further states that the dish had its origin in township communities in Gauteng. Apparently, over time, it evolved from an earlier version filled with mince and mashed potatoes to a more accessible, highly customizable on-the-go meal.

READ MORE: The South African Kota Sandwich
Culturally related to the Durban-born bunny chow
There are also online reports that it is culturally related to the Durban-born bunny chow. This aromatic and spicy dish, with various fillings, also uses a hollowed-out loaf of bread to hold curry. Furthermore, the livekindly.com website states that the word “kota” comes from a township slang pronunciation of the English word “quarter.” This apparently refers to the size of the bread loaf. “It is also known as a sphatlho or skhambane in different regions.”

Cape Town Kota Fest
The Cape Town Kota Festival has been branded as one of the province’s biggest celebrations of local food, music and culture. Thousands of people will attend the festival for a full day of entertainment, community spirit and some of South Africa’s favourite kota creations. The Cape Town Kota Fest will be held from 10 am to 10 pm at the Ostrich Ranch, Van Schoorsdrif Road, in Philadelphia.
“A delicious fusion of flavours and traditions in one lively celebration.”


