Spatlo Explained
Spatlo/Kota is a South African street food popular in all provinces of South Africa, especially Gauteng.
Alternative names| Kota, Spatlo, Skhambane |
| Place of origin | East Rand, Gauteng |
| Main ingredients | Chips, polony | |
The kota concept started as a hollowed out quarter loaf of
bread and filled with beef mince and mashed potatoes in the township of
Daveyton,
Benoni. Initially it was being sold at schools during lunch breaks. It then evolved to being filled with fried
potato "slap" chips instead of mash and other ingredients such as
sausage,
egg,
beef patty,
cheese,
polony and
atchar replaced the mince as it started being sold at tuckshops in townships. The name
kota largely used in
Greater Johannesburg, is derived from the English word
quarter, referring to the size of the bread loaf used. The name sphatlo is used in the
Pretoria townships of
Soshanguve,
Atteridgeville,
Ga-Rankuwa,
Mabopane and
Mamelodi. The dish is derived from the popular food "Bunny Chow" which has been around for decades.
Spaza shops sell popular street food, including kota. Spaza shops are the backbone of township economy.
Spaza shops that sell this popular street food normally set minimum prices at ranging to over depending on the size and ingredients. Consumers are largely students and low income individuals, because it is the cheapest alternative to hamburgers. This meal is usually available in every area across the country. Kota is considered a staple junk food in South Africa and is often consumed with a soft drink, usually a cola.
