SphatlhoorKotais a South African street food[1]popular in allprovinces of South Africa,especiallyGauteng.It is basically a sandwich with meat and french fries.
The kota concept started as a hollowed out quarter loaf ofbreadand filled withbeef minceandmashed potatoesin the township ofDaveyton,Benoni.Initially it was sold at schools during lunch breaks. It then evolved to being filled with friedpotato "slap" chipsinstead of mash and other ingredients such assausage,egg,beef patty,cheese,polonyandatcharreplaced the mince as it started being sold attuckshopsin townships. The namekotais largely used inGreater Johannesburg,and is derived from the English wordquarter,referring to the size of the bread loaf used. The name sphatlho, derived from the Tswana word "Phatlhola", meaning to separate or break apart, is used in thePretoriatownshipsofSoshanguve,Atteridgeville,Ga-Rankuwa,MabopaneandMamelodi.The dish is derived from the popular food "Bunny Chow"which has been around for decades.
Spaza shopssell 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 atR15 ranging to overR120 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 township food in South Africa and is often consumed with a soft drink, usually acola.
