How to make the perfect kota: SA's favourite street food at home

The kota, a beloved South African street food, has captured the hearts of many with its crispy chips, spicy atchar, savory polony, and melted cheese nestled within a hollowed-out quarter loaf of bread. This iconic snack, enjoyed at various times throughout the day, showcases each vendor's unique twist. While the traditional kota remains a favorite, contemporary versions can incorporate ingredients like Russian sausages, grilled chicken, steak, bacon, and even fried eggs.

Preparing a kota at home not only proves to be more budget-friendly than purchasing from a takeaway but also allows for personalization of the fillings according to individual preferences. To recreate this delicious treat at home, gather two tablespoons of cooking oil, a Russian sausage sliced lengthwise, season it with salt, paprika, and garlic powder.

Cook the polony until lightly browned on both sides, and prepare the Russian sausage according to the packet instructions, then slice it lengthwise. If desired, fry the eggs, ensuring that the whites are set while the yolks remain slightly runny. Carefully hollow out the soft center of each quarter loaf, preserving a thick bread shell to contain the fillings.

Optionally, butter the inside of the loaf. Spread a generous amount of atchar and chakalaka inside each loaf, followed by chips, polony, the sliced Russian sausage, and a fried egg. Layer cheese slices while the fillings are still warm so they begin to melt. Finally, drizzle the dish with tomato sauce and mayonnaise before serving immediately.