Why the Gatsby (Sandwich) Is South Africa’s Best Street Food

When it comes to South African street food, no dish is more iconic than the Gatsby sandwich. Born in Cape Town in the 1970s, this giant roll filled with slap chips, meat, salad and sauce has become a culinary legend. More than just a meal, the Gatsby is a social experience,  designed for sharing, affordable for all and bursting with bold flavours.

Its appeal lies not only in its size but in its fearless flavour combinations. From masala steak and peri-peri chicken to calamari or polony, there’s a Gatsby for everyone. No matter the filling, the base is always the same: loads of slap chips stuffed into a long bread roll, smothered with sauces, and layered with extras.

Today, the Gatsby is enjoyed across South Africa, from corner takeaways to beach picnics. It’s food for friends, family, and anyone who loves a hearty, messy bite. Let’s take a closer look at why it’s the best street food, and then I’ll show you how to make your very own Gatsby at home.

Why the Gatsby Is South Africa’s Best Street Food

1. It’s Built for Sharing
The Gatsby is enormous, often half a metre long, and meant to be split between friends. It’s the ultimate group meal.

2. It’s a Cape Town Original
Created in Athlone in the 1970s, the Gatsby started as a budget-friendly way to feed hungry workers. It quickly became a staple.

3. It’s Bold and Fearless
From curry fillings to spicy sauces, the Gatsby is never shy with flavour. It’s messy, hearty, and unapologetically indulgent.

4. It’s Affordable Comfort Food
Designed to feed many at a low cost, the Gatsby remains an accessible treat for anyone.

5. It’s a Cultural Icon
Beyond food, the Gatsby represents community, togetherness, and the vibrant spirit of Cape Town.

Classic Gatsby Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 large long bread roll (French loaf style)
• 4 medium potatoes, cut into chips
• 2 tablespoons oil (for frying)
• 400g steak, chicken, or polony, sliced and cooked
• ½ onion, sliced and fried
• 1 tomato, sliced
• ½ cup shredded lettuce
• 2 tablespoons atchar (or pickle of choice)
• 3–4 tablespoons tomato sauce, mayonnaise, or peri-peri sauce
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Prepare the Chips: Fry the potato chips until golden, sprinkle with salt, and set aside. (For a true slap chip texture, soak chips in vinegar water before frying.)
2. Cook the Filling: Fry or grill your chosen meat or polony. Season with salt, pepper, and optional spices like masala or peri-peri.
3. Assemble the Roll: Slice the bread roll lengthways without cutting all the way through. Spread sauces on the inside.
4. Layer the Goodness: Add lettuce, tomato slices, fried onion, then pile on the hot chips. Top with the cooked meat.
5. Add Extras: Spoon on some atchar and more sauce for bold flavour.
6. Serve: Slice into portions and share immediately.

Preparation Time

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 35 minutes

Servings

Serves 4 hungry people

TAKE A LOOK AT: Kota: The Ultimate Township Street Food Experience

FAQs

What bread is best for a Gatsby?

A long French loaf or large sub roll works best, as it needs to hold a heavy filling.

Can I make a vegetarian Gatsby?

Yes, simply skip the meat and load it with slap chips, fried veg, cheese, and extra sauce.

Can I use frozen chips?

Yes, though fresh-cut potatoes give a more authentic flavour.

What sauces are traditional?

Tomato sauce, mayonnaise, atchar, and peri-peri are the most common.

Can I make it ahead of time?

It’s best enjoyed fresh while the chips are still hot, but you can prep the fillings in advance.

Conclusion

The Gatsby is more than just a sandwich; it’s South Africa’s best street food because it combines flavour, size, and cultural history into one unforgettable bite. It’s big enough to share, bold enough to satisfy, and affordable enough for everyone. Making one at home lets you customise it to your taste while keeping the essence of what makes the Gatsby so special – slap chips, meat, sauce and a roll. Whether you’re craving comfort food or planning a fun feast with friends, the Gatsby delivers every time.

ALSO READ: 5 Irresistible Salmon Recipes South Africa Loves