Kota Spots
The Kota is the heart of township street food, a hollowed-out quarter loaf of white bread, stuffed with chips, polony, atchar, Russian sausage, cheese, and whatever your heart desires. Born in the townships of Gauteng, the Kota has become a Mzansi icon.
All spots are community-rated. You get access to only the top rated places.
Add Your Kota Spot
Know a spot we're missing? Put it on the map.
Create Your Own Kota
Use our recipe builder to craft your dream combo.
Add Your Kota Spot
Know a spot we're missing? Submit it and put it on the map.
Create Your Own Kota
Use our recipe builder to craft your dream Kota combo.
What is a Kota?
A Kota (also known as a skhambane or sphatlo) is a South African street food sandwich made from a quarter loaf of bread. The bread is hollowed out and filled with hot chips (French fries), then layered with a combination of proteins and condiments.
Common fillings include polony, Russian sausage, vienna sausages, cheese, atchar (pickled mango relish), egg, and various sauces. Premium Kotas might include steak, burger patties, or even ribs.
The Kota originated in the townships of Johannesburg and Pretoria and has since spread across South Africa. Every township has its own legendary Kota spot, and finding the best one is a matter of fierce local pride.
Popular Kota Varieties
- Number 1: Chips + Polony + Atchar
- AK-47: Chips + Russian + Polony + Cheese + Atchar + Egg
- Skomplaas / Full House: Everything in the shop, piled high
- Cheese Kota: Extra cheese melted over the chips