Cape Town’s Gatsby Sandwich: A Street Feast

Walk down almost any street in Cape Town, and the scent of sizzling chips, marinated meats, and tangy sauces might just lead you to a cultural icon—the Gatsby sandwich. This colossal creation isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration of community, flavour, and history. Often enjoyed with friends or family, the Gatsby is more than South African street food—it’s a local tradition woven into the urban fabric of Cape Town.

If you’ve never heard of Gatsby before, prepare for a mouthwatering journey into the heart of Cape Town’s food scene. In this guide, we’ll explore the sandwich’s origins, what makes it unique, where to find the best ones, and why it continues to captivate locals and visitors alike.

What is a Gatsby Sandwich?

The Anatomy of a Legend

A Gatsby sandwich is typically built on a long baguette-style roll, generously filled with hot chips (French fries), various meats or fish, and zesty sauces. It’s designed to be shared—often cut into quarters and devoured as a group meal.

Popular fillings include:

• Polony (a type of bologna sausage)
• Steak
• Masala steak (spiced beef strips)
• Calamari or fish
• Chicken or viennas (sausages)

Toppings usually feature:

• Atchara (spicy mango relish)
• Lettuce, tomato, and onion
• Chilli sauce, peri-peri, or garlic sauce

This isn’t a delicate bite—it’s a full-flavoured, unapologetically messy experience that epitomises South African street food culture.

Origins: Where the Gatsby Story Begins

A Sandwich Born of Necessity

The Gatsby sandwich traces its roots back to the 1970s in Athlone, a suburb on the Cape Flats. According to many accounts, a local shop owner, Rashaad Pandy, created the first Gatsby by throwing ingredients on hand—chips, polony, and sauce—into a large roll to feed a group of hungry workers.

What started as a practical solution soon evolved into a local culinary legend. The name “Gatsby” is believed to be inspired by the film The Great Gatsby, which was popular when the sandwich debuted.

A Symbol of Cape Town’s Cultural Fusion

Cape Town’s population is a melting pot of cultures—Malay, Indian, Dutch, African, and more—and the Gatsby reflects this diversity. Like the city, its flavours and ingredients represent a harmonious mix of influences.

Why the Gatsby Sandwich Endures

Community at Its Core

One reason the Gatsby remains beloved is its shareability. It’s commonly split among friends or family, turning a simple takeaway meal into a social occasion. Grabbing a Gatsby on a Friday night is a weekly tradition in many Cape Town communities.

Affordable and Filling

In a city where economic disparities are still prevalent, the Gatsby serves an important function: it’s affordable, generous, and accessible. Whether feeding students, construction workers, or late-night partygoers, it offers a hearty meal without the high price tag.

Ever-Evolving Variations

Part of Gatsby’s appeal lies in its customisability. Local vendors constantly innovate, adding everything from spicy chicken livers to vegan fillings, ensuring the Gatsby stays relevant in a changing food scene.

Where to Find the Best Gatsby in Cape Town

Local Legends and Must-Try Spots

If you’re visiting Cape Town and want to try a Gatsby sandwich, here are a few renowned spots:

1. Super Fisheries (Athlone)

Often credited with the original Gatsby, this humble shop continues to draw crowds. Their polony Gatsby remains iconic.

2. Golden Dish (Gatesville)

A long-time favourite known for its Masala steak Gatsby—loaded with flavour and heat.

3. Mariam’s Kitchen (City Centre)

Popular with office workers and tourists alike. Their Gatsby options include chicken tikka and even falafel for vegetarians.

4. Aneesa’s Takeaways (Wynberg and Kenilworth)

Known for crispy chips and spicy sauces, Aneesa’s offers generous portions and consistently high-quality sandwiches.

5. Cosy Corner (Wynberg)

Operating since 1973, this family-run eatery is a go-to for Gatsby lovers. Their deluxe steak Gatsby is a crowd-pleaser.

Making a Gatsby Sandwich at Home

Ingredients You’ll Need

If you’re feeling adventurous, try recreating this Cape Town street feast in your kitchen:

For the base:

• 1 large baguette or foot-long roll
• 2–3 cups of hot chips (thick-cut fries work best)

For the filling (choose one or more):

• Grilled steak strips (spiced with peri-peri or curry masala)
• Polony slices, lightly fried
• Calamari, grilled or deep-fried
• Chicken schnitzel or grilled thighs

Toppings:

• Lettuce, tomato, and onion
• Atchara (or substitute with spicy pickled vegetables)
• Sauces: peri-peri, garlic mayo, chutney, or chilli sauce

Assembly Tips

1. Slice the baguette lengthwise without cutting all the way through.
2. Layer the chips at the bottom for a starchy base.
3. Add your protein or proteins of choice.
4. Top with fresh veggies and drizzle sauces liberally.
5. Wrap in foil for the whole street-food experience and slice into sections.

Gatsby Sandwich: A Cultural and Culinary Icon

More Than Just a Meal

Beyond its flavour and sheer size, the Gatsby symbolises resilience, creativity, and connection. It emerged from a community responding to adversity with ingenuity, and today it stands as a proud emblem of Cape Town eats.

Food historian Anna Trapido once noted that South African street food “tells stories of migration, struggle, and triumph.” The Gatsby does precisely that—it’s a culinary memoir, speaking to generations of Capetonians and now finding international fans as South African food gains global attention.

Your Next Culinary Adventure Awaits

From its humble beginnings in Athlone to its current status as a national treasure, the Gatsby sandwich represents everything we love about South African street food: bold flavour, hearty portions, and rich history. Whether you’re a foodie traveller searching for authentic Cape Town eats or a local looking for the best place to grab one this weekend, the Gatsby promises a meal to remember.

Try it. Share it. Love it. You haven’t truly experienced Cape Town until you’ve had a Gatsby in your hands—and sauce on your chin.

Ready to Experience Cape Town Like a Local?

Craving a Gatsby yet? If you’re in Cape Town, seek out one of the legendary takeaways mentioned above. If not, recreate it at home and share it with friends. Want more deep dives into iconic global eats? Subscribe to our blog and discover the flavours that shape cities.