X / Long Street Hotel
The Gatsby is a beaut of a sandwich, an icon synonymous with South African street food culture – particularly in Cape Town where its origins first took root. It is now enjoyed (and craved) across Mzansi.
In the 1970s, Rashaad Pandy, owner Super Fisheries in Athlone, Cape Town, accidentally created the Gatsby.
As the story goes, Pandy created the proudly South African sub to feed hungry workers. His on-the-spot combo of a Portuguese roll with slap chips, polony, and atchar was a big hit. And so, the now iconic ‘Gatsby,’ was born, inspired by The Great Gatsby’s theme of extravagance.
Each element of the Gatsby is crucial to making it the delicious beast that it is. Served on a long, soft Portuguese roll, it is typically stuffed (well and truly so) with meats like polony, viennas, or masala steak, and a generous serving of slap chips. The SA sub of dreams is topped with a mix of sauces like spicy chilli, peri-peri, atchar and tomato sauce.
In Cape Town, the home of this great sandwich, there is no shortage of great spots to grab a classic Gatsby. In the rest of South Africa, it may be slim pickings but that does not mean that there aren’t a handful of spots worth noting if you’re after a good Gatsby.
ALSO READ: 5 must-visit Italian restaurants in Cape Town
Best places to grab a Gatsby in SA
As new Gatsby discoveries are made, we will add this list of great spots to Grab a Gatsby across South Africa.
Where to get a Gatsby in Cape Town
Aneesa’s
Aneesa’s is a well-known takeaway spot with four different locations scattered across the Mother City, in Wynberg, Montagu Gardens, Grassy Park and Athlone. They are known for their Gatsby – you can’t go wrong with their classic polony and vienna Gatsby, with or without salad. It’s packed with chips and your choice of sauces.
Instagram / User @ilhaams
Mariam’s Kitchen
Mariam’s Kitchen is another popular spot around the Cape, with more than one location in the city. Cape Town ETC recommends trying the Mariam’s Boerewors, Curry or Steak Gatsby. A nap will be required after this one.
Image: Trip Advisor / Myriam F
Cosy Corner
One of Cape Town’s first Halaal eateries, Cosy Corner is located in Wynberg on 119 Ottery Road. Try one of their Full House, Masala or Chargrilled Rump Steak Gatsbys. Disappointment will not reach you.
Image: Cosy Corner Takeaways
Golden Dish
Another classic Cape Town spot that delivers the full flavour of a classic Gatsby lies on the corner of 1 Klipfontein and Gatesville Shopping Centre, in Gatesville. Go for a Russian or Burger Patty Gatsby at Golden Dish. People sometimes park off in the parking lot to devour their sandwich.
X / User @Ya_a_seen_Him
Where to get a Gatsby in Johannesburg
Industry Bakery
Based within The Core Shopping Center in Sunninghill, Industry Bakery gives you value for money with their massive Gatsby, which can also be ordered half-size. Go for Masala Steak, which has received the nod-of-approval from Capetonians – the authority on a classic Gatsby!
X / @PaulMtirara
Akhalz
The original Akhalz, which is well worth a visit, is based on Church Street in Mayfair, though the takeaway spot now has locations scattered throughout Jozi. Their AK-47 Gatsby comes highly recommend, along with their famous Wonder Why pizza. Arrive hungry!
Google Reviews / User Haroon Dadabhay
Smylies Fast Food Diner
Located at 51 Greenfield Rd in Greenside, Smylies Fast Food Diner is a roadside-style restaurant known as one of the few spots in Johannesburg where a great Gatsby can be found. Though a full-size sandwich is on pricier side, you’re getting enough to feed a family, and then some!
Instagram / Smylies Fast Food Diner
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