The kota is a unique part of South African cuisine, forming part of the street food culture that every visitor has to taste at least once.
'Kota' literally means 'quarter', and consists of a loaf of bread which is stuffed with different fillings. It is often a messy meal meant to serve one purpose: to fill your stomach. The Soweto version has evolved from its humble origins of minced meat, gravy, mash and atchaar (pickled spicy mango) to satisfy the growing palate of newer generations.
Street Food Cafe in Maboneng’s Lifestyle Centre boasts a kota menu that's a time-travelling taste escapade. It features kota names that reflect the political climate and popular South African music genres like amapiano (which has taken the world by storm). If you're new to kota culture, Street Food Cafe is a good place to start. Here’s a top 10 list (in no particular order; they're all good!) to help you choose your next kota meal at this Maboneng set-up, all under R100.
A guide for kota beginners at Street Food Cafe
CYRIL RAMAPHOSA
This kota is named after South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa. If you want to taste Soweto in the 1990s when kwaito was at its peak, children played in the streets, and cellphones were simply for calling and please call me's, then this kota is just for you. Three simple ingredients make it hearty: mash potatoes (signature mash potatoes for kotas are made with turmeric so it looks yellow), minced beef meat, and atchaar.
DBN GOGO
The DBN Gogo (pronounced 'Durban Gogo') has a little something extra, just like the amapiano DJ and music producer it's named after. DBN Gogo is famous for her hypnotising hits Bambelela, Khuza Gogo, and Bells. The kota fillings are just like the Maphorisa kota (read on) except bacon is substituted for the Russian. This kota is on the higher end of the price scale.
DJ MAPHORISA
Just like the amapiano DJ’s Asibe Happy ('Let’s be happy') hit, this kota will make you happy with all the ingredients that make a great kota with the addition of a deep-fried Russian (a smoked sausage made from beef and pork). This kota is for the heavyweights; the ones who are tenured in the kota game and won’t immediately fall into a nap after eating it. Fun fact: DJ Maphorisa is one half of the Scorpion Kings amapiano duo, the other half being Kabza De Small.
DLALA STHUKZIN
Named after gqom DJ and producer, Dlala Thukzin, whose song iPlan took over the festive season last year. This kota has chips, polony, and Vienna (processed meat sausages) which is just right for those with an entrepreneurial edge.
KABZA DE SMALL
The Kabza De Small kota, named after one of the pioneers of the amapiano genre, is simply stuffed with chips and polony (processed cold meat) and is the cheapest option in this list. It is quite apt for one of the most internationally recognised, yet humble, DJs whose music reflects the tribal sonic resonance of local cultures.
KWESTA
The Kwesta kota is admittedly a wildcard. Kwesta is a big rapper in a tiny body. South Africans love him for his husky voice and lyrics that celebrate growing up in the townships of South Africa and being self-determined to 'secure the bag' (achieving financial success). His albums mix kwaito, hip-hop, and amapiano. The Kwesta kota is just like the Dlala SThukzin with an addition of cheese which bumps it up in the price range.
LADY DU
Lady Du is arguably the first woman amapiano DJ and has gained international recognition not only for her beats but her vocal rifts. What makes this kota distinct from the rest is the chicken patty accompanied by a base of deep-fried chips, fried egg, and cheese.
MUSA KEYS
Just when you think that kota fillings are limited, the Musa Keys kota offers a base of fried chips with rib meat, fried egg, and cheese. Grammy-nominated Musa Keys’ breakout amapiano song was Kancane with Konke in 2022. The song remains a staple sing-along and dance-worthy track.
TIRA
The colourful DJ Tira is from KwaZulu Natal, the birthplace of gqom music which is the elder cousin to amapiano. So, naturally, the kota is just like the Kabza De Small with the addition of a slice of cheese.
YOUNG STUNNA
Young Stunna’s 2021 amapiano hit song Adiwele featuring Kabza De Small spurred international TikTok dance challenges and is a favourite at parties. This kota is a hodgepodge friendship made with a base of fried chips, fried egg, cheese, Vienna, Russian, and 'special' (a slice of soft processed meat).
Each kota iteration is priced according to the fillings; eggs, beef patties, and cheese make it more expensive. Remember that the kota tastes better when shared with another person. Street Food Cafe is also available on UberEats.
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