A Taste of History: The Gatsby’s Origins
The first bite of a Gatsby is an explosion of flavor and texture: soft, yielding bread giving way to a mountain of crispy chips, succulent meat, and a tangy, fiery sauce that tingles on your tongue. More than just a sandwich, the Gatsby is a culinary experience, a Cape Town institution, and a symbol of shared meals and good times. This article explores the history, components, and the very best places in Cape Town to partake in this iconic feast.
The story of the Gatsby is as vibrant and multifaceted as the city it hails from. While the precise details may vary depending on who you ask, the most commonly accepted tale points back to Athlone, a bustling suburb of Cape Town, in the early nineteen seventies. Rashaad Pandy, the owner of Super Fisheries, is often credited with its creation. Legend has it that late one evening, he needed to feed a few hungry day laborers and cobbled together a large roll filled with chips, polony (a type of processed meat), and achar (a spicy, pickled condiment).
The workers were so impressed that one of them exclaimed it was a “Gatsby” – allegedly after seeing the film “The Great Gatsby.” Whether or not that’s the genuine inspiration for the name, it stuck. Pandy refined the recipe and soon the Gatsby became a fixture at Super Fisheries, quickly gaining popularity throughout the community.
From those humble beginnings, the Gatsby rapidly evolved. Other takeaways and restaurants began offering their own versions, adding their own unique twists and fillings. Steak, chicken, calamari, viennas (a type of sausage), and eggs became common additions. The sauces were also adapted, with chili sauce, vinegar, and various spice blends adding layers of complexity.
The Gatsby’s cultural significance cannot be overstated. It’s not just a meal; it’s a social experience. Because of its sheer size, a Gatsby is typically shared amongst friends and family. This shared experience reinforces community bonds, making it a symbol of Cape Town’s welcoming and inclusive culture. The Gatsby reflects the diversity of Cape Town, bringing together elements of different culinary traditions into one magnificent sandwich.
Deconstructing the Icon: The Gatsby’s Key Ingredients
To truly understand the Gatsby, you need to break it down into its essential components. Each element plays a crucial role in creating the overall taste and experience.
First, there’s the bread. A long, submarine-style roll, typically sourced from local bakeries, forms the foundation. The bread must be soft and yielding enough to easily bite into, yet sturdy enough to hold the copious fillings without falling apart. Its mild flavor allows the fillings to truly shine.
Next comes the heart of the Gatsby: the fillings. While there are countless variations, a few core ingredients remain constant. Slap chips, thick-cut fries cooked until golden and slightly soft, are essential. These provide a comforting, starchy base upon which everything else is built.
The meat options are plentiful and varied. Polony, a type of processed sausage, is a classic choice, offering a savory and slightly salty flavor. Steak, often marinated in spices or a flavorful sauce, is a popular upgrade. Viennas, similar to frankfurters, provide a smoky and satisfying taste. Chicken, either grilled, fried, or marinated, is another common filling. For seafood lovers, calamari, often lightly battered and fried, adds a delightful textural contrast. Many establishments also offer other fillings, such as eggs, cheese, and masala steak, which introduce even more complexity and flavor.
Finally, the sauces are the glue that binds everything together and the spark that ignites the palate. Vinegar, often diluted with water, provides a tangy counterpoint to the richness of the fillings. Chili sauce, ranging from mild to intensely spicy, adds heat and depth. Other sauces, such as garlic mayonnaise, peri-peri sauce, and sweet chili sauce, can also be incorporated to customize the flavor profile. The precise combination of sauces is often a closely guarded secret, contributing to the unique character of each Gatsby.
The Quest for the Perfect Gatsby: Cape Town’s Top Spots
Finding the best Gatsby in Cape Town is a matter of personal preference. However, some establishments consistently rise to the top, earning accolades for their quality ingredients, authentic flavors, and loyal customer base. Here are some highly recommended places to begin your Gatsby journey:
Super Fisheries (Athlone)
As the birthplace of the Gatsby, Super Fisheries remains a must-visit for any serious enthusiast. Their original recipe, featuring polony, slap chips, and a simple vinegar-based sauce, is a testament to the power of simplicity. The portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable, making it a perfect spot for a casual and satisfying meal. The atmosphere is unpretentious and authentic, reflecting the community that has embraced Super Fisheries for decades.
Aneesa’s (Wynberg)
Aneesa’s is renowned for its flavorful and generously filled Gatsbys. They offer a wide range of fillings, including steak, chicken, calamari, and masala steak. Their sauces are expertly balanced, creating a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and spicy notes. The quality of their ingredients is consistently high, ensuring a delicious and memorable experience. Aneesa’s is a popular spot with locals, often drawing large crowds during peak hours.
Golden Dish (Athlone)
Located in the heart of Athlone, Golden Dish is a long-standing institution known for its authentic Cape Malay cuisine, including its outstanding Gatsbys. Their masala steak Gatsby is particularly popular, featuring tender and flavorful steak marinated in a blend of aromatic spices. They also offer a range of other fillings, including chicken, viennas, and polony. The portions are substantial, and the prices are affordable, making it a great option for a budget-friendly meal.
Wembley Roadhouse (Athlone)
Wembley Roadhouse is a Cape Town institution that has been serving up delicious food for generations. Their Gatsbys are legendary, known for their massive size and generous fillings. They offer a wide variety of options, including steak, chicken, calamari, and even a vegetarian Gatsby. Their sauces are expertly crafted, adding a perfect blend of flavor and spice. The atmosphere is lively and nostalgic, evoking memories of classic roadhouse culture.
Eastern Food Bazaar (City Centre)
If you want a variety of flavors under one roof, then look no further than Eastern Food Bazaar. While not specialising solely in Gatsbys, many of the vendors offer versions of the dish. This allows you to sample a Gatsby while exploring other delicious foods from various cultures.
The Shared Experience: More Than Just Fuel
Eating a Gatsby is not a solitary activity; it’s a shared experience. Due to its immense size, a single Gatsby is usually divided amongst two, three, or even four people. The ritual of tearing off pieces of bread and sharing the fillings creates a sense of camaraderie and connection. It’s not uncommon to see groups of friends and family gathered around a Gatsby, laughing, talking, and enjoying each other’s company.
The Gatsby is more than just a convenient and affordable meal; it’s a symbol of community and togetherness. It embodies the spirit of Cape Town, where people from all walks of life come together to share food, stories, and laughter. The messy, often chaotic nature of eating a Gatsby is part of its charm. It’s a reminder to relax, let go, and enjoy the moment.
Imagine sitting at a picnic table with friends, the sun shining down, as you tear into a steaming Gatsby. The juices run down your fingers, the chili sauce tingles on your tongue, and the laughter fills the air. These are the moments that make the Gatsby such a special and cherished part of Cape Town’s food culture.
Gatsby Transformations: Modern Takes on a Classic
While the traditional Gatsby remains incredibly popular, some chefs and restaurants are experimenting with modern twists and variations. These include gourmet versions with higher-quality ingredients, vegetarian Gatsbys with innovative fillings, and even deconstructed Gatsbys that present the components separately.
These modern takes on the classic can be interesting and creative, but some purists argue that they stray too far from the original spirit of the Gatsby. The essence of the Gatsby lies in its simplicity, affordability, and its role as a shared meal. When you start using expensive ingredients and fancy plating techniques, you lose some of that essential charm. However, the innovation shows that the Gatsby remains relevant and continues to evolve with the culinary landscape.
A Lasting Taste: The Gatsby’s Enduring Legacy
The Gatsby is more than just a sandwich; it’s a cultural icon, a symbol of Cape Town’s rich history, diverse communities, and vibrant food scene. It’s a testament to the power of simple ingredients, generous portions, and shared experiences.
The key to a good Gatsby lies in the quality of the bread, the freshness of the fillings, and the perfect balance of sauces. But more importantly, it’s about the experience of sharing a Gatsby with friends and family, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
So, the next time you find yourself in Cape Town, be sure to seek out a Gatsby. Embrace the mess, savor the flavors, and immerse yourself in the unique cultural experience that this iconic sandwich offers. You won’t be disappointed. The Gatsby is waiting, ready to share its story, one delicious bite at a time.
