In a culinary controversy that has taken social media by storm, a kota sandwich priced at an astonishing R450 has provoked a mix of outrage and curiosity among South African food lovers.
Traditionally a beloved street food, the kota - a quarter loaf of bread filled with a variety of ingredients - has never been associated with such an extravagant price tag, leading to passionate discussions surrounding affordability, culinary creativity and consumerism.
This eye-popping meal, showcased by the @KasiEconomy account on X, is far from the simple street food many know and love.
It is crafted from two loaves of bread and generously filled with an assortment of toppings, including three burgers, served alongside crispy fried chips and viennas, thus changing the kota into a towering feast rather than a light snack.
R450 sphatlho pic.twitter.com/7ZmZouSGZv
Originating from Legitimate Grills, a Mpumalanga-based business, the kota has sparked a divided response online.
Some users have taken to social media to express their disbelief and humour over the sandwich's exorbitant cost.
One user quipped, “Let's be honest, this is very unnecessary”, while another added, “One of the reasons we are in the top 2 of obesity stats in the world.”
A third user lamented the loss of the kota’s humble roots: “This is the greed they talked about in the Bible; why would anyone buy this?”
The prevalent sentiment among many is that the sandwich strays far from its origins as a budget-friendly meal.
The user critiques the lavishness, noting: “Is it not called kota because it's made using a quarter loaf? Now you are using the whole bakery and adding burgers, removing the kasi feeling. It's also made to be affordable, not this.”
However, the sandwich has also found its defenders. Some food lovers are celebrating the bold culinary innovation behind the creation.
“Looks yummy, definitely worth a try”, wrote one user.
“Me and my kota gang wouldn't mind buying this one and dealing with it precisely,” wrote another user.