Gaucher’s disease

Gatsby (sandwich)

The Gatsby is a popular South African street food item, originating from the Cape Flats area of Cape Town. It is a submarine sandwich style dish, typically filled with a variety of ingredients such as french fries, steak, sausage, and salad.

History

The Gatsby sandwich was first created in the 1970s by Rashaad Pandy, a fish shop owner from Athlone. The name "Gatsby" was inspired by the F. Scott Fitzgerald novel, The Great Gatsby, which was showing in cinemas at the time.

Ingredients and Variations

A Gatsby is typically made with a long baguette, which is cut open lengthwise, and filled with various ingredients. The most common filling is french fries, also known as "slap chips" in South Africa, which are usually doused in vinegar.

Other popular fillings include steak, polony, masala steak, chicken, calamari, fish, and egg. The sandwich is usually topped with Piri Piri sauce or achar (Indian pickles), and a layer of salad.

There are many variations of the Gatsby sandwich, depending on the region and personal preference. Some versions include additional ingredients such as cheese, bologna sausage, and Russian sausage.

Cultural Significance

The Gatsby sandwich has become a significant part of South African culture, particularly in the Cape Flats area. It is often associated with working class communities, and is commonly served at social gatherings and sporting events.

See Also

• List of sandwiches
• South African cuisine
• Street food