Spatlo facts for kids
Spatlo is a super popular street food from South Africa. It's also known as kota in some parts of the country, especially around Johannesburg and Soweto. You can find Spatlo in all the different areas of South Africa, but it's really famous in Gauteng.
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What is Spatlo?
Spatlo is made from a quarter of a loaf of bread. The inside of the bread is carefully scooped out to make space. Then, it's filled with lots of yummy ingredients!
What's Inside a Spatlo?
A Spatlo can have many different fillings. Some common things you might find inside include:
- Potato chips
- Sausage
- Egg
- A beef patty
- Cheese
- Polony (a type of sausage)
- Atchar (a spicy pickle)
You can often choose your favorite combination of these ingredients to make your perfect Spatlo!
The Names: Kota and Sphatlo
The name kota comes from the English word "quarter." This is because the Spatlo is made from a quarter of a loaf of bread. This name is mostly used in places like Soweto and Johannesburg.
The name sphatlo is used in other areas, such as Pretoria, Soshanguve, Attredgeville, and Mamelodi. Both names refer to the same delicious street food!
Where to Find Spatlo
You can often buy Spatlo at small shops called Spaza shops. These shops are very important in South African townships. They sell many popular street foods and other items that people need every day. Spaza shops help support the local economy.
How Much Does Spatlo Cost?
Spatlo is usually quite affordable. The price can start from about R10 (South African Rand) and go up to R200. The price depends on how big the Spatlo is and what ingredients you choose to put inside. Because it's so affordable, Spatlo is a popular meal for students and people looking for a tasty, budget-friendly option. It's often seen as a great alternative to burgers.
A Popular Snack
Spatlo is widely available across South Africa. It's rare to visit an area and not find a place selling Spatlo. Many people enjoy their Spatlo with a cold soft drink, with Coca-Cola being a very popular choice. It's a much-loved snack and a big part of South African food culture!
