Gatsby

The Gatsby is a beloved South African submarine sandwich, especially popular in the Western Cape province. This foot-long delicacy is typically sliced into four portions and is a mainstay in fast food and takeaway outlets. It holds a significant place in Cape Flats heritage.

The preparation of a Gatsby begins with a long bread roll filled with various ingredients, with hot chips (French fries) being essential. It can also be stuffed with an assortment of meats such as steak, fish, chicken, polony, and sausages. To enhance its flavor, sauces like achar or piri piri are often added.

The origin of the Gatsby traces back to Cape Flats, Cape Town. A shop owner wanted to create a hearty meal for his workers and combined French fries, polony, and achaar in a round loaf of bread. Inspired by the movie "The Great Gatsby" he named his creation after it. The sandwich quickly gained popularity, prompting the use of longer French-style rolls and a wider variety of fillings.

In October 2013, Cape Town hosted an event where chefs crafted an enormous Gatsby over 8 meters long. They made it heart-healthy by increasing the fiber content and reducing sodium, saturated fats, and total fats. Sponsored by Pharma Dynamics, this event aimed to create South Africa's first official heart-healthy Gatsby.

Today, the Gatsby sandwich remains a cherished cultural icon in South Africa. Known for being filling and budget-friendly, it is available in various sizes and with a myriad of fillings to cater to everyone's taste.