Ranked by TableJourney editorial score.
A full Portuguese roll split lengthwise and packed with slap chips, a hot filling and achar, then cut into wedges for a table to share. Cape Town's own sandwich, and still cheapest where it started.
Rashaad Pandy, who ran a food shop in Athlone on the Cape Flats, fed a crew of workers in 1976 by filling a large loaf with slap chips, polony and achar and cutting it into wedges. One of the workers, nicknamed Froggy, called it a Gatsby smash after The Great Gatsby, which had been screening at a cinema nearby, and Pandy put the name on the counter. The sandwich spread across Athlone, Mitchells Plain and Gatesville, where the standard grew to a footlong measured in quarters, and the fillings widened to masala steak, fried calamari, polony and Vienna sausage.
3 editor picks for Gatsby in Cape Town, ranked by editorial score. All Cape Town signature dishes · Gatsby across every city.
Super Fisheries is a cash only takeaway counter on Old Klipfontein Road in Athlone, Cape Town, run by the man credited with inventing the gatsby.
OrderGatsby loaded with fish, calamari or polony, chips and achar
TipThere is a Capitec ATM next door if you arrive without cash for the counter.
Golden Dish is a halal takeaway in Gatesville, Athlone, opened in 1969 opposite Athlone Stadium and known across Cape Town for its giant gatsby sandwiches.
OrderThe masala steak gatsby, a French baguette of steak, twice fried chips and the signature masala gravy.
TipOrder the large to share or the mini on your own; it serves until 01:00 Monday to Thursday and 02:00 on Fridays and Saturdays.
West Coast Fisheries fries fresh West Coast catch, chips and gatsby sandwiches daily on Koeberg Road in Milnerton, on the edge of greater Cape Town.
OrderThe fried snoek and chips, the West Coast staple this counter is named for.
TipIt also sells fresh uncooked fish over the counter if you want to cook the catch yourself at home.
Gatsby makes more sense with someone from Cape Town explaining it. These are the classes and tours we have checked, with booking links.
Private tour · 5 hours
Experience the thrill of Africa's only toboggan track and indulge in a delicious, flavouful Gatsby. Enjoy a day of adventure, local flavor, and unforgettable memories.
Guided tour · 9 hours
Embark on a full-day safari from Cape Town to Aquila Private Game Reserve. Spot the Big Five, enjoy a buffet breakfast and lunch. Enjoy stunning views of Dutoitskloof ...
Day trip · 8 hours
Start with a convenient Pickup from your Hotel Accommodation before Embarking on a Safari from Cape Town to Aquila Safari Game Reserve. Enjoy a buffet lunch, spot the ...
