Golden and crispy on the outside, soft and mushy on the inside – that’s what makes the perfect French fry. Capetonians on the other hand prefer and are more accustomed to “what you see on the outside is what you get on the inside”.
That’s right, we’re talking about every Capetonian’s favourite comfort food – ‘slap chips’ or ‘slap tjips’ as pronounced in the Cape Flats community.
While the French fry is crispy and firm on the outside, but soft and mushy on the inside; the slap chip is more of a one-sided affair: soft, mushy and limp all over. Hence the term ‘slap’ – the Afrikaans word for lame.
Why do Capetonians love slap chips so much? Probably because it is soaked in vinegar and sometimes in masala which makes it very unique to other chips.
Slap chips are also thicker, thus making the potato chopping process less time consuming and they are fried on a lower temperature for a longer period of time. The mushy nature of these chips is what makes it a star dish.
Best enjoyed between two slices of fresh bread, in a round roll or as a side accompaniment to any dish. Most Capetonians enjoy these squishy melt-in-your-mouth comforts with splashes of vinegar or sprinkles of salt and masala. Some even use it as a main ingredient in a meal such as chip rolls and gatsbys – best served with battered fresh hake.
Best places in the CBD to enjoy slap chips
Lusitania Fisheries
The chips are soft, mushy and splashed with vinegar – what more could you want? And the fish and chips combo is to die-for!
Address: 49A Waterkant St, Cape Town City Centre
Tel: 021 425 4532
Mariam’s Kitchen
If fish is not your thing, then try slap chip meals which includes gatsby’s, chip rolls, hot dogs and hamburgers.
Address: 31 Heerengracht Street, Foreshore
Tel: 021 421 3636
Website: mariamskitchen.co.za
Cafe Wafa
Enjoy anything from vienna parcels to chicken to breakfast meals – all come with slap chips.
Address: Shop B1, 25 Adderley St, Cape Town City Centre
Tel: 021 461 2527