Let’s set the record straight: Durban is the birthplace of the bunny chow, and no, it’s not a kota. For the uninitiated, a bunny chow is a piece of bread, hollowed out and filled with curry—usually mutton, though the OG bean curry still has a loyal following. But, folks, we’ve got a bone to pick with anyone calling it a kota. The kota (or sphatlo, or whatever you want to call it) is a different beast entirely. It’s a quarter loaf stuffed with chips and meat, often drowning in gravy—a far cry from the refined, saucy elegance of a bunny chow.
A few weeks back, there was a debate over whether the bunny chow is the same as a kota. Cue dramatic music—let’s clear this up once and for all: No, it’s not. It never was, and it never will be. A bunny chow is a finely balanced dish with curry and soft bread; a kota is a slapped-together snack, full of chips, meat, and all sorts of questionable ingredients.
Historically, the bunny chow was created in Durban in the 1940s for Indian workers who needed a convenient, filling lunch. It’s a quirky yet delicious invention that has become iconic. And if you’ve ever tried one, you’ll know it’s more than just food—it’s part of Durban’s cultural identity. A proper bunny chow should be bursting with flavour, served with curry that has just the right balance of heat and savoury goodness.
Now, as for the kota: it’s a relatively new creation, and though some would argue it’s “inspired” by the bunny chow, it just doesn’t have the same history or flair. The kota is more of a street-food experiment that doesn’t quite match up to the legacy of its older cousin. But hey, if you’re craving something quick and carb-loaded, it’ll do the trick.
And for all the travellers out there, if you’ve never had a proper Durban bunny, you’re missing out. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there’s nothing quite like getting your hands on a mutton bunny from a place like Happy Chappy, a beloved Durban institution.
So, let’s wrap it up: A bunny is a bunny, and a kota is… well, a kota. We’ll leave that one to the Jozi folks. Durban’s bunny chow reigns supreme, and let’s keep it that way—because once you’ve tasted a real bunny, there’s no turning back.
Source Info: https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-08-16-bunny-chow-love-durbans-unique-culinary-gift-to-the-world