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Cape Town (South Africa)
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Dessert
Vegetarian
Food Flavour DNA
Nutritional Values
450kcal
6gProtein
60gCarbs
20gFat
1gFibre
100 gServing
* Per serving · 100 g. May vary.
Allergens
🌾 Gluten
🥛 Dairy
🥚 Eggs
Koeksisters
How to order / say it
Say it
Koeksisters — [kooks-SIS-ter]
Order
I'd like some koeksisters, please.
Locally
Ek wil asseblief bietjie koeksisters hê.
Say locally
A sweet, plaited dough confectionery, deep-fried and soaked in syrup.
Why try it?
Koeksisters are part of South Africa’s cultural heritage as a sweet staple at community markets, family gatherings, and traditional tea times, serving as a taste of local hospitality.
How it tastes
They are crunchy on the outside and sticky-sweet on the inside, with a delightful contrast between the fried dough and the smooth, sugary syrup.
Origin & History — first documented: 1700
Koeksisters trace back to Dutch settlers in the early 18th century. The recipe evolved, incorporating a syrup soaking inspired by South Indian cooking styles brought by slaves.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 🌾 500 g flour
- 🧂 10 g baking powder
- 🥛 50 g butter
- 🥛 250 ml milk
- 🥚 2 eggs
- 🍯 500 g sugar
- 300 ml water
- 🫒 1 liter oil for frying
Method
- 1 Combine flour and baking powder; cut in butter, add milk and eggs to form dough.
- 2 Roll and plait dough, shape into strips.
- 3 Deep-fry strips in hot oil until golden brown.
- 4 Soak immediately in cold sugar syrup and serve.
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