Make a delicious kota at home with this easy recipe.

Crispy chips, spicy atchar, savoury polony and melted cheese tucked inside a hollowed-out quarter loaf of bread, few South African street foods inspire as much loyalty as the humble kota.

Whether it is enjoyed after school, during a lunch break or as a late-night indulgence, the kota has become a township icon, with each vendor adding their own signature touch.

While the classic version remains a firm favourite, modern variations can include everything from Russian sausages and grilled chicken to steak, bacon and even fried eggs.

Making a kota at home is not only more affordable than buying one from a takeaway, but it also allows you to customise the fillings to suit your taste.