The World Koeksister cook-off

Cape Town Ghoema Entertainers member Ishma-eel Smiley Dean, danced at the opening of the Koeksister cook-off.

An announcement to have World Koeksister Day on Sunday September 1 was made at the Radisson Red’s koeksister cook-off on Thursday July 25.

Mark Jacobs, co-owner of Vannie Kaap, said koeksisters were always close to him, as it was part of the Cape Malay and coloured culture.

“We want to show the world our culture, so we want to announce that on September 1, we will have World Koeksister Day.”

He said every year thereafter, they would have the day on the first Sunday of September.

At the cook-off, renowned cook from Bo-Kaap, Cariema Isaacs, made koeksisters with head chef of the Radisson Red, Naseer Abdullah, from Mitchell’s Plain.

Ms Isaacs said growing up in Bo-Kaap, koeksisters were traditionally made every Sunday, or during Ramadaan as a treat to break your fast with.

“If your mother or your grandmother wasn’t making, you will walk with a bowl covered with a dishcloth and buy from your neighbours.”

While she made traditional koeksisters, “the only one she’s ever known”, Mr Abdullah made a slightly more modern take on the spicy donut, with roasted coconut and pistachio dust as a coating.

The general manager of the hotel, Leonie Anderaya, said the hotel was working towards creating a Cape Town Corner, to showcase some of Cape Town’s food and cultures, to show guests what the city is about.

She said while the hotel has an international market, it was important to have a space where locals can also feel at home away from their homes.