Vetkoek and amagwinya are both traditional fried South African eats that locals love. Here’s how they are similar and what sets them apart from each other. Are you a vetkoek fan? Or maybe you are team amagwinya? Regardless of your choice, both of them are the perfect combination of oil and carbs, making them the ultimate South African comfort food.
The difference
Many people claim that they can’t tell these warm, fried dough balls apart. They taste very similar and are eaten in similar ways. There are, however, some key differences.
The first one is obviously the cultures that they come from. Vetkoek is associated with the Cape Malay community (although they are enjoyed by everyone!), while amagwinya is something that African people have been making and eating for generations. Another difference is how they are most commonly eaten.
Vetkoek
Probably the most popular filling for vetkoek is curried mince. This is a sweeter mince that tastes similar to bobotie. Because of their neutral, bread-like flavour, they can be paired with just about anything and taste good. You can even enjoy them with a sweet filling, transforming into something similar to a doughnut. They can be found at cafes corner shops and small food vendors all around the Western Cape and are a satisfying anytime snack.
- Serving suggestion The classic curried mince is something everyone must try. But you can also transform them into a sweet snack for morning or afternoon tea by serving them with cheese and apricot jam.
Amagwinya
Amagwinya is not something that you’ll see eaten as a sweet snack – with this version, it’s savoury all the way! Often the larger of the two, they serve as a meal and are commonly eaten at breakfast to provide the eater with fuel for the day ahead. Ground beef is a popular filling request but they can really be enjoyed with almost anything inside. Because they are fried, it’s important to eat them while they are still hot for the most enjoyable experience.
- Serving suggestion Most people eat them one of two traditional ways: With meat or just plain. For meat options, savoury mince, spicy chicken, ham (and cheese) or fried liver are all delicious.
Click through for a traditional amagwinya recipe. To get inspiration for vetkoek or amagwinya fillings, check out our collection of easy and tasty recipes.
