A Gatsby is a South African style of deli sandwich very similar in content and method of preparation as a hoagie in the USA. It is mostly popular in the Western Cape Province. It is very popular because of its low cost and great appeal.
Gatsbies usually consist of long bread rolls cut lengthwise and opened up to form a sort of cradle which is filled with various fillings. While the choice of filling in a Gatsby varies widely depending on customer preference and vendor, one standard item is usually hot chips i.e. French fries.
Different varieties of Gatsbys include masala steak, chicken, polony, Vienna sausage, calamari, fish, and chargrilled steak.
Gatsbies originated in the Cape Flats area of Cape Town, where people would often buy large rolls and fill them with whatever leftovers they had, and split them four ways. This practice has carried on in modern times, with gatsbies being bought in full, half or quarter sizes.
Rashaad Pandy—the proprietor of a fast food deli called Super Fisheries located in Athlone, Cape Town -- claims to have invented it one night in 1976, when he tried to feed some day laborers after he had sold out of fish.[1]