A koeksister or koesister comes from the Dutch word koekje, which translates to "cookie". It is a South African syrup-coated doughnut in a twisted or braided shape (like a plait). It is prepared by deep-frying dough in oil, then dipping the fried dough into cold sugar syrup. They are best eaten cold; koeksisters are very sticky and sweet and taste like honey.[1]
Koeksisters are of the Cape Malay origin. The Afrikaner version is much more syrupy and crisp while the Cape Malay version's texture is more like that of a cake, spicier, and usually covered in dried coconut. There is also a difference in spelling, the latter generally referred to as koesister.[1]