koeksister

Koeksister is a traditional South African confection made from deep-fried dough that is braided or twisted and then soaked in a thick sugar syrup. The name comes from Afrikaans koek (cake) and sister, and the dish is most closely associated with Cape Malay and Afrikaner cuisines.

The origins lie in the Cape Colony, where Dutch settlers and Cape Malay cooks blended bread-and-dessert traditions. Koeksisters developed into a distinctive treat during the colonial period and remain a popular pastry in modern South Africa, sold in bakeries, markets, and households.

Traditionally, dough is shaped into strands, braided or twisted, fried until golden, and then immersed in hot sugar syrup flavored with ingredients such as cinnamon, cardamom, lemon zest, or rose water. The result is a crisp, glossy exterior with a soft, syrupy interior. There are regional variations in texture and shape, but the syrup-coating method is a defining feature.

Koeksisters are commonly enjoyed with coffee or tea and are widely found across South Africa. They are a common feature at festive occasions and family gatherings, reflecting the country’s culinary fusion of European and Asian-influenced traditions.