The sizzle of pastry in hot oil, the smell of spice in the air… few things spark memory like a golden samoosa. In South Africa, samoosas aren’t just food; they’re tradition. This September, as we celebrate Heritage Month and World Samoosa Day (on the 5th), it’s the perfect time to honour a snack that connects cultures, families, and generations.
At Westham, we celebrate the classics and add our own spin on things with chocolate samoosas that bring nostalgia a sweet new twist.
A journey across continents
Long before samoosas landed in South Africa, their journey began centuries ago in Persia and Central Asia. First written about in the 11th century as ‘sambosa’ or ‘sanbosag’, these crisp little parcels were filled with spiced meat, dried fruit, or nuts and prized for being easy to pack, carry, and share. They travelled with traders, cooks, and royals alike, making appearances in lavish sultanate courts and along busy trade routes.
Over time, samoosas spread into the Middle East, North Africa, and India, where they were enjoyed by emperors at grand banquets but also sold on bustling streets, making them a true food of the people. As their popularity grew, the recipe continued to adapt: baked somsa in Central Asia, sambusa at East African tables, bajiyaa in the Maldives, and empanadas in Spain and Latin America. Few snacks have crossed as many borders — and carried as many stories — as the samoosa.
Samoosas in South Africa
The story of samoosas in South Africa can be traced back to the 17th and 18th centuries, when Indian, Indonesian, and Malay slaves and labourers were brought to the Cape. Along with their resilience, they carried food traditions that would forever shape the country’s flavour.
The Cape Malay community gave the samoosa its lasting place in local cuisine, passing down recipes through family kitchens and celebrations. At first, samoosas were reserved for special occasions like Ramadan or weddings, but they soon became an everyday favourite, loved for their convenience and crunch. Regional styles emerged too: Cape Malay samoosas with fragrant spice blends, Indian samoosas with bolder fillings and distinct pastry folds. Over time, the South African version sharpened into a neat triangular parcel, thinly wrapped and filled from corner to corner. Today, samoosas are found all over South Africa, from street vendors and family kitchens to Westham’s counters, where they remain a snack for every occasion.
Crisp & golden, every time
There’s an art to making a great samoosa, and it starts long before it hits the fryer. Each sheet of pastry is folded with care, filled right to the corners with flavour, and sealed tight before being fried to a golden crunch.
The fillings are where loyalties are formed (and arguments start): spiced mince, tender chicken, cheese and corn, or potato — the samoosa flavours South Africans reach for again and again. At Westham, ours are made fresh daily, flaky but never oily, and always the same Westham quality. Whether you’re grabbing a quick snack, filling a party platter, or sharing with family, Westham makes sure every samoosa lives up to its name.
Nostalgia on a plate
For many of us, samoosas carry the memory of childhood: sitting at the table while Granny or an aunty folded pastry with practised hands, chatting while each triangle was tucked and sealed. Heritage Month is a reminder of how these small rituals become part of our shared story and proof that food carries memory and culture forward with every bite. In South Africa, samoosas have always been about connection, shared at family tables, schools, celebrations, and neighbourhood gatherings.
At Westham, we honour that connection with every tray we fry. You’ll find all the classic flavours that spark nostalgia, made fresh daily, and a sweet surprise too: chocolate samoosas. They’ve got the same crispy bite but with a sweet centre that turns tradition on its head.
Timeless & always Westham
Some snacks are just timeless, and the samoosa is one of them. From its centuries-old journey across continents to the samoosas South Africa has embraced for generations, it’s a food that never goes out of style.
At Westham, we keep that spirit alive with every batch, honouring the classics while daring to fold in something new. This Heritage Month, and every month after, let Westham be your stop for samoosas, cakes, and treats to share with the people who matter most. Order ahead on WhatsApp, shop online, or visit your nearest Westham Bakery — your favourites are waiting.
