
…By any other name would taste as good.
In Cape Town, we call them daltjies. Elsewhere, they’re known as pakoras. Some know it as chilli bites. Whatever name you wish to attach to it, it still tastes good.
They’re often a staple in Ramadan, though I have to confess I don’t make it often. We try to limit the fried foods in our household, particularly during Ramadan. Since one batch yields quite a lot of these little savoury treats, I like to make it when guests come over. Sharing the calories and all that.


- 375ml pea/chana flour
- 125ml self raising flour,
- Salt
- 5ml cumin
- 5-10ml chilli powder (depending on how hot you like it)
- 5ml Packo roasted masala
- Clove of garlic or a tsp of garlic paste
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 small potato grated
- 1 chilli (optional – add more if you’re brave like me)
- Good handful of spinach, chopped roughly,
- Enough water to make a batter
- 5ml baking powder
- Sift flours and spices together.
- Add onion, garlic, potato, chilli (if you’re using) and spinach and add enough water to make a thick batter.
- Lastly add the baking powder.
- Drop spoonfuls into hot oil and fry for a few minutes until golden brown. Serve with a dip or enjoy as is.
[…] day five. The day when dhaltjies (chilli bites) finally made an appearance at iftar. Mom emailed me telling me she’s craving it so I went […]