Today's Tasty Pick: Kasi Chicken Bites

Hey hey, food fam!

I hope everyone is doing well… unlike me, because this flu is currently body-slamming me like it’s auditioning for WWE.

But enough about my struggles. Today, I want to tell you a story about the real superstar of the day, the Beyoncé of the kitchen, the one and only Kasi Chicken Bites!

You know, one thing about growing up ekasi is that we become experts at making a plan. We can create something incredible from almost nothing. That’s the beauty of kasi life. It’s not something I’m ashamed of—it’s something I’m proud of. The township taught me resilience, creativity, and how to turn challenges into opportunities.

Now, let’s talk about chicken for a second. Yoh, this bird deserves an award! It’s the ultimate all-rounder. You can fry it, grill it, stew it, bake it, and somehow it still finds a way to make everyone happy.

This recipe is of a story of someone who is now a good friend of mine. A few years ago, I met a gentleman named Songezo who sold biscuits and cookies at the robots every morning. Every day on my way to work, around past 7AM, I would see him standing there with his big container, ready to serve people rushing to start their day.

Whether it was freezing cold, scorching hot, or one of those mornings when the wind feels personally offended by your existence, Songezo was there. The only time I didn’t see him was when it rained because there was no shelter at the robots.

One day, while I was off from work, I decided to visit and speak to him. I got off the taxi around 10 AM when things were quieter and walked over to where he was standing.

“Sawubona, bhuti wam,” I said with a smile. “I hope you are doing well. I see you here almost every morning when I’m on my way to work, and I just wanted to tell you that I really admire your strength and determination. No matter the weather, you are always here. May God bless your hustle.”

He smiled and thanked me.

Then I asked him, “If you don’t mind me asking, what’s your name?”

“My name is Songezo,” he replied.

“It is so nice to meet you, Songezo. I’m Asanda.”

As we continued chatting, I became curious about his story and asked how long he had been selling at the robots.

That’s when he told me something his story.

“You know, Sis Asanda,” he said, “I’m actually a graduate, but I haven’t been able to find a job yet. So this is my way of making a living while I keep trying.”

Yoh, food fam, life is hard for everyone out here . Here was someone who could have given up, someone who had every reason to feel discouraged, but instead he chose to wake up every morning and fight for his future.

That’s when I shared an idea with him.

I told him about one of my favourite recipes—Chicken Bites. But not just any Chicken Bites. The kind that are bold, flavourful, and full of personality… just like the kasi itself! So naturally, I renamed them Kasi Chicken Bites because, trust me, these bites are street wise shame!

He loved the idea and decided to give it a try. So he found a stable spot nearby his home and started selling these delicious chicken bites. Slowly but surely, customers started coming. Then more customers came. Then even more.

Three months later, business was booming!

He discovered something we all know: people love good street food. Especially on Fridays, after a long day, or when there’s absolutely no energy left to cook. Yoh, the support from his community was amazing!

Today ladies and gentlemen, I’m happy to say that Songezo’s business is doing incredibly well, and every time we talk about it on a phone call, my heart smiles.

The reason I’m sharing this recipe with you is because it’s more than just food. It’s a reminder that opportunities can start with something as simple as a packet of biscuits, chicken and a dream.

Whether you are in the township, the suburbs, or anywhere in between, this is a meal that’s affordable, delicious, and can even become the start of your own hustle.

And here’s the best part: you don’t need a huge budget to begin. Start with what you have. Use what is already in your hands. Growth will come later.

One of the greatest lessons I have learned from kasi life is the spirit of Ubuntu — the belief that we rise by lifting one another. You never know how far a simple greeting or conversation can go. What started as a chat between two strangers became a genuine friendship. Songezo and I didn’t know each other at all, we met at the robots. But today we share a bond built on kindness, respect, and support.

Now come closer… let me show you how to make these Kasi Chicken Bites.

How to make Kasi Chicken Bites

Serves: 1 takeaway plate
Budget: You can sell it for R40 or more, depending on any additional stuff you may want to add

Ingredients:

500 g chicken pieces (boneless thighs or breast, cut into bite-sized pieces)
1 large onion, sliced
2 tablespoons cooking oil
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon mild curry powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 clove garlic, crushed)
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon mixed herbs (optional)

Method:

Season the chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a bowl. Add the paprika, curry powder, garlic, black pepper, salt and mixed herbs. Mix well until all the chicken is evenly coated.
Cook the chicken: Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and cooked through.
Add the onions: Add the sliced onion to the pan and cook for another 3–5 minutes until softened but still slightly crisp.
Serve: Serve hot with pap, fresh bread, or chips.

Serving Suggestions:

*Soft pap
*Fresh bread
*Chips
*Tomato and onion relish
*Atchar (optional)

Tips:
*Cut the chicken into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
*Cook over medium heat to keep the chicken juicy.
*Add a little chilli powder if you enjoy a spicier kasi-style flavour.
*Leftovers can be used in sandwiches or lunchboxes the next day (or resold).
*For extra flavour, marinate the chicken for 30 minutes before cooking.