From My Kitchen to Your Heart

Koesisters have always been more than just a sweet treat in Amina’s home; they’re a golden thread woven into the fabric of our Cape Malay heritage. She grew up with the scent of syrup and spice drifting through the house on Sunday mornings. A smell that meant family, warmth, and tradition.

One day, Amina decided to make them herself, hoping to recreate that same Sunday magic in her own kitchen. When her daughters took their first bite, their eyes lit up. “This is the best koesister we’ve ever had!” they said. In that moment, she realized she wasn’t just baking, she was preserving a legacy, passing down a piece of her culture and creating memories that would live on in their hearts just as they had in hers.

Her recipe has roots that reach beyond her kitchen. It was gifted to her by her dear friend Gouwa, whose late grandmother perfected it over generations. When she shared it, Amina felt deeply honoured, it wasn’t just a recipe, it was a story and a connection to the women who came before them. Over time, she added her own little touches, a bit less spice, but all things nice. While staying true to the heart of the original. Every batch she makes is a tribute to those women, their wisdom, and the love they poured into their kitchens.

The spark that started it all came one evening when Amina offered her neighbour, Fazeelah, a few fresh koesisters. After one bite, Fazeelah smiled and said, “Why don’t you sell these?” Amina laughed, “Who would buy my koesisters?” But those words stayed with her. Soon after, she began experimenting — perfecting the syrup, balancing the spice, and finding that perfect crispness. Eventually, she took a leap of faith and started selling to neighbours. Word spread quickly, and before she knew it, people from all over were coming to try them. What began as a small act of sharing turned into something much bigger — a business built on community, tradition, and love.

To Amina, koesisters are a taste of home. A symbol of togetherness, comfort, and love passed down through generations. Culturally, they celebrate our Cape Malay identity, a beautiful blend of influences, from the Dutch word koek to the local spices and rituals that make them uniquely ours. Whether enjoyed after mosque, at a family gathering, or on a quiet Sunday morning, koesisters carry the stories of our people.

When someone tastes one of Amina’s koesisters, she hopes they feel more than just sweetness. She hopes they taste the warmth, heritage, and heart that go into every twist. Because for Amina, this isn’t just about baking, it’s about honouring where we come from and sharing that joy with others. And maybe one day, one of her granddaughters will take up the tradition too, and the story of their koesisters will continue, one sweet Sunday at a time