Heli’s Takeaways celebrates 36 years of state-of-the-art vetkoek
There's nothing to beat Heli's vetkoek.
It was August 10, 1978, a dry and dusty Johannesburg was just about to enter spring, the Bee Gee’s hit Night Fever was playing on the radio and a bellbottom-clad Helmut Gmeiner was opening the doors to the now renowned Heli’s Takeaways.
South Africa’s oldest and most renowned vetkoek shop turns 36 this August.
A local fast food institution and SA’s vetkoek pioneer, Heli’s was the first to offer gourmet vetkoek, boasting mouth-watering filling combinations unlike anything available elsewhere.
After so many years, Heli’s is completely entrenched in the local community, having seen generations move through its doors – a part of the family that everyone knows and loves.
So popular is Heli’s that customers travel (literally) from across the city, the province and even the country to get their hands (lips and bellies) on the delicious handmade, traditional South African treats, which are freshly made by Helmut every day.
They are the fastest to sell out at the annual Bloemhof Church Bazaar in the Northern Cape and are likely the only vetkoek you can find that are often inspired by loyal customers.
Only at Heli’s will you find the likes of a Bulldozer or Spietkop – vetkoek so delicious that customers who have moved overseas have even taken to Facebook to express their longing for Heli’s.
“This year is not only a big birthday for Heli’s, but it will also see another milestone in the business, as our youngest daughter, a qualified chef, joins the team,” said Helmut.
“Claudia will not simply be taking over a family business, but, very importantly, guaranteeing that the delicious, quality vetkoek the shop has become so well known for will be available for many years to come.”
Hungry?
In the mood for something delicious?
In need of a pick me up?
Get to Heli’s, in Tedstoneville, for vetkoek better than you have ever tasted, lovingly made for you by hand and served with the warmth of home.
Leave with a happy laugh from the weekly joke and a craving for more Heli’s deliciousness.
