What would you add to this plate of pap? South African celebs weigh in

If you’re a foodie or just anyone who appreciates good, hearty South African food, then you’re no stranger to pap.

This traditional dish, made from maize meal, is a lot like polenta but with a smoother, creamier texture. It's the kind of comfort food that South Africans have been enjoying for generations — filling, affordable and easy to whip up.

To get the lowdown on how diversely pap is enjoyed today, we’ve asked a few local celebs about their favourite pap dishes. Why don't you join in the fun too: What would you add to the plate of pap?

Ottneil Baartman, South African cricketer from Oudtshoorn, sticks to a classic: “Pap with a wors stew is my favourite,” he tells us with a smile. It’s clear that no matter how fancy pap gets, it’ll always have that nostalgic pull on our taste buds.

For South African Afro-jazz singer Qaqamba Ntshinka, pap is more than just food — it’s a piece of home. “Pap and cabbage hold a special place in my heart, not just as a meal but as a taste of heritage. Growing up, this simple yet nourishing dish was a family staple, served with love. To this day, every bite takes me back to those moments, a reminder of where I come from and the culture that continues to inspire my Afro-jazz journey."

Thobani Nzuza, a South Africa actor and author said that for him, he prefers his pap with braai meat, mutton, amasi/maas, as well as bean curry.

While singer-songwriter and producer, Lungi Naidoo who is half Indian and half Zulu said  there are two ways she would eat the pap with.

”I’m half and half so this pap is phuthu, but the Indian in me would eat this with spicy mutton curry and the African in me would pour amasi (inkomazi) over this!”.

Rising star and singer, Sindiswa Nhlapho excitedly shared that she would add inkomazi and sugar to it.

A journey with pap

Whether you’re pairing it with wors (sausage), stew or braai meat, pap certainly is a trusty side dish that brings everyone together at the table.

It’s so versatile you can have it soft and creamy, firm and stiff, or even crispy when fried — talk about options, right? And let’s not forget the sauces, gravies and veggies you can pile on top, making it the perfect canvas for all sorts of flavours.

In South Africa, no proper braai is complete without a hearty serving of pap. It’s the ultimate sidekick to sizzling chops, juicy sausage and flame-grilled chicken, soaking up all the flavours from chakalaka, tomato and onion gravy, or a good old-fashioned sous (sauce).

And let’s not forget the salads — because a braai needs to have some colour on the plate. From creamy potato salad and tangy coleslaw to a refreshing beetroot or three-bean salad, these sides add a balance of textures and flavours that bring the whole meal together.

A twist: but is it still pap then?

Now, pap isn’t just a household favourite; it’s also making its rounds in South African restaurants. Chefs are taking this humble dish and giving it a modern twist, pairing it with gourmet stews, slow-braised meats, or even making deep-fried pap balls — sophisticated, but still with that undeniable South African vibe.

We also have seen how TikTok content creators have showcased how creative they can be with pap and showing it's versatility. Others added cheese and milk to it to create "cheesy pap", while others made what we would call a "pap pizza" adding bacon and cheese on top then tossing it in the oven to bake. Another TikTok content creator made "pap nuggets", coating them in cornflakes and flour, then deep fried.

If you go to any South African household, you will most definitely find this staple ingredient in a cupboard. Most South Africans love it for how filling and long lasting it is, and how easy it is to cook it is.

Pap is more than just a staple and simple food. Whether you’re craving a comforting meal or looking to get creative with dishes like cheesy pap, this humble ingredient always delivers.

What would you have your pap with?