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.