Pap, a traditional porridge made from mielie-meal (ground maize or other grain), is a staple food of the Bantu inhabitants of South Africa (the Dutch word "pap" simply means "porridge" or "gruel"). Many traditional South African dishes include pap, such as smooth maize meal porridge (also called slap pap), and crumbly "phutu" (pronounced "poo-too") pap. Such dishes are enjoyed primarily by the indigenous black population rather than those of European or Asian descent. A variety of savouries are used to accompany pap, made from green vegetables, and flavoured with chilli. Since mielie-meal is inexpensive, poor people can afford to combine it with vegetables and be sure of one good meal a day. It can be served hot or, after it has cooled, it can be fried, giving it a different texture. Phutu porridge is sometimes enjoyed with chakalaka as a side dish with braais.

Pap is also called ugali in eastern and southern Africa; sadza in Zimbabwe; and banku in West Africa. It is called "Akamu" amongst the Igbos of Nigeria. A similar dish is polenta, from northern Italy.

Popular dishes made with pap are Isidudu and Umngqusho.

African cuisine | South African cuisine | Cereals | Staple foods