Basketball fans may know Klay Thompson for his sharpshooting skills and championship rings, but off the court, the Golden State Warriors guard has discovered a whole new passion — and it comes from the kitchen of Megan Thee Stallion. In a recent post that caught the attention of both foodies and sports fans alike, the rapper revealed that The NBA star’s new favorite dish is a beloved, yet hotly debated, soul-food pairing: catfish and spaghetti.

This Southern-inspired combo, while cherished in many African American households, often sparks culinary debate — especially among those unfamiliar with its roots. But for Thompson, it was love at first bite.

Megan Thee Stallion Introduces a New Flavor to Klay Thompson’s Life

On August 19, Megan Thee Stallion shared a video on Instagram that not only showcased her cooking skills but also revealed Thompson’s growing obsession with the dish.

“Out of everything I’ve cooked for him so far,” she wrote in the caption, “he keeps asking for spaghetti and catfish.”

In the video, Megan walks viewers through her home-cooked dish and how the NBA champion had never tasted the combination before. She explains:

“So Klay had never had spaghetti and catfish together before, and ever since the first time I made it for him, he asked me for this like every week.”

The post features candid moments of Thompson enthusiastically digging into the plate, visibly delighted by the unique combination. His reactions are priceless, declaring it:

“So good.”

“The best thing I’ve ever tasted.”

“Didn’t stand a chance.”

“My favorite meal — who’da thought? Catfish, spaghetti, and some red sauce.”

The Origins of Spaghetti and Catfish: A Soul-Food Story

The NBA star’s new favorite dish is a beloved, yet hotly debated, soul-food pairing, but its history is rich and deeply rooted in the culinary fusion of African American and Italian traditions.

While spaghetti is traditionally Italian and catfish is a Southern favorite with deep African American ties, their intersection dates back to the early 20th century in the Mississippi Delta. According to food historian Adrian Miller, the pairing emerged when Sicilian immigrants and Black Southerners worked side by side in fields following the Civil War.

In a 2023 piece for The Bitter Southerner, journalist Farhan Mustafa recounts how Sicilian laborers, brought in to replace formerly enslaved workers, lived in close quarters with African American communities. Together, they worked in sugarcane, cotton, and strawberry fields, often sharing cooking traditions out of necessity and proximity.

Over time, spaghetti — an affordable, filling dish — began appearing alongside fried catfish at community gatherings and fish fries. What began as an accidental culinary mash-up became a beloved tradition in parts of the South.

From the Delta to the Midwest: A Dish on the Move

As African Americans migrated from the South to Northern cities during the Great Migration, they brought with them family recipes and cultural traditions — including the now-famous catfish and spaghetti combo.

In cities like Chicago, Detroit, and Milwaukee, the dish became a soul-food staple. Church picnics, neighborhood fish fries, and family reunions often featured fried catfish served with spaghetti in red sauce. Unlike the Italian pasta dishes served with meatballs or parmesan, this version was simpler, tangier, and had its own Southern twist.

Some families serve it with a side of coleslaw, cornbread, or Hawaiian rolls — as seen in Thompson’s plate — creating a well-rounded, comfort-filled meal.

A Delicious Debate: Is Spaghetti a Side or a Main?

While The NBA star’s new favorite dish is a beloved, yet hotly debated, soul-food pairing, not everyone agrees on how it should be eaten.

In the South, many view spaghetti as a side dish when paired with catfish, much like greens or macaroni and cheese. But others — particularly outside the South — find the pairing odd or question its authenticity.

This culinary divide has even sparked social media debates. Some argue that the two dishes don’t belong on the same plate, while others defend it passionately as a “real one’s” meal.

What’s undeniable is that the pairing is more than just a quirky trend — it’s a reflection of cultural fusion, resourcefulness, and regional identity.

Why It’s Gaining Attention Now

In the age of viral food trends, it’s no surprise that a celebrity endorsement has reignited interest in this long-loved dish. But what sets this moment apart is how genuine the reactions are. Thompson didn’t just try the meal on camera for clicks — he’s reportedly asking for it on a weekly basis.

The internet loves unexpected favorites — and The NBA star’s new favorite dish is a beloved, yet hotly debated, soul-food pairing that delivers on both taste and storytelling. Megan Thee Stallion, known for embracing and uplifting her Houston roots, has helped shine a spotlight on a culinary tradition that many grew up with but few saw reflected in mainstream pop culture.

Soul Food, Celebrity Influence, and Cultural Validation

Food has always been a way to connect people across cultures. Whether it’s at the family table or in the arena of pop culture, meals can tell stories, build bridges, and spark conversations. When celebrities like Klay Thompson and Megan Thee Stallion celebrate dishes like catfish and spaghetti, they’re also celebrating the histories behind them.

For many African Americans, having a national spotlight placed on this type of comfort food feels like a form of cultural validation. It brings regional traditions into the broader American food conversation and allows younger generations to explore or rediscover heritage recipes.

What’s Next for Catfish and Spaghetti?

With the power of celebrity and the accessibility of social media, it wouldn’t be surprising to see catfish and spaghetti become a breakout food trend. Restaurants may add it to their menus. Home cooks might revisit old family recipes. Food creators on platforms like TikTok and Instagram could jump in to put their spin on it.

As more people learn about the dish’s history, flavor profile, and emotional resonance, its popularity may grow beyond its traditional Southern and Midwestern roots.

But even if it never goes fully mainstream, its legacy is secure — especially now that The NBA star’s new favorite dish is a beloved, yet hotly debated, soul-food pairing with roots that stretch back generations.

Final Thoughts: A Dish That Tells a Story

Klay Thompson’s unexpected love for catfish and spaghetti may seem lighthearted on the surface, but it’s also a reminder of how food connects us to history, culture, and each other. Through one plate — fried fish, red sauce, and pasta — we see the legacy of two communities, the blending of traditions, and a cultural narrative that deserves to be celebrated.

As Megan Thee Stallion serves up soul food in her kitchen and Thompson digs in with joy, they’re not just enjoying a delicious meal — they’re keeping a story alive.

And that’s something worth savoring.