National Hot Pastrami Sandwich Day celebrates the iconic sandwich that has become a cornerstone of American deli culture, featuring thinly sliced, smoked, and cured beef served on rye bread with classic accompaniments.
Quick Facts
When is it?: January 14th annually
Tagged as: Food Holiday, Cultural Celebration
What’s the hashtag?: #HotPastramiSandwichDay
When was it founded?: Late 1800s
Who founded it?: Originated from Sussman Volk’s creation
History
The hot pastrami sandwich emerged from New York City’s Jewish delis in the late 1800s. The concept originated when Lithuanian immigrant Sussman Volk received a pastrami recipe from a Romanian friend and began serving it at his butcher shop on the Lower East Side. The sandwich quickly became a staple of New York’s culinary landscape.
Timeline
- 1887: Sussman Volk creates the first pastrami sandwich in America
- 1888: Katz’s Delicatessen opens, becoming famous for pastrami
- 1925: Pastrami sandwiches gain widespread popularity
- Present: Celebrated nationally as an iconic American sandwich
Dates by next years
| Year | Month | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | January | 14 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | January | 14 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | January | 14 | Thursday |
| 2028 | January | 14 | Friday |
| 2029 | January | 14 | Saturday |
Observed
The day is celebrated by enjoying hot pastrami sandwiches at delis, restaurants, or homemade. Many establishments offer special promotions and unique variations of the classic sandwich.
Fun Facts About Pastrami
- Pastrami comes from the Romanian word “pastrama”
- Traditional pastrami is made from beef plate
- The smoking process gives pastrami its distinctive flavor
- New York delis typically serve it with mustard and pickles
Quiz
- Where did pastrami originate?
- Who created the first pastrami sandwich in America?
- What type of bread is traditionally used?
(Answers: 1. Romania 2. Sussman Volk 3. Rye bread)
FAQs
Q: What makes a traditional pastrami sandwich?
A: Thinly sliced pastrami on rye bread with mustard and pickles
Q: Is pastrami always served hot?
A: While traditionally served hot, it can be enjoyed cold
Importance of Hot Pastrami Sandwich Day
This celebration honors both the culinary innovation and cultural heritage of Jewish immigrants who brought this beloved sandwich to America, making it a symbol of New York’s diverse food culture.
Related
- National Sandwich Day
- National Deli Month
- Jewish American Heritage Month
- National Pickle Day