National Dumpling Day celebrates these beloved dough-wrapped delicacies that have become a global culinary phenomenon. From Asian potstickers to European pierogi, dumplings represent comfort food across cultures.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: September 26th annually
- Tagged as: Food Holiday, Cultural Celebration
- What’s the hashtag?: #NationalDumplingDay
- When was it founded?: 2015
- Who founded it?: TMI Food Group
History
The term ‘dumpling’ originated in 14th-century England from the Old English word ‘dumphynn.’ While Chinese cuisine is often associated with dumplings, historical evidence suggests their origins trace back to Central Asia with the Turkic people. The concept spread through trade routes, with each culture developing its unique variations.
Timeline
- 3600 BC: First evidence of dumplings in Switzerland
- 200 BC: Dumplings appear in Chinese Eastern Han Dynasty
- 400 AD: First written dumpling recipe in Roman cookbook Apicius
- 1300s: Italian ravioli emerges in Tuscany
- 2015: National Dumpling Day established
Upcoming Dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | September 26 | Friday |
| 2026 | September 26 | Saturday |
| 2027 | September 26 | Sunday |
Observed
The day is celebrated worldwide through dumpling-making parties, restaurant specials, and social media sharing of dumpling experiences. Many restaurants offer special promotions and dumpling-tasting events.
Fun Facts About Dumplings
- Over 25 different styles of dumplings exist worldwide
- Dumplings can be both sweet and savory
- Chinese dumplings were traditionally shaped like ears
- They can be prepared by frying, boiling, steaming, or baking
Quiz
- When was National Dumpling Day established?
- Where did the word ‘dumpling’ originate?
- What’s the oldest known evidence of dumplings?
(Answers: 2015, England, Switzerland 3600 BC)
FAQs
Q: Are all dumplings filled?
A: No, some dumplings are simply dough with no filling.
Q: Which culture invented dumplings?
A: While often attributed to China, historical evidence points to Central Asian origins.
Importance of National Dumpling Day
This celebration highlights cultural diversity through food, bringing people together to appreciate various culinary traditions and techniques while promoting cross-cultural understanding.
Related
- Chinese New Year
- World Food Day
- Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
- International Festival of Food
- Global Street Food Day