National Peking Duck Day is an annual celebration honoring China’s national dish, known for its crispy skin and tender meat. This culinary holiday recognizes the sophisticated preparation methods and rich cultural heritage of Peking duck.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: January 18th annually
- Tagged as: Food Holiday, Cultural Celebration
- What’s the hashtag?: #NationalPekingDuckDay, #PekingDuckDay
- When was it founded?: 2013
- Who founded it?: Origin unclear, established in the United States
History of National Peking Duck Day
While the exact origins of National Peking Duck Day itself remain unclear, the dish it celebrates has a rich history dating back centuries. Peking duck originated during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) when it was served to Emperor Kublai Khan. The preparation techniques have been perfected over thousands of years, evolving from cooking the duck in a closed oven (menlu) to hanging it in an open oven (gualu).
The dish was originally enjoyed exclusively by Chinese royalty before becoming more widely available. By the Ming Dynasty, Peking duck had become a mainstay on imperial court menus. The tradition traveled to Beijing (formerly Peking) when the Ming dynasty moved the capital there in 1403, bringing their culinary traditions with them.
Timeline
- 1275: Roast duck is mentioned in Wu Zimu’s depiction of life in 13th-century Hangzhou
- 1330: First recipe for Peking duck appears in the book “Yinshan Zhengyao”
- 1403: The Ming dynasty moves its capital to Beijing, bringing the tradition of roast duck
- 1416: Bian Yi Fang restaurant, one of the first to serve Peking duck, opens in Beijing
- 1761: Imperial records show the Qianlong Emperor eats roast duck eight times over 13 spring days
- 1864: Quanjude roast duck restaurant is founded in Beijing by Yang Quanren
- 1970s: Chinese premier Zhou Enlai serves Peking duck to visiting dignitaries, including Henry Kissinger and Richard Nixon
Dates by Year
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Jan 18 | Saturday |
| 2026 | Jan 18 | Sunday |
| 2027 | Jan 18 | Monday |
| 2028 | Jan 18 | Tuesday |
| 2029 | Jan 18 | Thursday |
How National Peking Duck Day is Observed
People celebrate National Peking Duck Day by dining at authentic Chinese restaurants that specialize in this dish. Some food enthusiasts attempt to prepare the elaborate dish at home, though the traditional preparation takes multiple days and requires specialized equipment. Cultural centers and Chinese communities may host special events or dinners featuring Peking duck as the centerpiece.
Fun Facts About Peking Duck
The preparation of authentic Peking duck is incredibly complex, involving pumping air between the skin and meat, soaking in boiling water, glazing with sugar, and hanging to dry for 24 hours before roasting. The duck is traditionally carved by highly skilled chefs who train for up to five years to master the technique of slicing the perfect ratio of crispy skin to tender meat.
In traditional service, the meal begins with serving just the crispy skin with sugar for dipping. Next comes the meat served with thin pancakes, hoisin sauce, cucumber, and scallions. Finally, the remaining duck parts are often used to make a flavorful soup.
Quiz
- What dynasty was Peking duck first served in?
- How old are the ducks when prepared?
- What city did Peking duck originate from?
- When is National Peking Duck Day celebrated?
- During which dynasty did Peking duck originate?
- What is the traditional way to serve Peking duck?
- What city is Peking duck named after?
(Answers: 1. Yuan Dynasty, 2. 65 days, 3. Nanjing, 4. January 18th, 5. Yuan Dynasty, 6. With thin pancakes, hoisin sauce, cucumber, and scallions, 7. Beijing, formerly known as Peking)
FAQs
Q: Why is it special?
A: Known for its thin, crispy skin and elaborate preparation process
Q: Why is it called Peking duck?
A: Named after Beijing’s former name, “Peking”
Q: Why is it called Peking duck instead of Beijing duck?
A: Peking duck is named after the old spelling of Beijing (Peking). Although the city’s name was officially changed to Beijing, the traditional name of the dish remained.
Q: What makes Peking duck special?
A: Peking duck is prized for its thin, crisp skin. Authentic versions of the dish focus primarily on the skin with little meat, expertly sliced by trained chefs.
Q: How long does it take to prepare traditional Peking duck?
A: The traditional preparation takes multiple days, including air-drying the duck for 24 hours after glazing it with a sugar coating.
Importance of Peking Duck Day
National Peking Duck Day celebrates not just a delicious dish but also centuries of Chinese culinary tradition and cultural heritage. It highlights the artistry and skill involved in creating this iconic food that has played a role in diplomatic relations and cultural exchange. The day offers an opportunity to appreciate the complex techniques and rich history behind one of the world’s most famous duck dishes.
Related
- Chinese New Year
- National Duck Day
- World Food Day
- Asian Pacific American Heritage Month