National Fried Rice Day, celebrated on September 20, highlights one of the most versatile and beloved dishes across the globe. Fried rice, known for its combination of rice, vegetables, proteins, and seasonings, has become a staple in many households and restaurants. Its simplicity, flavor, and adaptability make it an enduring favorite for quick meals and elaborate dishes alike.
The origins of fried rice trace back to China during the Sui Dynasty (589–618 CE), where it was created as a way to use leftover rice and ingredients. This practical approach to reducing waste led to the development of a dish that could be easily modified based on available ingredients, making it an instant success.
Today, fried rice remains incredibly popular due to its ability to adapt to various cuisines and dietary preferences. Some of the most well-known types include:
- Chinese Fried Rice: Traditionally made with day-old rice, soy sauce, vegetables, and sometimes eggs or meats like pork or chicken.
- Thai Fried Rice: Often flavored with fish sauce and served with lime and fresh herbs like cilantro.
- Indonesian Nasi Goreng: Known for its sweet soy sauce and the addition of shrimp paste, it’s often topped with a fried egg.
- Japanese Fried Rice (Yakimeshi): Typically cooked with small, finely chopped vegetables and flavored with soy sauce or miso.
- American-style Fried Rice: A more modern version that may include a variety of ingredients like pineapple, ham, or bacon for a sweeter and saltier twist.
Fried rice’s popularity today is largely due to its flexibility. It’s a great way to use leftover ingredients and create a meal that can be customized with different vegetables, proteins, and seasonings. Whether as a side or main dish, it’s quick, flavorful, and easily adapted to suit any taste, making it a beloved dish worldwide.
When Is National Fried Rice Day Celebrated?
National Fried Rice Day is celebrated annually on September 20. Along with this tasty holiday, food lovers can also enjoy other related celebrations like National Rice Day (September 29) and National Pasta Day (October 17), all dedicated to highlighting beloved global staples.
| Year | Day, Date |
|---|---|
| 2024 | Friday, September 20 |
| 2025 | Saturday, September 20 |
| 2026 | Sunday, September 20 |
| 2027 | Monday, September 20 |
| 2028 | Wednesday, September 20 |
| 2029 | Thursday, September 20 |
| 2030 | Friday, September 20 |
Looking for more food holidays to celebrate? Visit our Food Days Calendar to see all national food days on one page.
Four Ways to Celebrate National Fried Rice Day
- Make Your Own Fried Rice at Home
Celebrate by whipping up your own fried rice! Start with leftover, day-old rice as it’s less sticky and absorbs flavors better. Stir-fry it with vegetables, proteins like chicken, shrimp, or tofu, and season with soy sauce or sesame oil. Experiment by adding unique ingredients like pineapple for a sweet twist or Sriracha for a spicy kick. This dish allows endless customization, making it a great way to use up leftovers while creating something delicious. - Host a Fried Rice Cook-off
Organize a fried rice cook-off with friends or family. Have everyone prepare their version of the dish using different ingredients or cooking styles, such as Chinese, Thai, or Japanese fried rice. Compare the flavors, techniques, and presentation. It’s a fun way to explore the many cultural variations of fried rice and get creative in the kitchen. You can even vote on the tastiest or most original recipe! - Visit a Local Restaurant for Fried Rice
Take this day as an opportunity to support a local restaurant known for its fried rice. Whether it’s a Chinese, Thai, or Japanese restaurant, order their signature fried rice dish and enjoy the rich, diverse flavors each culture brings to this classic. This is also a great way to sample different styles and discover new favorites. - Share Your Fried Rice Creations Online
Show off your culinary skills by sharing pictures of your homemade fried rice on social media. Use the hashtag #NationalFriedRiceDay to join the conversation and see how others are celebrating. Whether you’re trying a classic recipe or a unique variation, sharing your creations can inspire others to get involved in the festivities!
Before You Go:
We have many more national days lists for you to explore.
- Food-related national days: complete list of national food days, pasta & noodles days, vegan & vegetarian days, mushroom days, ice-cream days, pizza days, coffee days, chocolate days, wine days, alcohol & drinking days.
- Non-food national days: National Days Calendars 2024-2025 (check out the printable calendars in my Etsy shop), National Days for Teachers, and a wide array of special lists such as cat days, dog days, animal days, cleaning & organizing days, book days, music days, family & relationships days, national days for women, stationery days and even Harry Potter days.
- Country-specific national days: Australian national days, more coming soon.
