- Categories:
- Food & Beverage
- Tags:
- Comfort FoodCulturalFood
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every August 22
- Holiday emoji:
- 🥟
National Bao Day steams into action every August 22, inviting everyone to indulge in the delightful world of bao. These fluffy, savory, or sweet buns are a staple of Asian cuisine, offering a taste of comfort and culinary tradition. Explore new fillings, visit your favorite dim sum spot, or try making them at home!
Want to sponsor National Bao Day? Learn how
Expected National Bao Day Deals
As National Bao Day approaches, expect a flurry of delicious deals from Asian eateries and food brands. In 2026, look for special promotions from chains like Panda Express, which might offer discounts on their limited-time bao options, or local dim sum restaurants such as Din Tai Fung and Tim Ho Wan. Grocery stores like H Mart and Trader Joe’s often feature sales on frozen bao packs. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as August 22 approaches.
Platform Guide for National Bao Day
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #NationalBaoDay. Film a ‘what’s in my bao’ challenge or a bao-making tutorial.
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalBaoDay. Share mouth-watering photos of your favorite bao or a reel of your bao-hopping adventure.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalBaoDay. Share your favorite local bao spot or host a virtual bao tasting with friends.
National Bao Day Hero
Wang Mang
History of National Bao Day
The bao or ‘baozi’ is a kind of dumpling that originated in China. It is safe to say that baozi evolved from the word ‘mantou,’ which was used as an all-inclusive expression for buns.
The beginnings of ‘mantou’ are largely tied to the military leader Zhuge Liang, who is believed to have invented the buns. Bao later came to become the word used for filled buns, while ‘mantou’ remained the word for unfilled buns.
Bao takes root in Asia first, then spreads to other regions of the globe. Since 2003, when Wow Boa established their first restaurant in Chicago, baozi has grown in prominence in the United States. Since then, bao has captivated a large number of people. It has a wide range of filling options, making it appealing to a wide range of people.
Wow Bao has over 200 locations across the United States. They provide both physical and virtual services, allowing them to reach a wider audience. Wow Bao, by the way, was the one who started National Bao Day.
People have turned to the holiday as a reason to satisfy their appetites for the delectable bao. The rich Chinese tradition behind the popular dumpling is celebrated on National Bao Day.
We test out the many different fillings available with a sense of excitement and discovery. Even if we only ate different bao tastes and fillings, it’s unlikely that we’d never become bored.
Even vegetarians who prefer not to consume meat can enjoy the variety of fillings. Similarly, when it comes to bao, you have a plethora of healthful options.
National Bao Day timeline
The evolution of bao dates back to this time period.
The term ‘baozi’ becomes the main expression for filled buns.
The first Wow Bao Restaurant opens in Chicago, making the bao a popular food.
Wow Bao pushes for a holiday to celebrate the popularity of bao and National Boa Day is established.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Bao Day
Local eateries, especially Asian restaurants and dim sum spots, can host special bao tasting menus or offer discounts on their most popular bao varieties. Food trucks specializing in fusion cuisine can create unique bao sliders. Grocery stores can set up displays featuring bao ingredients and ready-to-heat options, encouraging home cooking. Consider partnering with local food bloggers for promotional campaigns.
National Bao Day FAQs
When is National Bao Day?
National Bao Day 2026 falls on Saturday, August 22. It’s the perfect weekend opportunity to explore the delicious world of steamed buns, whether at a restaurant or in your own kitchen.
What are the most popular bao fillings?
Bao come with a vast array of fillings, but some of the most popular include char siu (BBQ pork), minced pork with vegetables, and sweet red bean paste. Savory options often feature a mix of meat and finely chopped vegetables seasoned with soy sauce and ginger.
How many types of bao are there?
While countless regional variations exist, bao generally fall into two main categories: baozi (with filling) and mantou (without filling). Within baozi, there are subcategories like daibao (large, savory) and xiaobao (small, often soup-filled like xiaolongbao).
What is the difference between bao and dumplings?
While both are delicious, bao are typically made with a leavened, bread-like dough, giving them a soft, fluffy texture similar to a bun. Dumplings, on the other hand, are usually made with a thinner, unleavened wrapper and are often boiled, pan-fried, or steamed to a chewier consistency.
National Bao Day Activities
Visit your favorite restaurant
Go to your local restaurant and enjoy one or two — or maybe three different flavors of bao.
Make your own bao
Invite your friends over, and watch the tutorials on the internet. Then, make your own bao, and as many dumplings as you can.
Learn more about other cultures
There's always the possibility of discovering new joys along the route.
5 Fun Facts About Bao
Dumpling with several fillings
With bao, there is a wide range of flavors and fillings.
It is more than a snack
Because they are so nutritious, 'baozis' are eaten as a whole meal
There's a vegan choice
It is easy to get and make your own vegan-themed bao.
These dumplings are carefully made
It is a matter of honor to be able to make a good bao.
Wow Bao’ made bao popular
Wow bao has more than 200 restaurants across the U.S.
Why We Love National Bao Day
Bao is fun to make
Trying to create your own bao is an adventure. But it's also a lot of fun and satisfying.
Different types of fillings
We won't mind three different baos for the day. With different fillings each time, there's always the appetite.
Enjoy a good time
On National Bao Day, we can have a good time with our families and also go to a restaurant and enjoy the holiday.
Social Media Tips for National Bao Day
Individuals
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