- Categories:
- Food & Beverage
- Tags:
- CookingFood
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every September 20
- Holiday emoji:
- 🍚
National Fried Rice Day invites everyone to enjoy their favorite version of this classic dish every September 20. From savory proteins to fresh vegetables, fried rice offers endless customization. Gather your ingredients, fire up the wok, and create a delicious meal to share with loved ones.
Want to sponsor National Fried Rice Day? Learn how
Expected National Fried Rice Day Deals
As National Fried Rice Day approaches, expect many Asian-inspired restaurants and fast-casual chains to roll out special promotions. In past years, establishments like Panda Express have offered discounted bowls or free add-ons, while local Chinese and Thai restaurants often feature limited-time fried rice specials. Look for deals from grocery stores like H-E-B and Kroger on ingredients such as rice, soy sauce, and fresh produce, perfect for making your own at home. Brands like Ben’s Original (formerly Uncle Ben’s) may also run promotions on their rice products. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as September 20 approaches.
Platform Guide for National Fried Rice Day
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #NationalFriedRiceDay. Film a quick recipe tutorial for your favorite fried rice or showcase a ‘fried rice hack’ video.
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalFriedRiceDay. Post mouth-watering photos or Reels of your homemade fried rice creations or your favorite restaurant dish.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalFriedRiceDay. Share your go-to fried rice recipe or ask friends for their top local spots to enjoy it.
National Fried Rice Day Hero
Joyce Chen
History of National Fried Rice Day
Fried rice first appeared in China’s Sui Dynasty and, consequently, all versions of this delicacy have their origins in Chinese fried rice. Fried rice is the national dish of Malaysia and Indonesia and features prominently in South-, Southeast-, and East-Asian cuisines. It is a typical homemade dish with several variations since it can be prepared using ingredients from other dishes.
The first Japanese teppanyaki restaurant, Benihana, started Fried Rice Day in 2018 to celebrate the much-loved meal. For many, fried rice isn’t just a side dish to indulge in, it is a fulfilling meal bursting with flavors to keep your taste buds on the edge. Benihana has served its famous rice for more than 50 years to generations of food lovers across the country. This tasty meal is a beloved dish anywhere in the world.
Hokkien and Yangzhou fried rice are popular varieties of this meal in Greater China. The Japanese have a derivative of the Chinese fried rice called ‘chāhan.’ Southeast Asia boasts similar Malaysian, Singaporean, and Indonesian fried rice variations (‘Thai Khao phat’ and ‘nasi goreng’), which are popular dishes.
Restaurants in the Western world have since invented their own versions of fried rice. Vegetarian menus include specialties such as egg-fried rice. Many American restaurants serving cuisines without the native tradition of a dish also include fried rice in their menus. Several Latin-American varieties of fried rice exist, including Puerto Rico’s ‘arroz mamposteao,’ Peru’s ‘arroz chaufa,’ Cuba’s ‘arroz frito,’ and Ecuador’s ‘chaulafan.’
Today, we celebrate this delicious meal and explore what it means to generations of food lovers all around the globe!
National Fried Rice Day timeline
Fried rice makes its first appearance in China during the Sui Dynasty.
The first Benihana restaurant opens.
Benihana smashes the world record for the longest cooking marathon.
Benihana introduces National Fried Rice Day.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Fried Rice Day
Local restaurants, particularly Asian eateries, can celebrate National Fried Rice Day by offering special discounts or limited-edition fried rice dishes. Consider a ‘build-your-own fried rice’ bar for customers or a ‘chef’s special’ featuring unique ingredients. Grocery stores can highlight ingredients like rice, soy sauce, and fresh vegetables with in-store promotions. Cooking schools or culinary content creators can host online workshops or share new recipes, encouraging home cooks to master the art of fried rice.
National Fried Rice Day FAQs
When is National Fried Rice Day?
National Fried Rice Day 2026 falls on a Sunday, September 20. It’s the perfect weekend opportunity to indulge in this versatile and comforting dish, whether dining out or cooking at home.
How popular is fried rice?
Fried rice is a globally beloved dish, recognized for its adaptability and delicious flavor. It’s a staple in many Asian cuisines and a popular takeout item worldwide, with countless variations reflecting local tastes.
What are the most popular fried rice ingredients?
While variations abound, classic fried rice often includes cooked rice, eggs, soy sauce, garlic, and a mix of vegetables like peas, carrots, and onions. Popular protein additions include chicken, shrimp, pork, or beef.
What is the origin of fried rice?
Fried rice is believed to have originated in China during the Sui Dynasty (589–618 AD), as a way to repurpose leftover rice. It quickly spread across Asia and eventually worldwide, evolving into diverse regional styles.
How to Celebrate National Fried Rice Day
Make a homemade dish or eat out
Make your favorite version of fried rice to enjoy at home. You can also go to a Benihana’s nearby and have a meal with friends and family.
Throw a rice party
Have yourself a party because, why not? Invite your friends over and stuff yourselves with fried rice.
Share your recipe
Share your favorite fried rice recipe or teach someone how to make the dish. Share your meal on your socials with the hashtag #NationalFriedRiceDay.
5 Facts About Fried Rice That Will Blow Your Mind
No leftovers
Fried rice may have been invented as a means of preserving leftover rice according to the Chinese custom of not wasting food.
That’s a lot of rice
Since the restaurant was first established, Benihana has dished out approximately 2,720,350 pounds of rice every year.
Named after a flower
The name ‘Benihana’ is Japanese for ‘red safflower’ and happens to be the name of the coffee shop owned by Hiroaki Aoki’s (Benihana founder) parents in Tokyo.
Humble beginnings
Benihana’s owner, Hiroaki Aoki, was a wrestler on Japan’s wrestling team at the 1960 Olympic Games.
Packing the pounds
The calories in a single serving of fried rice match that of half a cup of ice cream.
Why We Love National Fried Rice Day
Nutritious meal
Fried rice is very accomodating to vegetables as is demonstrated by the inclusion of this variation on many vegetarian menus. It is also a good source of protein.
It is versatile
Fried rice blends effortlessly with many flavors. Whether you’re going for sour, spicy, or sweet, fried rice works just fine.
We love good food
Is there anything better than satisfying that inner craving for good food? Well, if you find out, be sure to let us know.
National Fried Rice Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | September 20 | Sunday |
| 2027 | September 20 | Monday |
| 2028 | September 20 | Wednesday |
| 2029 | September 20 | Thursday |
| 2030 | September 20 | Friday |
Social Media Tips for National Fried Rice Day
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