- Categories:
- Food & Beverage
- Tags:
- Comfort FoodCookingFrench
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every November 18
- Holiday emoji:
- 🥣
National Vichyssoise Day arrives every November 18, inviting us to appreciate the classic French-American soup. This hearty blend of pureed leeks, onions, potatoes, cream, and chicken stock is a culinary delight. Explore new recipes, perfect your pronunciation, and share your favorite serving style.
Want to sponsor National Vichyssoise Day? Learn how
Expected National Vichyssoise Day Deals
While we wait for official 2027 promotions to drop, history shows that National Vichyssoise Day often inspires special menus at French bistros and upscale restaurants. Look for deals on gourmet ingredients at stores like Whole Foods Market and Trader Joe’s. Specialty food retailers such as Zabar’s or Fairway Market might offer discounts on leeks, potatoes, and high-quality broths. Online meal kit services like HelloFresh or Blue Apron could feature vichyssoise recipes. Even cookware brands like Le Creuset or Cuisinart might run promotions on blenders or soup pots. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as November 18 approaches.
Platform Guide for National Vichyssoise Day
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalVichyssoiseDay. Share elegant photos of your homemade vichyssoise, whether served chilled in a glass or warm in a bowl.
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #VichyssoiseDay. Film a quick recipe tutorial, a taste test, or a ‘pronounce this French word’ challenge with friends.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #Vichyssoise. Share your family’s favorite soup recipes or ask for tips on making the perfect batch.
National Vichyssoise Day Hero
Louis Diat
History of National Vichyssoise Day
In 19th-century France, soup recipes made using pureed leeks and potatoes were common. French cookbooks from those times called these soups ‘Potage Parmentier’ or ‘Potage à la Parmentier’ named after the French nutritionist and scholar Antoine-Augustin Parmentier, who helped pioneer the use of potatoes in 18th century France. These soup recipes were similar to the Vichyssoise soup.
Culinary historians haven’t been able to pinpoint one clear origin of this soup. One narrative of its history dates back to King Louis XV of France who, in his fear of being poisoned, asked his servants to taste a potato leek soup he had been served, and by the time he started eating it, it had gone cold. Julia Child offered another narrative and called it “an American invention.” Her version claims that in 1917, a French chef at the Ritz-Carlton in New York City called Louis Diat, who grew up in a small town called Vichy in France, adapted his mother and grandmother’s potato and leek soup recipe, which led to the birth of Vichyssoise. Diat’s interview in 1950 in the “New Yorker” magazine confirmed this story.
The New Yorker article also mentioned that the soup derived its name from the town, Vichy, and was called ‘Crème Vichyssoise Glacée.’ A hot version of the same soup prepared by the French chef Jules Gouffé also existed in a cookbook in 1869.
National Vichyssoise Day timeline
Soup recipes using pureed leeks and potatoes are common and even seen in French cookbooks from that time.
The French chef Jules Gouffé’s recipe is a hot soup that resembles the Vichyssoise soup.
French chef Louis Diat adapts his family’s potato and leek soup recipe and makes the soup for the first time in America at the Ritz-Carlton.
The magazine publishes an interview with Louis Diat where he talks about his family recipe and how the soup is named after his hometown, Vichy.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Vichyssoise Day
Local restaurants and bistros can create special menus featuring vichyssoise, offering both traditional chilled and warm variations. Gourmet food shops can highlight ingredients like fresh leeks, quality potatoes, and specialty creams with recipe cards. Cooking schools might host workshops on French soup techniques, demonstrating how to achieve the perfect velvety texture. Even caterers could offer vichyssoise as a sophisticated appetizer for corporate events or private parties.
National Vichyssoise Day FAQs
When is National Vichyssoise Day?
National Vichyssoise Day 2026 falls on Wednesday, November 18, inviting soup lovers to indulge in this classic dish. It’s a perfect mid-week treat to warm up or cool down, depending on your preference.
What are the key ingredients in vichyssoise?
The classic vichyssoise recipe for 2026 typically features pureed leeks, onions, potatoes, chicken stock, and heavy cream. These simple ingredients combine to create its signature rich and velvety texture.
How popular is vichyssoise?
While not as ubiquitous as tomato soup, vichyssoise enjoys a dedicated following among culinary enthusiasts in 2026. Its elegant reputation makes it a staple in fine dining and a beloved dish for home cooks seeking a sophisticated flavor.
Is vichyssoise served hot or cold?
Traditionally, vichyssoise is served chilled, making it a refreshing soup for warmer weather. However, in 2026, many enjoy it warm, especially during colder months, proving its versatility as a comfort food.
How To Celebrate National Vichyssoise Day
Make your own Vichyssoise soup
Get in that DIY spirit this National Vichyssoise Day, locate the recipe in a cookbook or on the internet and make it for yourself and your loved ones.
Post pictures on social media
Never lose an opportunity to show off your cooking skills to your followers. Prepare the soup and upload a picture of it on Instagram to get some mouths drooling.
Have a family dinner
Use this day to reconnect with your family and go out for dinner. Order the Vichyssoise at your local restaurant for a hearty and wholesome dinner.
5 Facts About Vichyssoise
Anthony Bourdain was a Vichyssoise fan
The famous chef, Anthony Bourdain, listed the soup as one of his favorite foods and included the recipe in his first cookbook, “Kitchen Confidential.”
Vichyssoise’s cameo appearance in Batman
In Batman Returns, Bruce Wayne tries the soup and exclaims, “It’s cold!” to Alfred, his butler, and Alfred confirms by saying that “It’s supposed to be cold.”
Different versions
If potatoes and leeks aren’t for you, why not try a different version like Cauliflower Vichyssoise, Avocado Vichyssoise, or Carrot-Ginger Vichyssoise.
Vichyssoise is a summer soup
Louis Diat’s family had the soup to soothe the summer heat by pouring in cold milk to lower the soup’s temperature.
Vichyssoise soup is healthy
The soup is rich in fiber, Vitamin C, proteins, and Calcium.
Why We Celebrate National Vichyssoise Day
It’s a hearty meal
The soup makes for a good meal since it is very filling and wholesome. It’s also a day to remind ourselves to eat well.
To appreciate different kinds of cuisine
Many people who don’t know about this soup will learn about it thanks to this day. It allows us to be thankful for the delicious varieties that our cuisines have to offer.
It makes people happy
A happy tummy is a happy soul. Eating yummy dishes is good for our mental health and wellbeing.
National Vichyssoise Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | November 18 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | November 18 | Thursday |
| 2028 | November 18 | Saturday |
| 2029 | November 18 | Sunday |
| 2030 | November 18 | Monday |
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