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National Bao Day

Celebrate National Bao Day with delicious baos of all shapes and sizes - savory, sweet, and even gluten-free options are available!

Saturday

August 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEAugust 22

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYFood

SUBCATEGORYGlobal Cuisines

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to celebrate National Bao Day on August 22nd! This popular Asian dish has been around for centuries and is enjoyed all over the world. The traditional bao is made with steamed dough filled with pork, mushrooms, and other ingredients. It can also come in a variety of flavors such as sweet red bean paste or savory teriyaki beef. There are even vegan options available today so everyone can enjoy this delicious meal!

DEALS & OFFERS

Past offers

No active deals yet — here’s who’s celebrated before.

Nothing yet for 2026

Brands typically announce offers a week before the date. Check back closer to the day.

3 brands have run a deal

Bōru Asian Eatery

Fat Bao

Southside Dumpling Haus

See past offers

TIMELINE

National Bao Day Timeline

Origin of Bao

The bao, a type of filled bun or bread-like dumpling, originated in China during the 1800s, becoming a popular staple food.

Bao Spreads Across Asia

Bao made its way across Asia, with various countries and regions adopting different variants like the Japanese "Nikuman" and the Filipino "Siopao".

Bao Travels to America

Chinese immigrants brought bao to the United States, introducing the tasty filled buns to a brand new audience.

Rise of Bao in Pop Culture

The Taiwanese version of bao, called Gua bao, gained popularity in Western food scene. This was also the year when bao was mentioned in the movie "Kung Fu Panda".

Bao Goes Mainstream

Fast food chains started to add baos in their menu, increasing its visibility and acceptance outside of Asian communities.

Disney's Bao

Pixar released a short film "Bao", showcasing a touching story centered around a Chinese-Canadian mother and her bao dumpling son.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Bao Day

Try a new bao recipe

Make your own bao with a unique recipe. Try adding a twist to the classic bao recipes by substituting the filling or changing up the shape. Have fun exploring different flavors and textures.

Go out for bao

Treat yourself to some delicious bao from a local restaurant. Ask your friends or search online for the best spots to get some of the best bao in town.

BAKE

Bake your own bao

Making your own bao is easier than you think. Find a simple recipe, gather all the ingredients, and get baking! This is a great way to practice your skills in the kitchen and have something delicious to show for it.

HOST

Host a bao party

Invite some friends over and celebrate National Bao Day together. You can make different kinds of baos, or buy them from a local restaurant and serve them with other sides like salads or noodles.

ORGANIZE

Organize a potluck

Gather all of your friends and family that love baos and organize a potluck dinner to celebrate National Bao Day. Ask everyone to bring their favorite dish with baos as the star ingredient.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Bao Day

Bao supports small businesses & entrepreneurs

When you celebrate National Bao Day by purchasing bao from local Asian restaurants and food stalls, you are supporting small business owners and entrepreneurs in your community who might not otherwise be able to find success. Plus, you know that your money is going towards making someone's dreams come true!

Bao is delicious

Bao, or Chinese steamed buns, are surprisingly tasty. Filled with savory meats, vegetables, and sauces for texture and flavor, these fluffy little baos make the perfect snack or light meal. Plus, they're easy to eat on the go!

Bao is versatile

You don't just have to have bao as a snack - you can use them for sandwiches, rice bowls, stir fries or anything else you can think of! The possibilities are practically endless when it comes to this tasty treat.