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National Fried Rice Day

Get ready to enjoy the deliciousness of fried rice on National Fried Rice Day! Celebrate with your friends and family, and try out some new recipes!

Sunday

September 2026

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

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YEARLY DATESeptember 20

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYFood

SUBCATEGORYGlobal Cuisines

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to celebrate National Fried Rice Day on September 20th! This day has been celebrated since at least the 1940s, when fried rice became a popular dish in the United States. It's believed that fried rice originated in ancient China and was brought over by Chinese immigrants. Today, it's enjoyed all around the world with different variations depending on regional ingredients and cooking styles. Let’s get celebrating this delicious dish today!

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.

2 brands have run a deal

Zen Japanese Fine Cuisine

Thai Chili 2go

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TIMELINE

National Fried Rice Day Timeline

Cultivation of Rice

The cultivation of rice began in China around 6000 BC, paving the way for future favorites such as fried rice.

Fried Rice in Ancient China

Fried rice, known as Chao Fan in Chinese, was first prepared as a way to avoid wasting food in ancient China during the Sui Dynasty (580-618 AD).

Arrival of Chinese Immigrants

Chinese immigrants brought their traditions and cuisine, including fried rice, to the United States during the 19th century.

Fried Rice Popularity Rises

Fried rice became a staple in the menus of Chinese-American restaurants, growing in popularity with the rise of Chinese food in the United States post World War II.

Globalized Fried Rice

Various versions of fried rice from different cuisines, such as Thai, Indonesian, and Spanish, became more popular in international cuisine.

National Fried Rice Day Origin

The exact origin of National Fried Rice Day is unknown, but it safely assumed it started to be celebrated somewhere in the United States during the 2010s.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Fried Rice Day

Make your own fried rice

Gather up some cooked rice, eggs, vegetables, and seasonings to make your own fried rice. Add whatever ingredients you like - onions, garlic, carrots, peas, and whatever else sounds good. Fry it all up in a wok for a delicious homemade dish.

Go out for fried rice

From Chinese takeout to the local sushi spot, fried rice can be found in many different restaurants. Check out Yelp for recommendations of places that serve delicious fried rice.

TAKE

Take a cooking class

Search out a local cooking school or even an online course and sign up to learn how to make your own fried rice. You'll learn tips and tricks from the experts on making the perfect fried rice.

HOST

Host a fried rice potluck

Invite your friends over for a fun night filled with delicious food! Ask everyone to bring their favorite recipe for fried rice and have a taste testing competition to see who created the best bowl.

TRY

Try different variations

Fried rice is incredibly versatile - try different types of ingredients, such as adding cheese or bacon, or skipping the egg, or adding some hot sauce for spice. Get creative and experiment with new flavors!

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Fried Rice Day

Fried rice is customizable

The beauty of fried rice is its versatility - you can add whatever ingredients you'd like to give it an extra kick of flavor. Ingredients like veggies, eggs, meat, seafood, sauces, and spices are all great options for adding new dimensions to this classic dish.

Fried rice is tasty

There's no denying that fried rice tastes amazing. It's an easy and convenient dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch or dinner - it's a great way to use up leftover rice and make something new and exciting. Plus, you can add whatever ingredients you like to customize the flavor and make it even tastier!

Fried rice is easy to make

Fried rice isn't just delicious, it's also incredibly easy to make at home. All you need is a few basic ingredients, some high heat oil, and a large skillet. In no time at all you'll have a flavorful dish that's sure to please even the pickiest of eaters!

Related holidays

National Rice Awareness Month

Time to raise awareness and spread the love for rice during National Rice Awareness Month - let's celebrate this versatile grain in all its delicious forms!

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SAT

Aug 2026