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National Tartar Sauce Day

Dive into a zesty celebration for National Tartar Sauce Day! Add an extra tang to your fish and chips, and discover the magic of this classic condiment.

Friday

February 2027

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

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YEARLY DATEFriday after Ash Wednesday (Western Easter − 44)

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYFood

SUBCATEGORYSide Dishes

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Who's ready to spice up their dishes? On February 16, we indulge in the creamy goodness that is tartar sauce during National Tartar Sauce Day! First concocted by the French in the Middle Ages, tartar sauce has added that much-needed zing to dishes for hundreds of years. A robust blend of mayonnaise, pickles, lemon juice, and herbs, it's a classic addition served alongside seafood -- think fish and chips! But why stop there? It's so versatile, it also makes a tasty spread for sandwiches. So join us as we pay homage to this tangy delight, and let's get dipping!

TIMELINE

National Tartar Sauce Day Timeline

Creation of Tartare Sauce

In the Middle Ages, the French invent a condiment inspired by the Tartar people's love for raw foods and it becomes known as tartare sauce.

Tartar Sauce in Cookbooks

The first written mention of tartar sauce occurs in 19th-century cookbooks, marking its popularity in gourmet cooking.

Tartar Sauce Meets Fast Food

Fast food franchises begin to include tartar sauce in their menus, notably as the key ingredient in the McDonald's Filet-O-Fish sandwich.

Packaged Tartar Sauce

Packaged variations of tartar sauce become available in supermarkets, making it easier for families to enjoy this condiment at home.

National Tartar Sauce Day Initiation

The first celebration of National Tartar Sauce Day is held on February 16th, encouraging people across the United States to enjoy this classic condiment.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Tartar Sauce Day

Host a fish and chips night

Celebrate tartar sauce in its most traditional pairing: fish and chips. Whip up some homemade fish and chips, don't forget the tartar sauce, and invite some friends over to share the deliciousness!

CREATE

Create your own tartar sauce

Why not whip up your own batch of tartar sauce? All you need is mayonnaise, pickles, lemon juice, and herbs. Try adding some of your own flare with ingredients like capers, dill, or horse radish. Then test it out on your favorite seafood or sandwich.

HAVE

Have a tartar sauce tasting party

Have your friends each bring a jar of different brand of tartar sauce and do a blind taste test. Rate each sauce on flavor, texture and finishing note.

EXPERIMENT

Experiment with tartar sauce recipes

Try using tartar sauce as a condiment in non-seafood dishes. Maybe it could add some zing to a burger or become a new dip for your chicken wings. The possibilities are endless!

VISIT

Visit a seafood restaurant

Celebrate National Tartar Sauce Day by hitting your favorite seafood spot and ordering anything that comes with tartar sauce on the side. Remember, extra tartar sauce is never a bad thing on this day!

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Tartar Sauce Day

Tartar Sauce brings people together

Whether you are hosting a "fish and chips" night, or organizing a tartar sauce tasting party, this condiment brings people together, creating fun and memorable experiences. And on National Tartar Sauce Day, it's all about sharing and enjoying this tangy delight with friends and family.

Tartar Sauce Adds Flavor to Any Dish

Tartar sauce is a marvelous condiment that adds an exciting zing to many meals. It's famously coupled with fish and chips, but it also transforms sandwiches, seafood dishes, and even chicken wings into a taste sensation. National Tartar Sauce Day is all about appreciating its versatility!

Making tartar sauce is Fun and Easy

Why buy tartar sauce when making it yourself is simple and fun? You only need a few ingredients such as mayo, pickles, lemon juice, and herbs to whip up your own batch. Plus, National Tartar Sauce Day is the perfect excuse to get creative and customize your sauce with unique additions like capers, dill, or horse radish.

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