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Za’atar Day

Cultural food observance on September 23 to celebrate za'atar, a Levantine herb and spice blend central to Middle Eastern cuisine.

Wednesday

September 2026

Last updated February 11, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATESeptember 23

OBSERVED INInternationally

CATEGORYFood

SUBCATEGORYGlobal Cuisines

ORIGIN

Corporate Initiative

FOUNDING ENTITY

Tina Chamoun, Your Lebanon

FIRST OBSERVED

2019

HOW THE HOLIDAY CAME TO BE

Tina Chamoun, founder of the culinary platform Your Lebanon, established this observance in 2019 to promote the Levantine herb and connect the global community through shared recipes.

View Official Announcementvia yourlebanon.com

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to spice up your day with Za'atar on September 23, also known as Za'atar Day! This flavorful herb and spice blend has been a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine for centuries, with its origins dating back to ancient Egypt. Made from a combination of dried herbs like thyme, oregano, and marjoram, along with sumac and sesame seeds, za'atar adds a unique and delicious flavor to dishes. Whether you sprinkle it on hummus, use it as a seasoning for meats or vegetables, or mix it into olive oil for dipping bread, za'atar is a versatile ingredient that deserves its own special day of celebration. So let's get creative in the kitchen and honor this tasty tradition!

TIMELINE

Za’atar Day Timeline

Za'atar In Ancient Egypt

Earliest records of using za'atar spice blend date back to Ancient Egypt, found in recipes painted on tomb walls.

Medicinal Uses

Za'atar was frequently used for its medicinal properties during the Middle Ages, typically for its antiseptic and antimicrobial qualities.

Post-War Popularity Surge

As Middle Eastern immigrants settled in different parts of the world post World War II, they introduced za'atar to new cultures, increasing its popularity.

Culinary World Embraces Za'atar

Renown Chefs started embracing za'atar in their recipes, increasing awareness and preference for this spice blend in a global scale.

Za'atar Enters Superfood List

During the 2010s, za'atar was recognized as a superfood for its health benefits, including improving skin health and increasing bone strength.

First Za'atar Day

The first Za'atar Day was celebrated acknowledging the important role this spice blend plays in global cuisines.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Za’atar Day

Create your own Za'atar blend

Experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique blend of Za'atar. You can use it to season meats, vegetables, or even as a dip for bread.

HAVE

Have a Za'atar-themed dinner party

Invite friends over for a Za'atar-themed dinner party. Serve dishes that incorporate Za'atar, such as Za'atar crusted chicken or roasted vegetables with Za'atar seasoning.

LEARN

Learn about the history of Za'atar

Take some time to research the origins and cultural significance of Za'atar. Share your findings with others and have a discussion about how this spice is used in different cultures.

TRY

Try new Za'atar recipes

Challenge yourself to try new recipes that use Za'atar in unique ways. You might discover a new favorite dish or a new way to incorporate this delicious spice into your cooking.

ORGANIZE

Organize a Za'atar tasting event

Gather some friends or family members and have a Za'atar tasting event. Compare different brands and blends of Za'atar and discuss the flavors and differences between them.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love Za’atar Day

It has health benefits

Aside from its delicious taste, Za'atar also has potential health benefits. The herbs and spices in its blend are rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it a great addition to any diet.

Za'atar is a delicious spice blend

Za'atar, a popular Middle Eastern spice mix, is known for its distinct and savory flavor. It often contains a combination of ingredients like thyme, oregano, sesame seeds, and sumac - giving dishes a unique and tasty twist.

It's versatile in the kitchen

Za'atar can be used in a variety of ways - as a dry rub on meats, sprinkled over hummus or dips, or mixed with olive oil as a marinade. Its versatility makes it a go-to spice for many chefs and home cooks alike!