Last updated: June 10, 2026
Quick Answer: June 10 National Egg Roll Day is an annual food holiday celebrated every June 10 in the United States. It was established by Van’s Kitchen, a Dallas-based egg roll manufacturer, in 2019 to honor the egg roll’s place in American food culture and highlight immigrant entrepreneurship. In 2026, the holiday falls on a Wednesday and is observed by home cooks, restaurants, and food enthusiasts nationwide. [1][3]
Key Takeaways
- June 10 National Egg Roll Day falls on June 10 every year and was founded in 2019 by Van’s Kitchen.
- The holiday is semi-official, recognized by major national day calendars but not a federal observance.
- Egg rolls are a distinctly American-Chinese creation, not a direct import from China.
- An egg roll differs from a spring roll primarily in its thick, wheat-based wrapper and deep-fried preparation.
- Lumpia (Filipino) and spring rolls (Vietnamese/Chinese) are close relatives but are not the same as an American egg roll.
- A standard restaurant egg roll contains roughly 200 to 250 calories, depending on size and filling.
- The best ways to celebrate include making egg rolls at home, ordering from a local Chinese-American restaurant, or hosting a dipping-sauce tasting party.
- Van’s Kitchen has used the holiday to run charity campaigns tied to June promotions.
- The most common mistake when making egg rolls at home is overfilling the wrapper, which causes splitting during frying.
- Vegetarian egg rolls are widely available and easy to make with cabbage, carrots, mushrooms, and tofu.
What Is National Egg Roll Day?
National Egg Roll Day is an annual American food holiday that celebrates the egg roll, one of the most recognized appetizers in Chinese-American cuisine. It is observed every June 10 and serves as both a culinary celebration and a nod to the immigrant communities whose cooking shaped American food culture. [3][8]
The holiday encourages people to eat, make, and share egg rolls in any form, whether from a restaurant, a food truck, or a home kitchen. It also draws attention to small food businesses, particularly those with immigrant roots.
When Did National Egg Roll Day Start and Why Is June 10 National Egg Roll Day?
National Egg Roll Day was founded in 2019 by Van’s Kitchen, a family-owned egg roll company based in Dallas, Texas. The company chose June 10 as the official date, and the holiday has been listed on major national day calendars ever since. [3][6]
Van’s Kitchen established the holiday to celebrate both the food itself and the broader story of immigrant entrepreneurship in America. The company, which was founded by a Vietnamese-American family, has used the date to run promotional campaigns and, in some years, charitable giving tied to food-related causes. [4]
The June 10 date does not correspond to a specific historical event in egg roll history. It was selected by the founding company as a fixed, memorable annual date during a month with relatively few major food holidays, giving it room to stand out on the calendar.
“National Egg Roll Day on June 10 is a celebration of food, culture, and the entrepreneurial spirit that has shaped American cuisine.”
Are Egg Rolls Actually Chinese or American?
Egg rolls are primarily an American invention, not a direct Chinese import. The thick, wheat-flour wrapper and deep-fried cooking method are hallmarks of Chinese-American restaurant cooking, developed in the United States during the early to mid-20th century. [8]
Traditional Chinese cuisine does have wrapped and fried rolls, but they differ significantly in wrapper texture, filling, and preparation. The American egg roll evolved as Chinese immigrants adapted their cooking to local ingredients and customer preferences. The result was a new dish, one that became a staple of Chinese-American takeout menus across the country.
This makes June 10 National Egg Roll Day not just a food celebration but also a recognition of culinary fusion and immigrant creativity.
If you enjoy exploring the cultural roots of food holidays, the April 9 National Chinese Almond Cookie Day guide covers another beloved Chinese-American food tradition.
Egg Roll vs. Spring Roll vs. Lumpia: What Is the Difference?
The egg roll, spring roll, and lumpia are related but distinct foods. Understanding the differences helps clarify what makes the American egg roll unique.
| Item | Wrapper | Filling | Cooking Method | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Egg Roll | Thick wheat flour, bubbly texture | Pork, cabbage, bean sprouts | Deep-fried | Chinese-American |
| Spring Roll | Thin rice paper or wheat | Vegetables, shrimp, herbs | Fresh or lightly fried | Chinese/Vietnamese |
| Lumpia | Very thin crepe-like wrapper | Pork, vegetables, sometimes sweet | Fried or fresh | Filipino |
The key distinction: an egg roll uses a thick, wheat-based wrapper that blisters and bubbles when fried, creating a chewy exterior. Spring rolls use thinner wrappers and are often lighter. Lumpia, the Filipino version, uses an even thinner crepe-style wrapper and can be sweet or savory.
Choose an egg roll if you want that classic, crunchy, satisfying bite. Choose a spring roll if you prefer a lighter, fresher option. Choose lumpia if you want a thinner, crispier roll with Filipino flavors.
How to Celebrate June 10 National Egg Roll Day
Celebrating June 10 National Egg Roll Day is straightforward and works for any budget or skill level. The most popular ways to mark the day are eating egg rolls from a restaurant, making them at home, or hosting a small gathering centered on egg roll variations.
Practical ways to celebrate:
- Order egg rolls from a local Chinese-American restaurant or takeout spot as your main or side dish.
- Host an egg roll tasting with friends, comparing pork, shrimp, vegetable, and fusion varieties.
- Make a batch of homemade egg rolls using the recipe steps in the next section.
- Try a regional variation, such as a Kolkata-style egg roll (a paratha wrap with egg and fillings, popular in India) or a Filipino lumpia.
- Share photos on social media using the hashtag #NationalEggRollDay to join the broader conversation.
- Support a local immigrant-owned restaurant, which aligns with the holiday’s founding spirit.
Van’s Kitchen has also used June 10 to run charity campaigns in past years, so checking their website around the date may reveal promotional or giving opportunities. [4]
For fans of other savory food holidays, the March 17 National Corn Dog Day and National Sloppy Joe Day on March 18 offer similar celebration ideas for fried and handheld American foods.
How to Make Crispy Egg Rolls at Home: Best Egg Roll Recipes for National Egg Roll Day
Making crispy egg rolls at home is achievable with standard pantry ingredients and a few technique tips. The classic pork and cabbage filling is the most popular starting point.
Classic Pork and Cabbage Egg Rolls (makes 12)
Ingredients:
- 12 egg roll wrappers (found in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores)
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 egg, beaten (for sealing)
- Vegetable oil for frying
Steps:
- Cook ground pork in a skillet over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
- Add garlic, cabbage, and carrots. Stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until vegetables are slightly softened but still have texture.
- Add soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions. Stir to combine. Remove from heat and let the filling cool completely before wrapping.
- Lay one egg roll wrapper flat in a diamond orientation. Place 2 to 3 tablespoons of filling in the lower third.
- Fold the bottom corner up over the filling, fold in the sides, then roll tightly toward the top corner. Seal the edge with beaten egg.
- Heat 2 to 3 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy pot to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 Celsius).
- Fry egg rolls in batches of 3 to 4 for 3 to 4 minutes, turning once, until deep golden brown.
- Drain on a wire rack, not paper towels, to keep the bottom crispy.
Serve with: duck sauce, sweet chili sauce, or soy-ginger dipping sauce.
Common Mistakes When Making Egg Rolls
The most common mistake when making egg rolls is overfilling the wrapper. Too much filling prevents a tight seal, causes the roll to burst during frying, and results in a soggy exterior. Use no more than 3 tablespoons of filling per wrapper.
Other mistakes to avoid:
- Using warm filling: Hot or warm filling creates steam inside the wrapper, making it soggy. Always cool the filling completely before wrapping.
- Frying at the wrong temperature: Oil below 340 degrees Fahrenheit absorbs into the wrapper. Oil above 375 degrees browns the outside before the wrapper is fully cooked. Use a thermometer.
- Sealing poorly: A loose seal opens during frying. Use egg wash and press firmly on the seam before placing the roll in oil, seam-side down.
- Crowding the pan: Frying too many at once drops the oil temperature and leads to greasy egg rolls. Fry in small batches.
- Skipping the wire rack: Draining on paper towels traps steam under the egg roll and softens the bottom crust.
Vegetarian Egg Roll Recipes and Options
Vegetarian egg rolls are just as satisfying as meat-filled versions and are easy to adapt from the classic recipe. Simply replace the pork with a combination of firm tofu, shiitake mushrooms, or extra vegetables.
Best vegetarian fillings for egg rolls:
- Shredded cabbage, carrots, and bean sprouts with garlic and ginger
- Crumbled firm tofu with soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions
- Shiitake mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and water chestnuts for a meaty texture
- Glass noodles (mung bean vermicelli) with vegetables for a heartier bite
The wrapping and frying technique is identical to the classic recipe. Vegetarian egg rolls tend to cook slightly faster since there is no meat to worry about, so check for doneness at the 2.5-minute mark.
Most Chinese-American restaurants offer vegetable egg rolls on their menus, making them an easy restaurant option for vegetarians on June 10. For more vegetable-forward food holiday ideas, the February 17 National Cabbage Day guide covers cabbage-centric recipes that pair well with egg roll fillings.
Egg Roll Nutrition Facts and Calories
A standard restaurant-style egg roll contains approximately 200 to 250 calories per roll, depending on size and filling. Most of those calories come from the fried wrapper and the oil absorbed during cooking.
Typical nutrition for one medium pork egg roll (approx. 85g):
- Calories: 220
- Total fat: 11g
- Saturated fat: 2.5g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Protein: 7g
- Sodium: 410mg
These figures are estimates based on commonly cited nutritional data for Chinese-American restaurant egg rolls and may vary by recipe and restaurant. Baked or air-fried egg rolls can reduce fat content by roughly 30 to 40 percent compared to deep-fried versions, though the wrapper texture will be less bubbly and chewy.
Vegetable egg rolls are generally slightly lower in calories (around 170 to 200 per roll) due to the absence of pork fat.
Where to Get Egg Rolls on June 10
The easiest place to find egg rolls on June 10 National Egg Roll Day is any Chinese-American restaurant or takeout spot. Most carry egg rolls as a standard menu item, and some may run June 10 promotions.
Where to look:
- Local Chinese-American restaurants: The most authentic option. Search “egg rolls near me” or check delivery apps like DoorDash or Uber Eats.
- Grocery store frozen section: Brands like Van’s Kitchen, Pagoda, and Feel Good Foods offer frozen egg rolls for home preparation.
- Asian grocery stores: Often carry fresh or frozen egg rolls with more variety than mainstream supermarkets.
- Food trucks and Asian fusion spots: Many offer creative egg roll variations, including dessert egg rolls filled with cream cheese and fruit.
Van’s Kitchen, as the founder of the holiday, is a natural starting point for both purchasing egg rolls and learning about June 10 promotions. [4]
For fans of appetizer-style foods, the April 8 National Empanada Day guide covers another beloved stuffed-and-fried food with a similarly rich cultural history.
Conclusion
June 10 National Egg Roll Day is a well-placed food holiday that does more than celebrate a popular appetizer. It honors the Chinese-American culinary tradition, recognizes immigrant entrepreneurship, and gives home cooks a concrete reason to try making egg rolls from scratch.
Actionable next steps for 2026:
- Mark June 10 on your calendar and plan whether you will cook at home or order out.
- If cooking, prepare your filling the night before so it is fully cooled by frying time.
- Try at least one variation, whether vegetarian, shrimp, or a fusion filling, to expand beyond the classic pork version.
- Support a local immigrant-owned restaurant if you choose to dine out.
- Share the experience on social media with #NationalEggRollDay to connect with other food enthusiasts.
The holiday is simple to observe, the food is universally approachable, and the cultural story behind it is worth knowing. Whether this is the first time you have heard of June 10 National Egg Roll Day or you have celebrated it for years, 2026 is a good year to make it a tradition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What day is National Egg Roll Day? National Egg Roll Day is celebrated on June 10 every year. In 2026, it falls on a Wednesday.
Who created National Egg Roll Day? Van’s Kitchen, a Vietnamese-American family-owned egg roll company based in Dallas, Texas, founded the holiday in 2019. [3][4]
Is National Egg Roll Day an official holiday? It is a semi-official food holiday. It is recognized by major national day calendars but is not a federal or government-designated observance. [6][7]
What is the difference between an egg roll and a spring roll? An egg roll uses a thick wheat-flour wrapper that becomes bubbly and chewy when deep-fried. A spring roll uses a thinner wrapper and is often lighter or served fresh. The fillings also differ, with egg rolls typically containing pork and cabbage.
Are egg rolls Chinese? The American egg roll is a Chinese-American creation, not a dish imported directly from China. It evolved in the United States as Chinese immigrants adapted their cooking to local ingredients and tastes.
How many calories are in an egg roll? A standard restaurant egg roll contains roughly 200 to 250 calories, depending on size and filling. Vegetarian versions tend to be slightly lower, around 170 to 200 calories.
Can egg rolls be baked instead of fried? Yes. Brush egg rolls lightly with oil and bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 to 20 minutes, turning once. The result is less bubbly and chewy than deep-fried but significantly lower in fat.
What dipping sauces go with egg rolls? Duck sauce, sweet chili sauce, soy-ginger sauce, and hot mustard are the most popular pairings for egg rolls in American Chinese restaurants.
What is lumpia and how does it differ from an egg roll? Lumpia is a Filipino wrapped roll made with a very thin crepe-style wrapper. It is smaller and crispier than an American egg roll and can be sweet or savory. The two are related but are distinct dishes from different culinary traditions.
Can egg rolls be made ahead of time? Yes. Assembled, unfried egg rolls can be refrigerated for up to 4 hours or frozen for up to 2 months. Fry directly from frozen, adding 1 to 2 minutes to the cooking time.
Where can I buy Van’s Kitchen egg rolls? Van’s Kitchen egg rolls are available in many grocery store frozen sections across the United States. Their website also provides a store locator. [4]
References
[1] National Egg Roll Day – https://www.awarenessdays.com/awareness-days-calendar/national-egg-roll-day/ [2] dayspedia – https://dayspedia.com/us/calendar/holiday/1484/?lang=es [3] National Egg Roll Day – https://nationaltoday.com/national-egg-roll-day/ [4] Nerd – https://www.vanskitchen.com/nerd/ [5] anydayguide – https://anydayguide.com/calendar/4576 [6] National Egg Roll Day – https://www.checkiday.com/d6ad01c41f3a5e3eb6517fbf1b131318/national-egg-roll-day [7] National Egg Roll Day – https://www.holidaycalendar.io/holiday/national-egg-roll-day [8] National Egg Roll Day – https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/national-egg-roll-day/