Last updated: September 26, 2026
Quick Answer: September 26 Dumpling Day, officially known as National Dumpling Day, is an annual food holiday observed every year on September 26 in the United States and increasingly recognized worldwide. It was created in 2015 by TMI Food Group, an Asian food company, which worked with National Day Calendar to establish the date. In 2026, the holiday falls on a Saturday, making it one of the best years yet to cook, share, and eat dumplings with friends and family.
Key Takeaways
- September 26 is National Dumpling Day, observed annually in the U.S. and growing in global recognition.
- The holiday was founded in 2015 by TMI Food Group in Brooklyn, New York, in partnership with National Day Calendar.
- A 2019 entry in the U.S. Congressional Record formally acknowledged National Dumpling Day, giving it unusual official recognition for a food holiday.
- Dumplings are defined as small pieces of dough wrapped around fillings such as meat, vegetables, fish, or sweets, then steamed, boiled, simmered, or fried.
- In 2026, the holiday falls on Saturday, September 26, an ideal day for home cooking and restaurant visits.
- Celebrations span home cooking, restaurant specials, social media sharing with #NationalDumplingDay, and community events.
- The holiday now extends beyond the U.S., with New Zealand running the Great New Zealand Dumpling Trail tied to the September 26 date.
- Restaurants in cities like Chicago promote special dumpling menus, dim sum, and delivery deals specifically for this day.
- Dumplings can be made ahead and frozen, making the holiday accessible even for busy home cooks.
- The day is a consumer-focused observance, not a public holiday, so businesses and schools remain open.
What Is September 26 Dumpling Day?
National Dumpling Day on September 26 is an annual food holiday dedicated to celebrating dumplings in all their global forms. The day encourages people to make dumplings at home, visit restaurants, and share their dumpling experiences on social media using the hashtag #NationalDumplingDay [8].
Dumplings are small parcels of dough wrapped around a filling, which can include meat, seafood, vegetables, cheese, or even sweet ingredients. They are cooked by steaming, boiling, simmering, or frying, depending on the regional tradition. From Chinese xiaolongbao to Polish pierogi to Japanese gyoza, the term “dumpling” covers an enormous range of dishes across dozens of cuisines [8].
The holiday is a consumer-focused observance rather than a civic or religious event. Businesses stay open, schools hold classes, and there are no formal ceremonies. Instead, the focus is squarely on food: cooking it, eating it, and sharing it [1][5].
When Did September 26 Dumpling Day Start?
National Dumpling Day was created in 2015 by TMI Food Group, an Asian food company that paid National Day Calendar to officially proclaim September 26 as National Dumpling Day in the United States [3][12]. The inaugural celebration took place in Brooklyn, New York.
The observance gained notable formal recognition when it was entered into the U.S. Congressional Record on September 24, 2019, which described it as having been inaugurated in 2015 and celebrated across America every year on September 26 [2]. That level of acknowledgment is rare for a food holiday and helped cement the date’s legitimacy.
By 2026, the holiday has been observed for roughly eleven consecutive years, with consistent inclusion in food-holiday calendars and growing coverage from food media outlets including Forbes [4][8][11].
Key timeline:
- April 2015: TMI Food Group proclaims September 26 as National Dumpling Day via National Day Calendar.
- September 26, 2015: First official National Dumpling Day observed in the U.S.
- September 24, 2019: U.S. Congressional Record formally acknowledges the holiday.
- September 26, 2026: The holiday falls on a Saturday for the first time in several years, expanding participation opportunities.
Why Is September 26 Dumpling Day Celebrated?
September 26 Dumpling Day is celebrated to honor one of the world’s most universal comfort foods and to spotlight the cultural diversity that dumplings represent. No single cuisine owns the dumpling, which makes the holiday unusually inclusive for a food observance [1][5].
The practical reason for the date is commercial: TMI Food Group, as an Asian food company, had a clear business interest in promoting dumpling consumption. But the holiday has grown well beyond that origin. Food media, cultural organizations, and restaurants across multiple countries now use September 26 as a hook to explore dumpling traditions, host cooking events, and introduce customers to styles they may never have tried [4][12].
For many families, the day is also a reason to cook together. Folding dumplings is a hands-on activity that works well for all ages, and the ritual of making them from scratch has cultural significance in Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Eastern European, and South Asian households, among others.
Is September 26 Dumpling Day a Real Holiday?
Yes, September 26 Dumpling Day is a real, officially proclaimed food holiday in the United States, though it is not a federal public holiday. It was formally established through National Day Calendar in 2015 and has been acknowledged in the U.S. Congressional Record [2][3].
Food holidays like this one occupy a specific category: they are genuine observances with documented origins, consistent annual recognition, and real-world participation from restaurants, brands, and consumers, but they carry no legal status. No one gets the day off work because of National Dumpling Day.
The distinction matters for anyone searching to verify the holiday’s legitimacy. It is not a social media invention or a random internet meme. It has a named founder (TMI Food Group), a documented founding year (2015), and formal government acknowledgment [2][3][8].
How Do You Celebrate Dumpling Day on September 26?
Celebrating September 26 Dumpling Day is straightforward: eat dumplings, make dumplings, or both. The most common ways to mark the day include cooking at home, dining at a restaurant with a dumpling-focused menu, or ordering delivery [8][5].
Five practical ways to celebrate:
- Make dumplings from scratch. Choose a style (gyoza, pierogi, momo, xiaolongbao) and spend the afternoon folding with family or friends. Many recipes require only basic pantry ingredients.
- Visit a local dumpling restaurant. Many Asian restaurants, dim sum spots, and Eastern European eateries run specials on September 26. Call ahead or check social media for deals.
- Order delivery or takeout. If cooking isn’t an option, ordering dumplings from a local restaurant still counts as participation.
- Host a dumpling-making party. Set up a filling station with two or three filling options and let guests fold their own. It doubles as an activity and a meal.
- Post on social media. Use #NationalDumplingDay to share photos and discover what others are making around the world [8].
For food lovers who enjoy exploring other national food days, the September 5 Cheese Pizza Day celebration offers a similar spirit of honoring a beloved dish with friends and family.
What Countries Celebrate September 26 Dumpling Day?
National Dumpling Day originated in the United States, but participation in the September 26 observance has expanded internationally. New Zealand is the clearest example of international adoption, with the Great New Zealand Dumpling Trail running as a nationwide promotion tied directly to September 26 [10].
The New Zealand Chinese Language Week organization coordinates the event, encouraging participants to visit restaurants, try dumplings, scan in-store QR codes, and leave reviews, all anchored to the September 26 date [10]. This structure mirrors how the U.S. holiday operates, adapted for a different market.
CooksInfo also identifies September 26 as World Dumpling Day, framing the U.S. national observance as part of a broader global celebration rather than a purely American event [12]. Awareness platforms in the UK and Australia list the date as well, though organized events in those countries remain less structured than in the U.S. and New Zealand [5].
Countries with documented September 26 dumpling activity:
- United States (founding country, most organized events)
- New Zealand (Great New Zealand Dumpling Trail, 2026 edition)
- United Kingdom and Australia (listed on awareness calendars, informal participation)
What Types of Dumplings Are Best for Dumpling Day?
The best dumplings for September 26 Dumpling Day depend on your cooking skill level, available ingredients, and personal taste. There is no wrong answer, since the holiday celebrates all dumpling traditions equally [1][8].
Beginner:
Frozen store-bought gyoza or pierogi (pan-fry from frozen, 8 minutes)
Intermediate:
Homemade gyoza with store-bought wrappers and a pork-cabbage filling
Advanced:
Xiaolongbao with hand-rolled wrappers and pork-broth gelatin filling
Popular dumpling styles to consider:
| Dumpling | Origin | Cooking Method | Filling |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaolongbao | China (Shanghai) | Steamed | Pork and broth |
| Gyoza | Japan | Pan-fried | Pork and cabbage |
| Pierogi | Poland | Boiled, then sauteed | Potato and cheese |
| Momo | Nepal/Tibet | Steamed or fried | Spiced meat or vegetables |
| Har Gow | China (Cantonese) | Steamed | Shrimp |
| Mandu | Korea | Steamed, boiled, or fried | Pork and tofu |
| Empanada | Latin America | Baked or fried | Meat, cheese, or vegetables |
Best Dumpling Recipes for September 26
The best dumpling recipes for September 26 are ones you can realistically complete in a single afternoon. Simple fillings and store-bought wrappers make the process accessible for first-timers, while experienced cooks can tackle hand-rolled dough and more complex fillings.
Basic pork and cabbage gyoza (makes approximately 30):
- Mix 200g ground pork, 1 cup finely chopped napa cabbage (salted and squeezed dry), 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tsp grated ginger, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tsp sesame oil.
- Place 1 teaspoon of filling in the center of each store-bought gyoza wrapper.
- Moisten the edge with water, fold in half, and pleat the top edge to seal.
- Pan-fry in a lightly oiled skillet over medium-high heat for 2 minutes until the bottoms are golden.
- Add 3 tablespoons of water, cover immediately, and steam for 4 minutes. Remove the lid and cook until the water evaporates.
- Serve with a dipping sauce of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili oil.
For those interested in expanding their cooking skills beyond dumplings, exploring baking techniques can help with making dumpling dough from scratch.
Can You Make Dumplings Ahead for September 26?
Yes, dumplings can be made well ahead of September 26 and stored in the freezer for up to three months without significant loss of quality. This makes advance preparation one of the most practical strategies for the holiday, especially if you plan to host a group.
How to freeze dumplings properly:
- Assemble dumplings fully but do not cook them.
- Arrange in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet, not touching.
- Freeze for 1 to 2 hours until solid.
- Transfer to a zip-lock freezer bag or airtight container.
- Cook directly from frozen: add 2 extra minutes to the steaming or boiling time. Do not thaw first.
Cooked dumplings can also be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in a skillet with a small amount of oil. However, freezing uncooked dumplings generally produces better texture than refrigerating cooked ones.
Where to Buy Dumplings on September 26 and Dumpling Day Deals
Dumplings are widely available at Asian grocery stores, specialty food shops, and mainstream supermarkets year-round, but September 26 often brings targeted promotions. Restaurants, food delivery apps, and frozen food brands frequently run deals specifically tied to National Dumpling Day [7][9].
Where to find dumplings on September 26:
- Asian grocery stores: Fresh or frozen dumplings in a wide variety of styles, often at lower prices than mainstream supermarkets.
- Dim sum restaurants: Many offer all-day dim sum specials or extended hours on National Dumpling Day.
- Delivery apps: Check DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub for National Dumpling Day promotions from local restaurants.
- Supermarket frozen aisle: Brands like Bibigo, Trader Joe’s, and Ling Ling offer accessible options for last-minute celebrations.
- Local events: In 2026, Chicago-area events promoted through Patch featured restaurants including Qing Xian Yuan, Sun Wah BBQ, and Urbanbelly with dumpling-focused menus and delivery options for September 26 [7][9].
Common deal types to look for:
- Buy-one-get-one offers on frozen dumpling packs
- Fixed-price dumpling platters at restaurants
- Free delivery on dumpling orders through food apps
- Discounted dim sum brunch menus
For more information on food holiday deals and promotions, the Hamburger Deals page offers a useful comparison of how food holidays typically drive restaurant promotions.
September 26 Dumpling Day Events Near Me
Local September 26 Dumpling Day events vary significantly by city, but the best way to find them is to search restaurant social media pages, local event platforms, and food-delivery apps in the week before the holiday.
In 2026, documented events include Chicago-area restaurant promotions tied to the Saturday date, featuring dim sum, Beijing duck dinners, ramen, fried rice, and curry pho marketed specifically for National Dumpling Day [7][9]. New Zealand’s Great New Zealand Dumpling Trail runs nationwide, with participating restaurants listed on the New Zealand Chinese Language Week website [10].
How to find local events:
- Search “National Dumpling Day [your city]” on Google in the week before September 26.
- Check Eventbrite and Facebook Events for dumpling-making classes or pop-up dinners.
- Follow local Asian restaurants on Instagram, where event announcements typically appear 3 to 7 days before the holiday.
- Ask at your nearest Asian grocery store, as many host in-store tastings or cooking demos.
Dumpling Day September 26 vs. Other Dumpling Celebrations
September 26 Dumpling Day is the most widely recognized annual dumpling observance, but it is not the only one. Several other food calendars and cultural events also celebrate dumplings at different times of year.
Comparison of dumpling celebrations:
| Observance | Date | Scope | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Dumpling Day | September 26 | U.S. (global growth) | TMI Food Group, 2015 |
| World Dumpling Day | September 26 (same date) | International framing | CooksInfo designation |
| Chinese New Year dumplings | Varies (Jan/Feb) | Cultural tradition | Chinese cultural practice |
| Pierogi Festival (Krakow) | August | Regional festival | Polish cultural tradition |
| New Zealand Dumpling Trail | September 26 | New Zealand | NZ Chinese Language Week |
The September 26 date is unique in having both a formal U.S. proclamation and growing international adoption, which distinguishes it from purely cultural or regional celebrations [2][10][12].
Food holiday enthusiasts who enjoy tracking these kinds of observances may also want to explore January National Days and May Food Holidays for a broader calendar of food celebrations throughout the year.
How Many Dumplings Should You Eat on Dumpling Day?
There is no official serving requirement for National Dumpling Day, but typical restaurant servings range from 6 to 12 dumplings per person as a main course. As an appetizer or shared dish, 3 to 6 per person is standard.
The more relevant question is variety: many dumpling enthusiasts treat September 26 as an opportunity to try multiple styles in one sitting rather than eating a large quantity of a single type. Ordering or making two or three different dumpling varieties gives a better sense of the range the holiday celebrates.
For context, a standard serving of 6 steamed pork dumplings contains roughly 300 to 400 calories, depending on size and filling. Pan-fried versions with oil tend to be slightly higher. Vegetable-filled dumplings are typically lower in calories than meat-filled ones.
Practical guideline:
- Appetizer portion: 4 to 6 dumplings per person
- Main course portion: 10 to 15 dumplings per person
- Tasting spread (multiple styles): 3 to 4 of each variety, 2 to 3 varieties per person
Conclusion
September 26 Dumpling Day is a well-documented, officially proclaimed food holiday with a clear origin story, eleven years of consistent observance, and genuine international reach. Whether the goal is a simple weeknight dinner, a weekend cooking project, or a restaurant outing, the holiday offers a flexible framework that works for nearly any household.
Actionable next steps for September 26, 2026:
- Decide now whether you will cook at home or dine out. If cooking, buy wrappers and filling ingredients this week.
- If dining out, check local restaurant social media pages for National Dumpling Day specials and book a table if needed.
- Consider making a double batch and freezing half for later in the year.
- Use #NationalDumplingDay on social media to connect with other enthusiasts and discover new dumpling styles.
- If you have children or guests, set up a folding station and make the preparation part of the celebration.
Dumplings are one of the few foods that appear in nearly every major food culture on earth. September 26 is the one day a year dedicated entirely to that fact.
FAQ
What date is National Dumpling Day? National Dumpling Day is observed every year on September 26. In 2026, it falls on a Saturday.
Who created National Dumpling Day? TMI Food Group, an Asian food company, created National Dumpling Day in 2015 by working with National Day Calendar to officially proclaim September 26 as the observance date [3][12].
Is National Dumpling Day a federal holiday? No. National Dumpling Day is a food holiday, not a federal public holiday. Businesses and schools remain open.
What is the official hashtag for National Dumpling Day? The widely used hashtag is #NationalDumplingDay. Use it on Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and TikTok to share photos and find community posts [8].
Can I celebrate National Dumpling Day outside the United States? Yes. The holiday is growing internationally, with New Zealand running a formal nationwide Dumpling Trail tied to September 26, and the date also recognized as World Dumpling Day by some food-holiday sources [10][12].
What is the easiest dumpling to make for a beginner? Gyoza made with store-bought wrappers and a simple pork-and-cabbage filling is widely considered the most beginner-friendly option. The wrappers are forgiving, and the pan-fry-then-steam cooking method is straightforward.
Do restaurants offer deals on National Dumpling Day? Many do. Dim sum restaurants, Asian eateries, and food delivery platforms frequently run promotions on September 26. Check local restaurant social media pages and delivery apps in the days leading up to the holiday [7][9].
How far in advance can I make dumplings? Uncooked dumplings can be frozen for up to three months. Freeze them in a single layer first, then transfer to a bag once solid. Cook directly from frozen without thawing.
What is the difference between a dumpling and a wonton? Both are dough-wrapped parcels, but wontons typically use thinner, square wrappers and are most often served in broth. Dumplings is a broader category that includes wontons along with gyoza, pierogi, momo, and many other styles.
Was National Dumpling Day mentioned in Congress? Yes. A 2019 entry in the U.S. Congressional Record formally acknowledged National Dumpling Day, describing it as having been inaugurated in 2015 in Brooklyn, New York [2].
What is the Great New Zealand Dumpling Trail? The Great New Zealand Dumpling Trail is a nationwide promotion organized by New Zealand Chinese Language Week, tied to September 26. Participants visit restaurants, try dumplings, scan QR codes, and leave reviews [10].
Is September 26 Dumpling Day the same as World Dumpling Day? Effectively yes. CooksInfo identifies September 26 as World Dumpling Day, framing the U.S. National Dumpling Day as part of a broader international celebration of dumplings [12].
References
[1] Holidays September – https://www.thenibble.com/fun/more/facts/holidays-september.asp [2] Crec 2019 09 24 Pt1 Pge1200 5 – https://www.congress.gov/116/crec/2019/09/24/165/154/CREC-2019-09-24-pt1-PgE1200-5.pdf [3] Happy National Dumpling Day – https://www.rttnews.com/3032448/happy-national-dumpling-day.aspx [4] 16 Delicious Ways To Enjoy Dumplings – https://www.forbes.com/sites/alywalansky/2026/09/24/16-delicious-ways-to-enjoy-dumplings/ [5] National Dumpling Day – https://www.awarenessdays.com/awareness-days-calendar/national-dumpling-day/ [7] Celebrate National Dumpling Day With Qing Xian Yuan Sun Wah Bbq Urbanbelly – https://patch.com/illinois/evanston/calendar/event/20260926/5e0debbf-bfae-4a40-b174-38def65fb4bb/celebrate-national-dumpling-day-with-qing-xian-yuan-sun-wah-bbq-urbanbelly [8] National Dumpling Day – https://www.checkiday.com/16791092a787f1380d0c16bc06f4e0aa/national-dumpling-day [9] Celebrate National Dumpling Day With Qing Xian Yuan Sun Wah Bbq Urbanbelly – https://patch.com/illinois/orlandpark/calendar/event/20260926/bd2e56e4-29f8-4d84-a00d-7617c09021a9/celebrate-national-dumpling-day-with-qing-xian-yuan-sun-wah-bbq-urbanbelly [10] Dumpling Day 2026 – https://www.nzclw.com/dumpling-day-2026
Leave a Reply