National Bao Day

National Bao Day is a holiday dedicated to the popular Chinese food known as baozi, or simply bao—round, fluffy yeast buns with a variety of fillings.

History

National Bao Day was established in 2017 by the Chinese fast food chain Wow Bao. The company selected August 22 as the official date, as it commemorates an important milestone for Wow Bao: on August 22, 2003, the first Wow Bao restaurant opened in Chicago’s historic Water Tower building on Michigan Avenue, specializing in bao. Today, Wow Bao has more than 200 locations across the United States and offers both in-person and online services.

Interesting Facts

1. According to Chinese legend, the great military strategist Zhuge Liang of the 3rd century AD is credited with inventing baozi.
2. Baozi is especially popular in Chengdu, China.
3. Bao can be savory or sweet and come in different sizes: daobao (about 10 cm in diameter) and xiobao (about 5 cm).
4. This dish is called nikuman in Japan, banh bao in Vietnam, pyanse in Korea, and manti in Turkey and Central Asia.
5. The traditional filling for bao is minced pork and cabbage, but it can also be made with tofu, mushrooms, pumpkin, or various combinations. Sweet bao often contain anko, a bean paste made from red adzuki beans.

How to Take Part

Celebrate National Bao Day by inviting your family or friends to a Chinese restaurant and trying bao with different fillings, sauces, and seasonings. You can also look up recipes and learn to make bao at home—get the whole family involved, as children often enjoy working with dough.

When is National Bao Day in 2025?

National Bao Day is observed on August 22 each year.

Observations