National Men Make Dinner Day

National Men Make Dinner Day is a celebration of empowerment, encouraging men to put on an apron and cook a wonderful dinner for their loved ones. Gender roles in the US are becoming less rigid, yet there are still many men who do not know how to cook. This day is a great opportunity to motivate your loved one to start mastering the culinary arts.

History

The processing of food for consumption began around 500,000 years ago, though some scientists believe it could be even older. In those ancient times, it didn’t matter who cooked the food—and it’s time to remember that among our ancestors, there were many men who were excellent cooks.

Why we celebrate National Men Make Dinner Day

The ability to cook is not a sign of weakness, but an opportunity to learn something new and please your loved ones. Many mothers and wives do not encourage boys and husbands to enter the kitchen, which can lead to feelings of helplessness. This day encourages you to forget about this stigma and see cooking for loved ones, friends, and those in need as a good deed. It’s also a time to rethink gender norms, as many of the world’s best chefs are men.

How to take part

• Change the rules in your family for one day—let the husband go to the kitchen while the wife enjoys football or a night out with friends.
• Watch a cooking show, appreciate the skill of male chefs, and take inspiration from them. Start with something simple, like macaroni and cheese.
• If you have a son in your family, teach him how to cook by starting with easy recipes like scrambled eggs, soup, or simple cookies.

When is National Men Make Dinner Day in 2025?

National Men Make Dinner Day is observed on the first Thursday of November each year.

Observations