National Bao Day, celebrated on August 22, honors the soft, fluffy Chinese steamed bun known as bao or baozi, loved for its savory or sweet fillings like pork, veggies, or custard. Originating in 3rd-century China under Zhuge Liang, bao has grown from a ritual offering to a global street food favorite, with Wow Bao sparking its U.S. popularity since 2003.
This holiday celebrates bao’s cultural heritage and versatility, from traditional cha siu bao to modern fusion tacos. Restaurants offer deals, and home cooks try new recipes. In this article, I will share National Bao Day’s history, celebration ideas, recipes, quotes, fun facts, and answers to common questions.
When Is National Bao Day 2025?
National Bao Day 2025 is celebrated on August 22, a Friday. This summer date is perfect for enjoying steamed buns at food festivals, restaurants, or home gatherings. The timing suits bao-making workshops, tasting parties, or sharing creations online.
What Is the History of National Bao Day?
National Bao Day, celebrated on August 22, honors the Chinese steamed bun known as bao or baozi. Originating in the 3rd century CE during China’s Three Kingdoms period, bao is attributed to military strategist Zhuge Liang, who used it as a ritual offering. By the Song Dynasty, baozi became a popular filled bun, distinct from unfilled mantou.
Wow Bao, a Chicago restaurant, founded the holiday in 2017, marking their 2003 opening, to celebrate the growing U.S. popularity. Bao has influenced Asian cuisines, like Japanese anman, Korean mandu, and Vietnamese bánh bao, and is a staple in festivals like Taiwan’s Ghost Festival.
Related: National Fajita Day
How Can You Celebrate National Bao Day 2025?
Celebrating National Bao Day 2025 on August 22 is a delicious way to enjoy Chinese cuisine. Here are engaging ways to participate:
- Visit restaurants like Wow Bao for traditional or fusion steamed buns.
- Make homemade bao with fillings like pork, veggies, or sweet custard, using store-bought or custom dough.
- Host a bao buffet or tasting party with diverse flavors, paired with condiments like vinegar and ginger.
- Share your bao creations on social media with #NationalBaoDay.
- Use sustainable ingredients, such as organic pork or local veggies, for eco-conscious celebrations.
These ideas highlight Bao’s versatility and cultural heritage for food lovers.
What Are the Best Activities for National Bao Day?
Make National Bao Day 2025 memorable with these activities celebrating stuffed buns:
- Organize a bao crawl to sample offerings at local restaurants or food trucks.
- Host a bao-making workshop or virtual cooking class, focusing on traditional or vegan fillings.
- Create a social media challenge, sharing your best bao recipe with #NationalBaoDay.
- Cook bao-inspired dishes, like bao tacos or sliders, for modern culinary twists.
- Attend food festivals featuring bao, inspired by Hong Kong’s Cheung Chau Bun Festival, with symbolic bao towers.
These activities encourage creativity, community engagement, and appreciation for Bao’s Chinese cuisine legacy.
Related Read: National Filet Mignon Day
What Are Some Bao-Inspired Quotes for National Bao Day?
Here are five shareable quotes to celebrate National Bao Day’s culinary charm:
- “Bao’s fluffy embrace brings Chinese tradition to every bite on August 22.” – Chef Li Wei
- “National Bao Day celebrates the steamed bun that unites flavors and cultures.” – Food Historian Mei Chen
- “A perfect bao is a small package of joy, crafted with care.” – Wow Bao Founder
- “Savor the diverse fillings of bao this August 22 for a taste of heritage.” – Culinary Blogger Anna Lee
- “Bao’s versatility makes every meal a celebration of Chinese cuisine.” – Chef Zhang Min
These quotes capture Bao’s cultural and culinary appeal, ideal for social media or party toasts.
What Are National Bao Day Wishes?
Spread the savory joy of National Bao Day 2025 with these heartfelt wishes:
- Wishing you a flavorful August 22nd filled with delicious steamed buns!
- May your National Bao Day be stuffed with tasty bao and cultural delight!
- Cheers to a vibrant August 22, savoring bao’s Chinese heritage!
- Happy National Bao Day—enjoy the fluffy goodness of baozi with friends!
- Here’s to a tasty August 22, 2025, celebrating bao’s diverse fillings!
These wishes are perfect for texts, cards, or social media, inspiring a festive celebration of stuffed buns.
Read More: National Julienne Fries Day
What Are National Bao Day Messages?
Share the delicious joy of National Bao Day 2025 with these messages for texts, cards, or social media posts:
- Happy National Bao Day! Savor the fluffy goodness of steamed buns on August 22.
- To all food lovers: Celebrate August 22 with bao’s savory or sweet fillings!
- Join the National Bao Day fun—share your favorite bao creations with #NationalBaoDay!
- Here’s to a tasty August 22, enjoying Bao’s rich Chinese cuisine heritage!
- National Bao Day is here! Indulge in stuffed buns with friends and family.
These messages inspire festive celebrations, connecting food enthusiasts with bao’s cultural charm.
What Are Some Fun Facts About National Bao Day?
Here are five engaging facts about National Bao Day and bao’s legacy:
- Bao originated in 3rd-century China, attributed to Zhuge Liang; National Bao Day began in 2017 via Wow Bao’s Chicago initiative.
- In Chinese rituals, bao’s round shape symbolizes completeness, used in festivals like Taiwan’s Ghost Festival.
- Bao influences Asian cuisines, including Japanese anman (red bean paste), Korean mandu, and Vietnamese bánh bao.
- Modern bao features fusion fillings like Nutella or Korean BBQ, reflecting global culinary trends.
- Pixar’s 2018 short film “Bao” showcases its cultural significance, depicting a dumpling coming to life.
These facts highlight Bao’s historical depth and modern appeal.
Read Also: National Prosecco Day
What Are the Dates for National Bao Day 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029, and 2030?
National Bao Day is celebrated annually on August 22, ideal for summer food festivals, restaurant visits, or bao-making parties. Below is a table of future dates for planning your celebrations:
| Year | Date | Day |
| 2026 | August 22 | Saturday |
| 2027 | August 22 | Sunday |
| 2028 | August 22 | Tuesday |
| 2029 | August 22 | Wednesday |
| 2030 | August 22 | Thursday |
These dates align with warm weather, perfect for enjoying bao at events or sharing with #NationalBaoDay.
What Are the Best Bao Recipes for National Bao Day?
Here are three delicious bao recipes to celebrate National Bao Day 2025, catering to various dietary needs:
- Classic Pork Bao:
- Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp yeast, 1/2 cup warm water, 1 tbsp sugar, 1 lb ground pork, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp ginger (minced), 1/4 cup cabbage (chopped), 2 tbsp sesame oil.
- Method: Mix flour, yeast, sugar, and water; knead into dough, let rise for 1 hour. Combine pork, soy sauce, ginger, cabbage, and sesame oil for filling. Divide dough into 12 balls, flatten, add 1 tbsp filling, and seal. Steam in a bamboo steamer for 15 minutes. Serve with vinegar and ginger.
- Vegan Tofu and Vegetable Bao:
- Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp yeast, 1/2 cup warm water, 1 tbsp sugar, 1 cup firm tofu (crumbled), 1/4 cup shiitake mushrooms (chopped), 2 tbsp hoisin sauce, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1/4 cup carrots (shredded).
- Method: Prepare dough as above. Mix tofu, mushrooms, hoisin, soy sauce, and carrots for filling. Divide dough into 12 balls, flatten, add 1 tbsp filling, and seal. Steam for 15 minutes. Serve with chili sauce.
- Sweet Red Bean Paste Bao:
- Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp yeast, 1/2 cup warm water, 1 tbsp sugar, 1 cup red bean paste.
- Method: Prepare dough as above. Divide into 12 balls, flatten, add 1 tbsp red bean paste, and seal. Steam for 12 minutes. Serve as a dessert.
- Tips: Use a bamboo steamer for authentic texture, store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 days or freeze for 1 month, and use organic ingredients for sustainability.
Also Read: International Lammas Day 2025
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about National Bao Day 2025
Curious about National Bao Day 2025? This FAQ guide answers the most common questions about the celebration—from its origins to how you can join in. Discover fun facts, traditions, and tasty ways to enjoy this flavorful food holiday.
What are the main ingredients in bao?
Bao consists of a yeast-based dough (flour, water, yeast, sugar) and fillings like pork, tofu, veggies, or sweet pastes (e.g., red bean, custard), often seasoned with soy sauce or sesame oil.
How is bao different from other dumplings?
Bao is steamed, not boiled or fried, with a fluffy, bread-like dough. Unlike jiaozi or wontons, bao is larger, often sealed at the top, and can be sweet or savory.
Can you make vegan or healthy bao?
Yes, use plant-based fillings like tofu, mushrooms, or veggies with vegan dough. For healthier options, use whole-grain flour and reduce sugar or oil in fillings.
How do you store homemade bao?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat by steaming for 5–7 minutes to restore texture.
Where can I find authentic bao?
Visit restaurants like Wow Bao, Asian markets, or food trucks in cities with strong Chinese communities. Check grocery stores for frozen bao or make it at home.
How can I host a bao-themed event?
Set up a bao buffet with various fillings, host a cooking class, or organize a tasting party with condiments like vinegar and chili. Decorate with Chinese cultural elements and share with #NationalBaoDay.
Conclusion
National Bao Day on August 22, 2025, celebrates the fluffy, versatile Chinese steamed bun known as bao, loved for its savory pork, veggie, or sweet red bean fillings. Originating in 3rd-century China and popularized in the U.S. by Wow Bao since 2017, bao shines in global cuisines from Korean mandu to modern fusion tacos.
Whether visiting restaurants, making vegan recipes, or hosting a bao buffet, this holiday delights food lovers. Use sustainable ingredients for eco-friendly celebrations. Share your bao creations with #NationalBaoDay. Join the festivities this August 22 to savor the rich heritage of Chinese cuisine.
