Order up a side of Hibachi Chicken Rice to celebrate National Fried Rice Day on September 20th.

Fried rice first appeared in China’s Sui Dynasty and, consequently, all versions of this delicacy have their origins in Chinese fried rice. Fried rice is the national dish of Malaysia and Indonesia and features prominently in South-, Southeast-, and East-Asian cuisines. It is a typical homemade dish with several variations since it can be prepared using ingredients from other dishes.

During this food holiday, fried rice stars as the centerpiece of the meal. Its flavor captures the diners’ hearts and keeps them coming back for more. Together with shrimp, chicken or beef, fried rice makes a complete meal. More adventurous foodies can spice it up with Spicy Chicken Rice.

Made with a combination of long-grained rice, peas, carrots and onions, fried rice requires perfectly incorporated eggs to bring it all together.

The first Japanese teppanyaki restaurant, Benihana, started Fried Rice Day in 2018 to celebrate the much-loved meal. For many, fried rice isn’t just a side dish to indulge in, it is a fulfilling meal bursting with flavors to keep your taste buds on the edge. Benihana has served its famous rice for more than 50 years to generations of food lovers across the country. This tasty meal is a beloved dish anywhere in the world.

Hokkien and Yangzhou fried rice are popular varieties of this meal in Greater China. The Japanese have a derivative of the Chinese fried rice called ‘chāhan.’ Southeast Asia boasts similar Malaysian, Singaporean, and Indonesian fried rice variations (‘Thai Khao phat’ and ‘nasi goreng’), which are popular dishes.

While enjoying a meal with fried rice, remember that it compliments vegetables and protein equally well. Another great reason to celebrate is that fried rice goes well with your favorite flavors. Sweet, sour, spicy or a combination, you can’t go wrong with fried rice! When all the flavors and aromas add up to a memorable meal, the celebrating is easy.

Restaurants in the Western world have since invented their own versions of fried rice. Vegetarian menus include specialties such as egg-fried rice. Many American restaurants serving cuisines without the native tradition of a dish also include fried rice in their menus. Several Latin-American varieties of fried rice exist, including Puerto Rico’s ‘arroz mamposteao,’ Peru’s ‘arroz chaufa,’ Cuba’s ‘arroz frito,’ and Ecuador’s ‘chaulafan.’

FRIED RICE DAY HISTORY

Benihana founded National Fried Rice Day in 2018 because high-quality rice isn’t just another side dish to them; it’s a foundational element of every meal they serve. Benihana has been dishing the irresistible flavor of their famous fried rice to generations of foodies for over half a century. Since their founding, they’ve served roughly 2,720,350 pounds of California-grown rice each year. Fried Rice is beloved throughout the globe and an iconic part of the Benihana experience.

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalFriedRiceDay

The day encourages families and friends to enjoy a meal out or get your meal to go. Invite a crowd to celebrate. Order dishes to share or extra for delicious fried rice to take home. And don’t forget to share your favorites, too!

Join Benihana by celebrating the day with a side of Hibachi Chicken Rice. Share your favorite meal on social media using #NationalFriedRiceDay.

Fried Rice FAQ

Q. What kind of rice is best when making fried rice?
A. Long-grained rice is best because it has less starch.

Q. Is fried rice cooked twice?
A. Yes. It is boiled before it is fried.

HISTORY OF NATIONAL FRIED RICE DAY

Today, we celebrate this delicious meal and explore what it means to generations of food lovers all around the globe!

NATIONAL FRIED RICE DAY TIMELINE

589–618 A.D.

First Record of Fried Rice

Fried rice makes its first appearance in China during the Sui Dynasty.

1964

Benihana Opens

The first Benihana restaurant opens.

2018

Benihana Breaks the World Record

Benihana smashes the world record for the longest cooking marathon.

2018

National Fried Rice Day is Introduced

Benihana introduces National Fried Rice Day.

NATIONAL FRIED RICE DAY FAQS

Why are eggs added to fried rice?

Eggs add flavor, protein, and an excellent texture to a dish of fried rice. Add diced onions, carrots, and peas for the best results. 

What happens when fried rice goes bad?

If you consume large amounts, it can cause vomiting and diarrhea for hours after consumption.

Can fried rice help you lose weight?

Fried rice typically packs lots of carbs and fat, but there are healthy versions that can expedite weight loss. Go crazy with your veggies! 

HOW TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL FRIED RICE DAY

1. Make a homemade dish or eat outMake your favorite version of fried rice to enjoy at home. You can also go to a Benihana’s nearby and have a meal with friends and family.
2. Throw a rice partyHave yourself a party because, why not? Invite your friends over and stuff yourselves with fried rice.
3. Share your recipeShare your favorite fried rice recipe or teach someone how to make the dish. Share your meal on your socials with the hashtag #NationalFriedRiceDay.

5 FACTS ABOUT FRIED RICE THAT WILL BLOW YOUR MIND

1. No leftoversFried rice may have been invented as a means of preserving leftover rice according to the Chinese custom of not wasting food.
2. That’s a lot of riceSince the restaurant was first established, Benihana has dished out approximately 2,720,350 pounds of rice every year.
3. Named after a flowerThe name ‘Benihana’ is Japanese for ‘red safflower’ and happens to be the name of the coffee shop owned by Hiroaki Aoki’s (Benihana founder) parents in Tokyo.
4. Humble beginningsBenihana’s owner, Hiroaki Aoki, was a wrestler on Japan’s wrestling team at the 1960 Olympic Games.
5. Packing the poundsThe calories in a single serving of fried rice match that of half a cup of ice cream.

WHY WE LOVE NATIONAL FRIED RICE DAY

1. Nutritious mealFried rice is very accomodating to vegetables as is demonstrated by the inclusion of this variation on many vegetarian menus. It is also a good source of protein.
2. It is versatileFried rice blends effortlessly with many flavors. Whether you’re going for sour, spicy, or sweet, fried rice works just fine.
3. We love good foodIs there anything better than satisfying that inner craving for good food? Well, if you find out, be sure to let us know.

NATIONAL FRIED RICE DAY DATES

YearDateDay2022September 20Tuesday2023September 20Wednesday2024September 20Friday2025September 20Saturday2026September 20Sunday

NATIONAL FRIED RICE DAY RELATED HOLIDAYS

SUNSEP 18Rice Krispies Treats Day

THUOCT 6National Noodle Day

SATAPR 29National Shrimp Scampi Day

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