National Hot Pastrami Sandwich Day is celebrated on January 14 each year. A hot pastrami sandwich, piled high on rye bread with spicy brown mustard, is a classic of the Jewish delicatessen. Pastrami is beef that's brined, coated in spices such as black pepper and coriander, smoked and then steamed until tender. It's one of New York City's most famous foods.
History of National Hot Pastrami Sandwich Day
Pastrami has roots in Eastern Europe, especially Romania, where people preserved meat by salting, seasoning and drying it. A Romanian dish called pastramΔ was often made with goose or mutton.
In the late 1800s, Romanian Jewish immigrants brought the tradition to New York City. Beef brisket was more affordable and widely available in America, so it became the meat of choice. A butcher named Sussman Volk is often credited with selling one of the first pastrami sandwiches in New York in 1888, although the story is hard to verify.
Jewish delis spread across New York and beyond in the early 20th century, serving pastrami, corned beef, matzo ball soup and pickles. Some delis that opened over a century ago are still famous for their towering sandwiches. Pastrami later appeared in dishes such as the Reuben-style pastrami sandwich and pastrami burgers in Los Angeles and Salt Lake City. Who created National Hot Pastrami Sandwich Day is not documented.
Why National Hot Pastrami Sandwich Day Matters
The pastrami sandwich tells an immigrant story, showing how newcomers adapted their food traditions to American ingredients.
Jewish delis are an important part of American food culture, and celebrating them helps support family-run businesses.
And a hot pastrami sandwich is simply delicious, combining smoky, peppery meat with tangy mustard and chewy rye.
How to Celebrate National Hot Pastrami Sandwich Day
- Visit a deli: order a hot pastrami on rye.
- Make it at home: steam sliced pastrami until tender.
- Try a twist: make a pastrami Reuben-style sandwich.
- Pair it: serve with a dill pickle and coleslaw.
- Learn deli history: read about Jewish delis in America.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, order a deli platter for lunch with pastrami, rye bread and pickles. In classrooms, students can learn about immigrant food traditions or how preserving meat worked before refrigeration. At home, families can build hot pastrami sandwiches together or visit a local deli. Steam pastrami rather than microwaving it to keep it tender and juicy.
Fun Facts About National Hot Pastrami Sandwich Day
- Pastrami is brined, spiced, smoked and steamed.
- Romanian Jewish immigrants brought pastrami to New York.
- Corned beef is brined but not smoked.
National Hot Pastrami Sandwich Day FAQs
When is National Hot Pastrami Sandwich Day?
National Hot Pastrami Sandwich Day is celebrated on January 14 each year.
What is pastrami?
Beef that's brined, coated in spices, smoked and steamed.
What is the difference between pastrami and corned beef?
Both are brined, but pastrami is spice-coated and smoked, while corned beef is usually boiled.
Where does pastrami come from?
Pastrami has roots in Romania and was popularized in New York by Jewish immigrants.
What cut of beef is used for pastrami?
Often brisket or navel, a fattier cut from the belly.
What bread goes with pastrami?
Rye bread with spicy brown mustard is the classic choice.