National Peking Duck Day is celebrated on January 18 each year. Peking duck is a famous dish from Beijing, China, known for its thin, crispy skin and tender meat. It's traditionally carved at the table and served with thin pancakes, sliced scallions, cucumber and sweet bean or hoisin sauce. Peking duck has been served to emperors and world leaders, and it remains a favorite for celebrations.
History of National Peking Duck Day
Roast duck has a long history in China. A 1330 imperial dietary text written during the Yuan dynasty includes a recipe for roasted duck. When the Ming dynasty moved its capital to Beijing in the early 1400s, the dish became associated with the city's imperial kitchens.
During the Qing dynasty, Peking duck became a celebrated dish, and restaurants specializing in it opened in Beijing. Some famous restaurants date to the 1800s, using either closed ovens or open ovens fired with fruitwood.
Making Peking duck takes skill. Cooks separate the skin from the meat, often by pumping air under it, then scald the duck, glaze it with maltose syrup and hang it to dry before roasting. This process creates the signature crispy skin. Peking duck became an important dish in Chinese diplomacy, served to visiting leaders in the 1970s. Who created National Peking Duck Day is not documented.
Why National Peking Duck Day Matters
Peking duck is one of China's most celebrated dishes, showcasing centuries of culinary skill.
It's a communal meal, carved at the table and wrapped by each diner, making it perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Learning about Peking duck also offers insight into Chinese history and food culture.
How to Celebrate National Peking Duck Day
- Visit a Chinese restaurant: order Peking duck to share.
- Wrap it right: add duck, scallion, cucumber and sauce to a pancake.
- Try it at home: roast a glazed duck and make thin pancakes.
- Make a second course: use the bones for soup.
- Learn its history: read about Beijing's imperial cuisine.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, a team lunch at a Chinese restaurant serving Peking duck makes a fun shared meal. In classrooms, students can learn about Chinese dynasties or how Beijing got its English names. At home, families can order Peking duck and practice wrapping pancakes together, or try a simplified roast duck recipe. Many restaurants require ordering Peking duck in advance.
Fun Facts About National Peking Duck Day
- A 1330 imperial text includes a roast duck recipe.
- Peking duck is named for Beijing, formerly known as Peking.
- Cooks dry the duck before roasting for crispy skin.
National Peking Duck Day FAQs
When is National Peking Duck Day?
National Peking Duck Day is celebrated on January 18 each year.
What is Peking duck?
A roast duck dish from Beijing known for its crispy skin.
How is Peking duck served?
Carved and wrapped in thin pancakes with scallions, cucumber and sweet bean or hoisin sauce.
Why is it called Peking duck?
It's named after Peking, the older English name for Beijing.
How is Peking duck skin so crispy?
The duck is air-dried and glazed before roasting.
Do you need to order Peking duck in advance?
Many restaurants ask for advance orders because it takes time to prepare.