National Tempura Day
National Tempura Day is observed on January 7, offering a tasty excuse to enjoy tempura: ingredients coated in a light batter and quickly fried until crisp. Whether you order it at a Japanese restaurant or try making it at home, the day is a chance to appreciate this popular dish and the care that goes into preparing it.
How National Tempura Day Started
The exact origin of National Tempura Day is not well documented, so it is best not to credit the observance to a particular founder or organization. The day celebrates tempura itself, a cooking style with a long history in Japan. Its place on the calendar gives food lovers a simple prompt to learn about the dish, share a meal, or experiment in the kitchen.
A Japanese Favorite with a Long History
Tempura is closely associated with Japanese cooking, though the technique of coating food in batter and frying it has influences from outside Japan. It became part of Japanese food culture over time and developed into a style with its own ingredients, textures, and ways of serving. Today, tempura appears in many settings, from casual meals to carefully prepared restaurant dishes.
Common tempura ingredients include shrimp, fish, and vegetables such as sweet potato, eggplant, mushrooms, and green beans. The batter is typically mixed lightly, helping it cook into a delicate, crisp coating rather than a thick shell. Good tempura highlights the ingredient inside, so each piece can taste different depending on what is used.
Tempura is often served with a dipping sauce, and it may come with rice, noodles, or a bowl of soup. Some diners enjoy it as a platter of assorted pieces, while others find it served over rice as tendon or alongside soba noodles. It is best eaten soon after frying, when the contrast between the crunchy exterior and tender filling is at its most appealing.
Ways to Celebrate National Tempura Day
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Visit a Japanese restaurant and order a tempura dish you have not tried before. Ask about seasonal vegetables or seafood options.
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Make a small batch at home. Choose a few ingredients, such as mushrooms, sweet potato, or shrimp, and follow a trusted recipe for batter and frying.
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Keep the meal balanced by pairing tempura with rice, noodles, soup, or a fresh salad. A variety of sides can turn a few crisp bites into a satisfying dinner.
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Try serving tempura with dipping sauce, or compare it with a simple sprinkle of salt to notice how each seasoning changes the flavor.
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Share the cooking with family or friends. One person can prepare ingredients while another mixes batter or sets the table—taking care around hot oil, of course.
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Learn about the ingredients before you eat. Find out which vegetables are in season, or ask a restaurant how its tempura is prepared.
Last updated October 22, 2026.
When is National Tempura Day?
National Tempura Day: Every year on January 7.
| Year | Date | Day of the week |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 | January 7 | Thursday |
| 2028 | January 7 | Friday |
| 2029 | January 7 | Sunday |
| 2030 | January 7 | Monday |
| 2031 | January 7 | Tuesday |
Frequently asked questions
When is National Tempura Day in 2027?
National Tempura Day is on Thursday, January 7, 2027. After that, it falls on Friday, January 7, 2028. Every year on January 7.
Is National Tempura Day a public holiday?
No. National Tempura Day is an observance, not an official public holiday, so schools and businesses stay open as usual.
How did National Tempura Day start?
The exact origin of National Tempura Day is not well documented, so no particular founder or organization can be credited with starting it.
What does National Tempura Day celebrate?
Observed every year on January 7, the day celebrates tempura: ingredients coated in a light batter and quickly fried until crisp. Tempura is closely associated with Japanese cooking.
How can you celebrate National Tempura Day?
Order tempura at a Japanese restaurant or make a small batch at home with ingredients such as shrimp, sweet potato, or mushrooms. Enjoy it with dipping sauce, rice, noodles, or soup.
