National Bao Day is observed worldwide on August 22 to celebrate baozi, a popular steamed bun from Chinese cuisine. The day was established in 2017 by Wow Bao, a fast-casual Asian restaurant chain, to mark the anniversary of its first location in Chicago. Baozi, often simply called bao, are made from yeast-leavened dough and can be filled with various savory or sweet ingredients, including meats, vegetables, and pastes. There are two main types of bao based on size: dabao (big buns) and xiaobao (small buns). While typically steamed, bao can also be fried, as seen in shengjian bao, a popular breakfast item in Shanghai. To celebrate, people often visit Chinese restaurants, try making bao at home, or order takeout, experimenting with different fillings.
