National New England Clam Chowder Day is celebrated worldwide every January 21, honoring this staple of American cuisine. The dish is believed to have originated in the coastal fishing villages of France and Cornwall in the 16th century, where it was a poor man's meal cooked in a large pot called a chaudière, which led to the term "chowder." Clam chowder was brought to America by French and English immigrants, with the first printed recipe appearing in the Boston Evening-Post on September 23, 1751. The traditional New England clam chowder includes clams, milk or cream, potatoes, celery, onions, and salt pork, and is typically served with oyster crackers. Although various chowder variations exist, the New England version remains the most popular. This day encourages people to celebrate and enjoy this iconic dish.