Celebrate all things delicious with these food days from around the world!

Food is a huge part of life; from everyday meals and special dishes we enjoy on international trips, to huge feasts we indulge in at milestone celebrations! The world is filled with delicious things to eat and experience. We love to experience in tasty adventures whenever we can, and what better way to do it than with this list of fun food day celebrations from around the world?

Think World Chocolate Day, International Hamburger Day and more! South Africa is an incredible destination for foodies and gourmands, making it the perfect place to celebrate these food-centric holidays. Read on to find out more about food days from around the world.

JANUARY

International Hot & Spicy Day - 16 January

The list starts with a bang! International Hot & Spicy Day is for anyone who loves chili, spice and hot barbeque flavours!

South Africa is filled with hot and spicy treats. Whether it is the fiery flavours of Indian dishes, sticky barbeque wings or the fragrant spices of Cape Malay cuisine, today is the perfect day to tuck into a big bowl of something hot and spicy!

International Sticky Toffee Pudding Day - 23 January

Moist sponge cake, chopped dates and hot toffee sauce all come together to create this classic British dessert. Served hot with a side of vanilla custard or ice cream, sticky toffee pudding is an indulgent treat perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth! Put a South Africa twist on this foodie day by enjoying a classic Malva Pudding. This local dessert is a delicious mix of apricot jam and a moist sponge drenched in syrup, and is also served with custard or ice cream.

FEBRUARY

World Pizza Day - 9 February

This foodie day is sure to be a favourite of many people! On 9 February, we celebrate World Pizza Day. There’s nothing quite like a good slice of pizza. Better yet, you can make your pizza unique to you with your choice of toppings, base style or crust thickness.

Looking for a great pizza spot around Cape Town? If you’re in Hout Bay, head to Massimo’s - this Italian spot topped the list of the top 50 best pizza places in Africa in 2019 and 2021! Closer to central town, you can visit Ferdinando’s in Observatory. This small pizzeria serves traditional, word-fired pizzas that will have your mouth watering.

Global Drink Wine Day - 18 February

This next holiday is a slight departure from the food theme but it deserves a mention! Be sure to have your corkscrews ready on 18 February as this is Global Drink Wine Day! This is the time to grab a bottle of your favourite red, white, rose or bubbly and toast to an excellent reason to drink wine. Remember that in South Africa, local is most definitely lekker so this is the perfect opportunity to indulge in local wines from our award-winning wine producers.

Pancake Day - Shrove Tuesday, February

Taking place on the day before Ash Wednesday (the start of Lent in the Christian faith), Shrove Tuesday is a day for feasting. Over time it has transformed, and today, people around the world enjoy the tradition of Pancake Day. Practice your pancake flipping skills and be ready to enjoy your pancakes any way you like them - with lemon and sugar or drenched in syrup!

MARCH

Plant Power Day - 7 March

This foodie day shines a light on the important mission of doing our best to reduce the amount of meat the world consumes. While old stereotypes might frame vegetarian or vegan food as bland, boring or gross, Plant Power Day is the chance to experience just how delicious plantbased food can be! Dig into tasty vegetable-based dishes or even try out meat-free alternatives - you never know until you try!

Cape Town is a fantastic spot for plant-based eating. WeCafe, Schekter’s Raw, Grumpy & Runt and Lekker Vegan are just a few options.

International Waffle Day - 25 March

Another day dedicated to sweet treats! International Waffle Day is the perfect day to indulge your inner child! Enjoy your waffles with the works - ice cream, whipped cream, chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, berries, bananas, candy and more!

APRIL

International Carrot Day - 4 April

You might be thinking, “why does a carrot need a whole day for itself?” Well, we are here to champion the good old carrot! This vegetable is one of our five a day, is super versatile in dishes, and can be served roasted, steamed, mashed, spiralised and more. Plus, carrots are a long-time favourite of Bugs Bunny! For all those reasons, we believe carrots deserve a special spot on this list!

National Eggs Benedict Day - 16 April

If you’re on the hunt for a mouthwatering breakfast, an eggs benedict is just the thing for you. The combination of English muffin, bacon (or a salmon or veggie alternative!), poached egg and hollandaise sauce is what brunch dreams are made of!

MAY

International Hummus Day - 13 May

Mashed chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice and garlic come together to make this delicious dip. Of Middle Eastern descent, hummus is an incredibly versatile dish or side dish. It’s great enjoyed with pita bread, crackers, and cheeses along with other preserves. Enjoy it as a snack or serve it to jazz up the starters at your next dinner party!

International Hamburger Day - 28 May

This next foodie day is slightly less classy, but packs a punch! Hamburgers are enjoyed prettymuch worldwide and today is the day to tuck into your favourite hamburger. Buns and meat - there’s not much to it but this is a classic combo! Enjoy it plain and juicy or dress it up with some exciting toppings!

Cape Town is also home to a variety of gourmet burger bars; from Burger & Lobster on Bree Street to Jerry’s Burger Bar in Mowbray. You’re in for a treat. Not sure of where to go? Ask a local, they’re sure to point you in the direction of their favourite burger joint!

JUNE

National Cheese Day - 4 June

Calling all cheese lovers! This one is for you. An entire day dedicated to the beautiful yellow stuff! Whether you’re a fan of the fancier cheese iterations like brie, camembert or roquefort, or prefer the classics like mozzarella, cheddar and gouda, today is your day to treat yourself.

18 June - International Sushi Day

Another fan favourite will be International Sushi Day! Sushi is a hugely popular Japanese dish enjoyed around the world. Cape Town is spoiled for choice with sushi restaurants around the city and its suburbs. Keep an eye out for all you can eat buffet deals as well as lunchtime specials at snazzier spots in the city to get your sushi fix on International Sushi Day.

JULY

World Chocolate Day - 7 July

Another day of the year to indulge… Make the most of chocolates in all its different forms. Enjoy chocolatey treats such as chocolate bars, truffles, hot drinks, smoothies, milkshakes, doughnuts, ice cream and so much more!

You could even shake it up with a posh chocolate and wine tasting experience at a local wine farm in the Cape Winelands!

International Ice Cream Day - Third Sunday in July

I scream, you scream, we all scream, for ice cream! While ice cream might not be the first thing you think of as a snack during July (which is right in the middle of Cape Town’s winter months) you can still enjoy an ice cream treat on International Ice Cream Day. Combine it with your favourite hot pudding or cross your fingers and hope for one of those surprise warm days that often pop up in the winter season, bringing with them the tantalising promise of summer!

National Avocado Day - 31 July

Smash it, slice it, blitz it, have it on toast or as guacamole… whatever way you prefer it, simply make sure to enjoy an avocado on National Avocado Day this year!

AUGUST

World Oyster Day - 5 August

Aw shucks, when August comes around, so too does World Oyster Day! Cape Town is ripe with incredible seafood and high quality oysters can be enjoyed at world-class establishments across the city and its surrounds. Order a tray, grab your tabasco and lemon and get shucking!

World Beer Day - First Friday of August

Yes, we know, this isn’t food! However, similar to Global Drink Wine day, we believe, World Beer Day deserves a spot on this list. Beer is another universally enjoyed beverage and (luckily for this list) is a drink that pairs well with a variety of dishes! So grab your favourite draft and snack and say “cheers!” on World Beer Day.

SEPTEMBER

World Samosa Day - 5 September

A great foodie day for those of us living in South Africa! Hailing from the Indian subcontinent, samosas are an important part of both Indian and Cape Malay cuisine which is cooked, eaten and enjoyed widely around the country. Enjoy a few with your favourite fillings - chicken, mince, potato, and cheese and sweet corn are some perennial faves - on World Samosa Day.

World Bacon Day - First Saturday of September

For those who love it, there’s nothing quite like a good rasher of bacon! For those who eat meat, it’s the perfect addition to any breakfast or brunch plate (and even the odd pizza or bowl of mac and cheese). Whether you like it streaky, smoked or fired, today is the day to celebrate bacon.

OCTOBER

World Vegetarian Day - 1 October

Now, here’s a day to celebrate all things vegetarian! As a nation, South Africa does tend to love its meat. However, vegetarian and plant-based foods are experiencing quite the boost in popularity! There is so much room to experiment with and explore different flavours and cuisines with tasty Vegetarian fare so make 1 October the day you try something new and meat free.

International Coffee Day - 1 October

Similar to wine and beer, we simply couldn’t leave coffee off of this list! Coffee is a food and drink staple around the world. The rich aromas and full flavours have inspired an entire culture surrounding these divine beans. Luckily for those of us living or visiting Cape Town, you can’t walk too far in this city without encountering an incredible cafe serving up quality cups of coffee!

World Pasta Day - 25 October

World Pasta Day is a love letter to Italy! In the same way that pizza is enjoyed worldwide, pasta is another part of Italian cuisine which has become a staunch favourite around the world. Spaghetti, linguine, penne, gnocchi, tagliatelle - embrace pasta in all its glorious forms on World Pasta Day!

NOVEMBER

World Vegan Day - 1 November

Take meat-free eating to the next level by going completely plan-based on World Vegan Day! This is another day dedicated to showcasing the variety, innovation and mouth watering aspects of vegan cuisine. It’s so much more than salad and tofu! As mentioned above, Cape Town is filled with excellent vegan and plant based options for dining so why not make a reservation for dinner somewhere new tonight?

National Sandwich Day - 3 November

Ah, the humble sandwich. Bread and fillings. That’s all it is but what a wonderful and potentialfilled partnership! Whether you make yourself a sandwich at home or treat yourself to a gourmet sub, you’re bound to have a good time on National Sandwich Day.

DECEMBER

Gingerbread House Day - 12 December

We are reaching the tail end of this list and it is getting festive! Get into the Christmas holiday spirit by crafting and decorating your very own gingerbread house. Don’t forget to snap a few photos of your creation before breaking it apart eat the gingerbread, biscuits and oh-so-sweet decorations - yum!

International Tea Day - 15 December

We end the list off on a calm and classic note: tea. Wind down after a year of enthusiastic eating with a traditional cup of tea. Ceylon, rooibos, herbal, Earl Grey… whatever you wish! December is the height of South African summer so if the weather feels a tad too toasty for a warm cuppa’ make it a drink fit for the warmer weather with a refreshing jug of ice tea!

Is your tummy rumbling and can you feel your mouth watering yet? Be sure to save this list of foodie days from around the world to celebrate throughout the year! Make the celebrations special by visiting some of Cape Town’s incredible restaurants, delis, bakeries and more to experience the tastiest sides of this city!