National Greasy Foods Day

National Greasy Foods Day is observed annually on October 25. This day invites us to indulge in the rich, fried, oily comfort foods we often resist—and to enjoy them with a sense of fun and moderation.

History of National Greasy Foods Day

The roots of National Greasy Foods Day trace back to at least the early 2000s, with food calendar sources marking October 25 as the day to embrace our love of greasy favorites. Over time it has grown in popularity across the United States as a lighthearted food celebration, spotlighting indulgent comfort foods like fries, burgers, fried chicken, and more.
While the day doesn’t appear to have a specific founder or singular event tied to it, it has caught on culturally. The idea resonates: we all have that one fried dish we secretly (or not so secretly) crave. The day taps into that shared understanding and gives people an excuse to enjoy without guilt—at least for one day.

Why is National Greasy Foods Day important?

On a day like this I like to reflect on more than just the flavor. Greasy foods often carry memories: late-night diners, carnival snacks, shared plates at game nights. By dedicating a day to them, we acknowledge that food isn’t always about health or restriction—it can be about pleasure, nostalgia, community. The fact that we set aside a day for “grease” reminds us to allow ourselves a moment away from perfection.
At the same time, the day gently prompts balance. Yes, enjoy the fries, the fried chicken, the burger dripping with cheese—but also be aware of the experience, the company, the setting. It becomes less about mindless consumption and more about purposeful enjoyment: choosing what we want, sharing it, savoring it, and then moving on.

• It gives permission to savor foods we might normally avoid
• It connects food to memory and social moments rather than just calories
• It encourages us to choose indulgence intentionally, not just habitually
• It highlights comfort food as part of cultural gatherings and regional traditions
• It prompts a moment of reflection on how we eat, why we eat, and who we share food with

How to Celebrate National Greasy Foods Day

Celebrating this day is uncomplicated—and that’s part of the beauty. Head to your favorite local diner or food truck that does fried or grilled comfort food and order the dish you’ve been craving. Bring someone along, chat about what makes that dish special for you. Sometimes the experience around the food matters as much as the food itself.
Alternatively, you can make it at home: choose a recipe you don’t normally allow yourself—maybe onion rings, fried pickles, or a loaded cheeseburger—and treat it like an event. Set the table, pick a drink, turn off distractions, and focus on the shared moments: the sizzling pan, the first bite, the laughter. Afterwards, you might talk about what made it good and what you’d change next time.

• Choose a local greasy-spoon or food truck and order your go-to comfort food
• At home, pick one “forbidden” dish and cook it together—even if it’s a bit messy
• Share the meal with someone and ask what memory that dish evokes for them
• Take a photo or post about the dish and tag the cook or place as a thank you
• After the meal, talk about how it felt—was it more about taste, company, memory?

National Greasy Foods Day Dates Table