National Vichyssoise Day

National Vichyssoise Day, observed each year on November 18, is a celebration of the chilled soup known as vichyssoise—rich, creamy and cool.

History of National Vichyssoise Day

The dish known as vichyssoise is a smooth purée of leeks, onions, potatoes and cream, served cold and often garnished with chives. Though its name evokes a French spa town, its widely accepted creation story places it in New York City in 1917, when French-born chef Louis Diat crafted a cold version of a leek-and-potato soup at the Ritz-Carlton. Over time the soup became popular and November 18 was chosen as the date to honour it each year.

Why is National Vichyssoise Day important?

At first glance the day may seem like a simple indulgence in a classic dish, but it offers more: it invites a moment to appreciate culinary history, innovation, and simple ingredients elevated into something elegant. The journey of vichyssoise—from a homemade potato-leek soup to a refined chilled entrée—mirrors how everyday food traditions can cross borders and gain new life.
Additionally, the day is a gentle reminder that food can evoke seasonal contrasts: a chilled soup served when many reach for warmth, offering novelty, refreshment and a nod to tradition. It whispers that comfort in a bowl doesn’t always mean steaming hot—it can be crisp, unexpected and layered.
Here are some reflections on why the day matters

• acknowledging the craft of transforming humble vegetables into a refined dish
• honouring the creativity of chefs who bend tradition to create something new
• appreciating how cuisine can be both timeless and trend-forward
• allowing food to become a conversation starter about heritage, seasonality and taste
• offering a small yet meaningful reason to slow down, savour and notice what’s on your spoon

How to Celebrate National Vichyssoise Day

Celebrating National Vichyssoise Day is delightfully simple. One good way is to prepare a bowl of vichyssoise yourself—gather leeks, potatoes, onions, cream, and stock, cook, purée, chill, and savour the silky texture and nuanced flavour. Doing it at home adds intimacy: a small act of creation and enjoyment.
Alternatively, you might choose to enjoy vichyssoise at a restaurant, or invite friends or family over for a tasting that includes this soup alongside other chilled dishes. The shared experience of trying or revisiting a lesser-known classic can make the day more meaningful.
Here are some easy ideas to observe the day

• make a small batch of vichyssoise at home and serve it chilled in pretty bowls
• invite someone to join you and talk about why you chose this dish and what you notice about it
• if you don’t cook, seek out a café or restaurant that offers vichyssoise and treat yourself
• explore a modern twist—perhaps a vegetarian version, or substitute vegetable stock instead of chicken
• share a photo or note about your bowl of vichyssoise and why you enjoy it

National Vichyssoise Day Dates Table