Celebrated on 01/14/2026
The hot pastrami sandwich is believed to have originated in Romanian Jewish delicatessens in New York City, where pastrami was steamed and served on rye bread with mustard. National Hot Pastrami Sandwich Day is celebrated annually on January 14th, a date that coincides with the birthday of the sandwich's supposed inventor, Sussman Volk.
The exact origins of National Hot Pastrami Sandwich Day are somewhat murky, but the day is widely recognized as January 14th. This date is often linked to Sussman Volk, a Jewish immigrant from Lithuania who is credited with creating the first hot pastrami sandwich in New York City in 1887. Volk, a butcher, reportedly developed the recipe based on a Romanian dish called pastrama, which was made from heavily seasoned, cured, and smoked meat. He served the sandwich at his deli on the Lower East Side, and it quickly became a local favorite. The holiday was likely established in recent decades by deli enthusiasts or food organizations to honor this iconic American sandwich.
Over time, the hot pastrami sandwich evolved from a simple deli offering into a staple of Jewish-American cuisine and a beloved item across the United States. The traditional preparation involves layers of thinly sliced, spiced pastrami that is steamed or boiled to heat and soften the meat, then piled high on rye bread with mustard. Today, National Hot Pastrami Sandwich Day is celebrated by delis, restaurants, and home cooks. Many establishments offer special deals, and food enthusiasts share their favorite versions on social media. The day also highlights regional variations, such as the use of different breads or additions like Swiss cheese and coleslaw, as seen in the Reuben sandwich's cousin.
Explore more celebrations, trivia, and quests on National Day Quest.