Meatball Day

What Is Meatball Day?

October 10th is "Meatball Day" (Nikudango no Hi) in Japan. The date comes from the shape of "10, 10," with each "1" evoking a skewer and each "0" a meatball, along with the timing of cooler weather that brings the start of hot pot season and more demand for meatballs. It is said to have been established in 2009 by Nippon Pure Food Co., Ltd.

A Round Holiday Announcing the Arrival of Hot Pot Season

Meatballs are a staple home-cooking ingredient, used in everything from hot pot dishes to Chinese-style cuisine.

• Origin: based on the shape of the numbers, likening "1" to a skewer and "0" to a meatball
• Seasonal connection: October marks the turning point when temperatures start to drop and hot pot dishes become more appealing
• Versatility: from Japanese-style simmered dishes to Chinese-style soups, meatballs adapt to countless flavor profiles

Variations on Homemade Meatballs

Simply mixing ground meat with vegetables and seasonings and rolling it into balls makes for an easy, beloved home-cooked dish. Frozen in advance, meatballs also make a quick addition to a busy weeknight meal.

Tips for Marking This Day

• Add meatballs to your favorite hot pot dish
• Try making meatballs from scratch
• Compare different flavor styles, from Japanese to Chinese
• Look up meal-prep recipes using meatballs

A Round, Warm Dish Brings the Family Together at the Table

Meatballs that fall apart tenderly in a steaming hot pot are the perfect dish for the cooling season. October 10th is a day to welcome hot pot season with a plate of meatballs.