Century Egg Day
April 30 every year
The story
Century egg, or pidan, is a preserved duck (or chicken) egg transformed by alkaline curing into a translucent dark jelly white and a creamy, green-gray yolk with an aroma that is sulfurous, complex, and prized by fans. Sliced into wedges, it appears with pickled ginger, tofu salads, congee toppings, and cold appetizer platters. The texture is silky; the flavor is mineral and savory rather than simply eggy or sulfurous alone.
The preservation method is a Chinese food technology classic—controlled chemistry yielding shelf-stable richness without refrigeration in traditional settings. Regional producers vary curing mixes and times; quality eggs show clean gel and a yolk that spreads luxuriously across the plate. For newcomers the scent is surprising; for regulars it is comfort, especially beside mild congee or soft tofu that calms the palate.
On Century Egg Day, slice a chilled pidan, pair it with young ginger, and taste without apology. Add cubes to morning congee if you like the classic pairing. Celebrate century egg as China's bold pantry egg—transformed, distinctive, and unforgettable on the plate.
About Century Egg Day
- When is Century Egg Day?
- Century Egg Day is April 30 every year. In 2026, Century Egg Day falls on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
- When is Century Egg Day in 2026?
- In 2026, Century Egg Day is Thursday, April 30, 2026 (April 30 every year).
- Which country is Century Egg Day from?
- Century Egg Day is on the China Food Holidays calendar.
- Is today Century Egg Day?
- No. Today is not Century Egg Day. It returns on April 30 every year. In 2026, that is Thursday, April 30, 2026.
- How do you celebrate Century Egg Day?
- There isn’t a single official way to celebrate. Read the story on this page, then cook or order century egg. The iOS app’s Where to Eat can help you find century egg nearby — this website does not list restaurants.
- Does Century Egg Day happen every year?
- Yes. Century Egg Day recurs on April 30 every year.