National Men Make Dinner Day

Next Thursday, 6 November 2025

National Men Make Dinner Day is observed on the first Thursday of November, and is the perfect excuse for guys to show off their cooking skills.

Although gender norms are now null and void, some men still believe that it is a woman's duty, and they do not learn to cook which is a very necessary basic life skill. 

National Men Make Dinner Day is a fun little day created to encourage men who are still stuck with stereotypes to step into the kitchen and cook something for everyone. 

You never know, they might actually end up loving it because cooking is fun when done with interest and love. 

man cooking

Background of National Men Make Dinner Day

National Men Make Dinner Day was established in 2001 by Sandy Sharkey, and she states on her website that this day is not for those men who already feel comfortable in the kitchen and regularly cook meals for their family and friends.

But it is rather a day that encourages those who are not used to cooking or have never even chopped up some vegetables to step into the world of culinary fantasies. 

She does so by listing ten reasons for men to take part in this day, which include that the person who cooks dinner always has the attention of the family dog and can pick all the ingredients themselves.

She has also created a list of rules and No-nos for Men Make Dinner Day, that establish what is allowed and what isn't on this day. 

Some of the National Men Make Dinner rules include:

  • The Man must choose to participate on this day without asking for something in return.
  • The Man cooking must not have any help.
  • The Meal must have at least 4 ingredients and require more than one utensil to prepare. 
  • The Man must be the one shopping for these ingredients. 
  • The Man is in charge of setting the table and cleaning up. 

Men Make Dinner Day NoNos

  • Cotton candy
  • Take-out pizza
  • Left-overs from last night
  • Sandwiches
  • Anything barbecued

How to celebrate National Men Make Dinner Day

National Men Make Dinner Day is all about having fun in the kitchen! Pick a recipe you like, whether it’s something you know or something new to try. Head to the store, grab your ingredients, and set the table with a little extra flair. Once you're ready to cook, dive in and enjoy the process! Don’t worry about being perfect, just have fun making a tasty meal.

After the food is enjoyed, don’t forget to clean up and show off your kitchen skills. Snap a photo of your creation and share it with #MenMakeDinnerDay to inspire others!

National Men Make Dinner Day
National Men Make Dinner Day

National Men Make Dinner Day 2024

Date: Thursday, 05 November 2026

Date: Thursday, 04 November 2027

Date: Thursday, 02 November 2028

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