National French Dip Day Date in the current year: November 12, 2024

A French dip sandwich is a hot sandwich that consists of thinly sliced roast beef on a baguette and is served au jus, i.e. with a dipping bowl of beef broth or gravy. Despite its name, this sandwich is an American invention. The word “French” in the name refers to the style of bread it is made with (in North America, a baguette is alternatively known as a French roll). And the word “dip” indicates that the sandwich is meant to be dipped in the broth it is served with.

In French cuisine, the term au jus (“with juice”) refers to meat dishes that are prepared or served with the “juices” they release while being cooked. In American cuisine, the term au jus or simply jus refers to a meat broth or gravy served with some dishes, including the French dip sandwich. It may be prepared from the juices left after cooking the roast beef or made separately by reducing beef stock and adding other ingredients such as brown or white sugar, onions, garlic, spices, etc.

The French dip sandwich was invented in Los Angeles sometime in the early 20th century. Two restaurants, both established in 1908, claim to have invented the sandwich: Philippe’s and Cole’s Pacific Electric Buffet. Both have their origin stories for the sandwich, but none of the stories have undeniable proof. Cole’s claims to have invented the sandwich shortly after the restaurant’s opening, while Philippe’s first served the sandwich after moving to a new location in 1918.

Cole’s and Philippe’s serve their French dip sandwiches slightly differently. At Cole’s, the sandwich is served with a side of beef jus. At Philippe’s, the baguette is dipped in the hot beef broth before being assembled. At both restaurants, the French dip sandwich is served with spicy mustard, but each establishment uses its own brand of mustard to go with the sandwich.

Of course, Cole’s and Philippe’s aren’t the only restaurants that serve the French dip sandwich these days. The dish can be found in many restaurants, diners, and fast food places throughout the United States. It may include Swiss cheese and onions in addition to the roast beef and baguette; many establishments serve the sandwich with a side of fries.

How do you eat a French dip sandwich? The answer is right there in the name: dip your sandwich in the delicious au jus sauce, let it soak for a couple of seconds, take a bite, and repeat!

National French Dip Day was founded in 2018 by Cole’s to celebrate the restaurant’s 100th anniversary. Since then, it has been celebrated every November 12. The best way to celebrate the holiday is, of course, to go out with your friends and enjoy delicious French dip sandwiches together. Don’t forget to take a photo of your sandwich before diving in and share it on social media with the hashtag #NationalFrenchDipDay to spread the word about the holiday.