Dining - Nanjing | ArrivalGuides.com

DiningGuide was updated: November 15, 2024

Nanjing is the geographical and cultural junction where the southern and northern cuisines meet and integrate into each other. The locals embrace all the traditional genres of dishes and love all the distinctive and authentic snacks as well. The eight distinguished dishes of Qinhuai River will challenge even the pickiest gourmet.

Han Fu Xing Salted Duck / 韩复兴盐水鸭

Salted duck is one of Nanjing's most famous dishes. When it comes to salted duck, there is Han Fu Xing, and there are the rest. The restaurant was founded in 1866 and its 150 years of experience make it the city's absolute finest. The meat is tender with fat yet not heavy. In autumn, when osmanthus blooms, they often add the flower into cooking so that the duck comes out with a particular scent. The duck fat bread (鸭油烧饼) is worth trying as well. Be aware that the restaurant is takeaway only.

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Zhang Yun Roast Duck / 章云板鸭

This is Nanjing's version of Peking Duck. It's not as crispy as Peking Duck, and it doesn't come with all the garnishes. It's just duck, roast duck, tender and delicious. Locals have it with a special red sauce to add a bit of sweetness. This one is also a takeaway only restaurant.

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Yadebao Duck Blood Soup / 鸭得堡

Don't get intimidated by the name, this is actually a daily breakfast staple of locals (which gives you a taste of just how revered duck in all its forms is). The soup is made with duck bones, and served with — expectedly — duck blood and liver, rice noodles, and tofu. You can find a duck blood soup restaurant literally at every corner, but if you want to try the best, Yadebao is the one.

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Wang Jia Wonton / 汪家馄饨

Wangjia is an old restaurant that may even appear somewhat shabby to the onlooker, but you can tell that it's good by the long waiting line outside the restaurant. The wonton here is slightly bigger than usual, giving it an extra chewy texture. The chef boils hundreds of wontons at a time, his moves are clean and sharp, which makes the cooking process a beautiful performance.

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Jiang You Ji Potsticker / 蔣有記

You might have tried potstickers before, but trust on this one: there is nothing like Jiangyouji. Potsticker shape and preparation style may vary by region or even restaurant. Here at Jiang You Ji, the whole dumpling is fried until it turns gold and crispy, while ground beef stays juicy on the inside. Unlike with other fried dumplings, even if you order here for takeaway, it can retain its crispiness for a very long time.

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Nanjing Dapaidang / 南京大牌档

If you are looking for a restaurant where all Nanjing specialties are gathered up, the answer is Nanjing Dapaidang. This is a chain of restaurants that are famous for making authentic Nanjing food. It is decorated entirely with wood and stone, which forge a vintage atmosphere. Traditional Nanjing Opera performance is available during rush hours; long waiting time is to be expected. Reservation recommended.

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Fangpo Gaotuan Shop / 芳婆糕团店

Gaotuan refers to all kinds of traditional Nanjing desserts and street foods: red bean Tangyuan, Zongzi, sticky rice, desserts with names that you can not possibly translate nor find anywhere else — come and explore for yourself, these really are something special.

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Li Ji Muslim Restaurant / 李记清真馆

This is one of the best and oldest halal restaurants in Nanjing. It combines Islamic cuisine with local food, and the result is fascinating: beef fried bun, beef wonton, beef noodle and soup — the excellent taste makes up for the eatery's plain decor.

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Jiming Temple Vegetarian / 鸡鸣寺百味斋

There are two Jiming Temple Vegetarian restaurants, one up on the hill, inside the Temple (and you need to buy a ticket to get in), the other is at the foot of the mountain and entrance is free. These two restaurants belong to the temple, and they are famous for making tofu taste like meat. From a simple bowl of noodles to sophisticated dishes, you shouldn't skip this one even if you are far from vegetarian.

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Dining in Nanjing

Han Fu Xing Salted Duck / 韩复兴盐水鸭

Zhang Yun Roast Duck / 章云板鸭

Yadebao Duck Blood Soup / 鸭得堡

Wang Jia Wonton / 汪家馄饨

Jiang You Ji Potsticker / 蔣有記

Nanjing Dapaidang / 南京大牌档

Fangpo Gaotuan Shop / 芳婆糕团店

Li Ji Muslim Restaurant / 李记清真馆

Jiming Temple Vegetarian / 鸡鸣寺百味斋