Nanjing

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International Cuisine

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Guide to International Cuisine in Nanjing, China

Nanjing, the capital of Jiangsu Province, is a vibrant city with a rich history and a growing international food scene. While traditional Chinese cuisine, particularly Jiangsu and Huaiyang styles, dominates the culinary landscape, the city also offers a variety of international cuisines to cater to its diverse population of locals, expats, and tourists. Below is a comprehensive guide to exploring international cuisine in Nanjing.

Types of International Cuisines Available in Nanjing

  1. Western Cuisine: Italian, French, American, and Mediterranean dishes are widely available.
  2. Asian Cuisine: Japanese, Korean, Thai, Indian, and Vietnamese restaurants are popular.
  3. Middle Eastern Cuisine: Turkish, Lebanese, and Persian food can be found in select areas.
  4. Other Global Options: Mexican, Brazilian, and African cuisines are also emerging in the city.

Popular Restaurants for International Cuisine

Here are some well-known restaurants in Nanjing offering international dishes:

Western Cuisine

  1. Bellini Italian Bar & Restaurant

    • Cuisine: Italian
    • Highlights: Authentic pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and a good selection of wines.
    • Location: 1/F, No. 1 Xianlin Avenue, Xianlin District.
    • Price Range: ยฅ150โ€“ยฅ300 per person.
    • Tips: Reservations are recommended for weekends.

  2. Blue Frog

    • Cuisine: American
    • Highlights: Burgers, steaks, and cocktails in a casual setting.
    • Location: 1912 District, Xinjiekou.
    • Price Range: ยฅ100โ€“ยฅ200 per person.
    • Tips: Happy hour deals are available on drinks.

  3. La Table de Mr. Eiffel

    • Cuisine: French
    • Highlights: Fine dining with dishes like foie gras, escargot, and French desserts.
    • Location: 1912 District, Xinjiekou.
    • Price Range: ยฅ300โ€“ยฅ500 per person.
    • Tips: Dress smart-casual for a more formal dining experience.

Asian Cuisine

  1. Tairyo Teppanyaki

    • Cuisine: Japanese
    • Highlights: All-you-can-eat teppanyaki with sushi and sashimi options.
    • Location: Aqua City Mall, Qinhuai District.
    • Price Range: ยฅ200โ€“ยฅ300 per person.
    • Tips: Great for group dining; book in advance for dinner.

  2. The Taj Mahal

    • Cuisine: Indian
    • Highlights: Authentic curries, naan bread, and tandoori dishes.
    • Location: 117 Fengfu Road, Xinjiekou.
    • Price Range: ยฅ100โ€“ยฅ200 per person.
    • Tips: Vegetarian and halal options are available.

  3. Pho Saigon

    • Cuisine: Vietnamese
    • Highlights: Pho, spring rolls, and banh mi sandwiches.
    • Location: Deji Plaza, Xinjiekou.
    • Price Range: ยฅ80โ€“ยฅ150 per person.
    • Tips: A good option for a quick, light meal.

Middle Eastern Cuisine

  1. Turkish Mum

    • Cuisine: Turkish
    • Highlights: Kebabs, hummus, and baklava.
    • Location: 1912 District, Xinjiekou.
    • Price Range: ยฅ100โ€“ยฅ200 per person.
    • Tips: Outdoor seating is available during warmer months.

  2. Aladdin Halal Restaurant

    • Cuisine: Middle Eastern
    • Highlights: Shawarma, falafel, and halal-certified dishes.
    • Location: Near Nanjing University, Gulou District.
    • Price Range: ยฅ80โ€“ยฅ150 per person.
    • Tips: Popular with students and expats.

Other Global Options

  1. Tequilaโ€™s Mexican Grill

    • Cuisine: Mexican
    • Highlights: Tacos, burritos, and margaritas.
    • Location: 1912 District, Xinjiekou.
    • Price Range: ยฅ100โ€“ยฅ200 per person.
    • Tips: Great for casual dining and small groups.

  2. Latina Brazilian BBQ

    • Cuisine: Brazilian
    • Highlights: All-you-can-eat churrasco (grilled meats) and a salad bar.
    • Location: Aqua City Mall, Qinhuai District.
    • Price Range: ยฅ200โ€“ยฅ300 per person.
    • Tips: Go hungry to make the most of the buffet.

Average Costs

  • Casual Dining: ยฅ80โ€“ยฅ150 per person.
  • Mid-Range Restaurants: ยฅ150โ€“ยฅ300 per person.
  • Fine Dining: ยฅ300โ€“ยฅ500+ per person.

Dining Procedures and Etiquette

  1. Reservations: Many popular restaurants, especially fine dining establishments, require reservations, particularly on weekends and holidays.
  2. Payment: Most restaurants accept cash, WeChat Pay, and Alipay. Credit cards are less commonly used, so check in advance.
  3. Tipping: Tipping is not customary in China, but some high-end restaurants may include a service charge (usually 10%โ€“15%).
  4. Sharing Dishes: While sharing is common in Chinese dining culture, international restaurants often serve individual portions. Confirm with the staff if youโ€™re unsure.
  5. Language: English menus are available in most international restaurants, but itโ€™s helpful to know basic Mandarin phrases or use a translation app.

Local Considerations and Tips

  1. Peak Hours: Restaurants are busiest during lunch (12:00โ€“1:30 PM) and dinner (6:00โ€“8:00 PM). Arrive early or make a reservation to avoid waiting.
  2. Dietary Restrictions: Many international restaurants cater to dietary needs such as vegetarian, vegan, or halal. Always confirm with the staff.
  3. Food Delivery: Apps like Meituan and Ele.me offer delivery services for international cuisine. Use these apps if you prefer dining at home.
  4. Cultural Sensitivity: While international restaurants are more relaxed, itโ€™s still polite to follow local customs, such as using chopsticks when provided or avoiding loud conversations.
  5. Festivals and Events: Some restaurants offer special menus during holidays like Christmas, Thanksgiving, or Ramadan. Check in advance for promotions.

Conclusion

Nanjingโ€™s international food scene is diverse and growing, offering something for every palate and budget. Whether youโ€™re craving Italian pasta, Japanese sushi, or Middle Eastern kebabs, the city has plenty of options to explore. By following the tips and recommendations in this guide, youโ€™ll be well-prepared to enjoy the global flavors Nanjing has to offer. Bon appรฉtit! (or as they say in Mandarin, ๆ…ขๆ…ขๅƒ! โ€“ "Enjoy your meal!")