Nanjing
Local Cuisine
Sections
1. Salted Duck (盐水鸭, Yánshuǐ Yā)
Cultural Significance:
Salted Duck is the most iconic dish of Nanjing and has been enjoyed for over 1,000 years. It is especially popular during the Mid-Autumn Festival and is considered a symbol of Nanjing’s culinary identity.
Ingredients & Preparation:
- Ingredients: Fresh duck, salt, Sichuan peppercorns, star anise, ginger, and other spices.
- Preparation: The duck is first marinated in a mixture of salt and spices, then boiled or steamed until tender. The result is a flavorful, aromatic dish with a slightly salty taste and tender meat.
Where to Try It:
- Restaurants:
- Nanjing Impressions (南京大牌档): A popular chain specializing in traditional Nanjing dishes.
- Ma Xiangxing (马祥兴): A historic restaurant known for its authentic Salted Duck.
- Street Vendors: You can also find pre-packaged Salted Duck in local markets like Fuzimiao (夫子庙) or Shiziqiao Food Street (狮子桥美食街).
Price Range:
- Restaurant: ¥50–¥100 per portion.
- Markets: ¥30–¥60 for a whole duck (pre-packaged).
Dining Tip:
Salted Duck is often served cold, so don’t be surprised if it’s not hot. Pair it with a bowl of rice or congee for a complete meal.
2. Duck Blood and Vermicelli Soup (鸭血粉丝汤, Yāxiě Fěnsī Tāng)
Cultural Significance:
This hearty soup is a beloved street food in Nanjing and a staple of the local breakfast culture. It showcases the city’s resourceful use of duck in its cuisine.
Ingredients & Preparation:
- Ingredients: Duck blood (coagulated), vermicelli noodles, tofu, duck gizzards, duck liver, and a flavorful broth made with duck bones.
- Preparation: The duck blood is cut into cubes and cooked in a rich, savory broth. Vermicelli noodles and other toppings are added before serving.
Where to Try It:
- Restaurants:
- Lao Cui Duck Blood Soup (老崔鸭血粉丝汤): A well-known spot for this dish.
- Shiziqiao Food Street (狮子桥美食街): Many small vendors serve excellent versions.
- Street Vendors: Found in breakfast stalls across the city.
Price Range:
- ¥10–¥20 per bowl.
Dining Tip:
Add a splash of vinegar or chili oil for extra flavor. It’s a quick, affordable meal perfect for a cold day.
3. Nanjing Soup Dumplings (灌汤包, Guàntāng Bāo)
Cultural Significance:
Nanjing’s soup dumplings are smaller and less oily than their Shanghai counterparts, reflecting the city’s preference for lighter, more delicate flavors.
Ingredients & Preparation:
- Ingredients: Pork or crab meat filling, gelatinized broth, and thin dumpling wrappers.
- Preparation: The filling is wrapped in dough and steamed, causing the gelatinized broth to melt into a flavorful soup inside the dumpling.
Where to Try It:
- Restaurants:
- Da Pai Dang (南京大牌档): Known for its authentic soup dumplings.
- Fuzimiao Area (夫子庙): Many small eateries serve fresh dumplings.
- Street Vendors: Look for steaming baskets in local markets.
Price Range:
- ¥10–¥30 for a basket of 6–8 dumplings.
Dining Tip:
Use a spoon to catch the soup when you bite into the dumpling. Be careful—it’s hot!
4. Lion’s Head Meatballs (狮子头, Shīzitóu)
Cultural Significance:
This dish is a classic of Jiangsu cuisine and is often served during family gatherings and festive occasions. The name comes from the meatball’s resemblance to a lion’s head.
Ingredients & Preparation:
- Ingredients: Ground pork, water chestnuts, egg, ginger, and soy sauce.
- Preparation: The meat mixture is shaped into large meatballs, which are then braised in a rich, savory sauce until tender.
Where to Try It:
- Restaurants:
- Jiangsu Restaurant (江苏饭店): Known for its high-quality Jiangsu cuisine.
- Nanjing Impressions (南京大牌档): A reliable choice for traditional dishes.
Price Range:
- ¥40–¥80 per portion.
Dining Tip:
Lion’s Head Meatballs are often served with a side of steamed rice or vegetables. The sauce is rich, so don’t let it go to waste!
5. Qinhuai River Snacks (秦淮小吃, Qínhuái Xiǎochī)
Cultural Significance:
The Qinhuai River area, especially around Fuzimiao (Confucius Temple), is famous for its variety of traditional snacks. These small bites reflect the city’s vibrant street food culture.
Popular Snacks:
- Tangbao (汤包): Soup-filled buns.
- Zongzi (粽子): Sticky rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves.
- Sesame Pancakes (芝麻烧饼): Crispy, flaky pastries with sesame seeds.
Where to Try It:
- Fuzimiao Area (夫子庙): The best place to sample a variety of snacks.
- Shiziqiao Food Street (狮子桥美食街): Another hotspot for street food.
Price Range:
- ¥5–¥20 per snack.
Dining Tip:
Street food vendors often only accept cash or mobile payments (like WeChat Pay or Alipay), so be prepared.
6. Nanjing-style Pickled Vegetables (咸菜, Xiáncài)
Cultural Significance:
Pickled vegetables are a staple side dish in Nanjing households and restaurants. They are often served as an appetizer or accompaniment to rice and congee.
Ingredients & Preparation:
- Ingredients: Mustard greens, salt, sugar, and spices.
- Preparation: The vegetables are salted and fermented for several days to develop their tangy flavor.
Where to Try It:
- Markets: Local markets like Hongwu Road Market (洪武路市场) sell fresh pickled vegetables.
- Restaurants: Served as a complimentary side dish in most traditional eateries.
Price Range:
- ¥5–¥15 per portion.
Dining Tip:
Pickled vegetables are meant to be eaten in small amounts to complement the main dish.
Dining Customs and Etiquette in Nanjing
- Chopstick Etiquette: Never stick chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice, as it resembles incense used in funerals.
- Sharing Dishes: Meals are typically served family-style, with shared dishes placed in the center of the table.
- Tea Service: Tea is often served at the beginning of a meal. It’s polite to tap the table with your fingers as a gesture of thanks when someone pours tea for you.
- Payment: In casual settings, it’s common for one person to pay the entire bill. Splitting the bill is less common but becoming more accepted among younger people.
- Tipping: Tipping is not customary in China, as service charges are usually included in the bill.
Nanjing’s cuisine is a delightful blend of history, culture, and flavor. Whether you’re dining in a high-end restaurant or exploring the city’s vibrant street food scene, you’re sure to find something memorable. Enjoy your culinary journey in Nanjing!