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Popular Street Food Items in Nanjing

1. Salted Duck (盐水鸭, Yánshuǐ Yā)

Description: Nanjing’s most famous dish, salted duck, is a must-try. This delicacy is known for its tender meat, subtle saltiness, and aromatic spices.
Ingredients: Duck, salt, Sichuan peppercorns, star anise, ginger, and other spices.
Preparation: The duck is marinated in a brine of salt and spices, then boiled or steamed until tender. It is served cold, often sliced into thin pieces.
Cost: Around ¥20–¥40 for a small portion from street vendors.
Where to Find: Look for it in food markets like Fuzimiao (Confucius Temple area) or Shiziqiao Food Street.
Tips: Salted duck is best enjoyed fresh. Pair it with a bowl of rice or a local beer for a complete meal.

2. Duck Blood Soup (鸭血粉丝汤, Yāxuè Fěnsī Tāng)

Description: A comforting and flavorful soup made with duck blood, vermicelli noodles, and tofu.
Ingredients: Duck blood cubes, vermicelli noodles, tofu, duck gizzards, and a savory broth.
Preparation: The duck blood is coagulated into cubes and cooked in a rich broth with other ingredients. The soup is served hot and garnished with cilantro and green onions.
Cost: ¥10–¥20 per bowl.
Where to Find: Widely available at street stalls and small eateries, especially in the Fuzimiao area.
Tips: Don’t be put off by the name—this dish is mild and delicious. It’s a great way to warm up on a chilly day.

3. Pan-Fried Dumplings (生煎包, Shēngjiān Bāo)

Description: These dumplings are crispy on the bottom and soft on top, filled with juicy pork and sometimes soup.
Ingredients: Flour, pork, green onions, sesame seeds, and sometimes a bit of broth inside.
Preparation: The dumplings are pan-fried in a shallow skillet until the bottoms are golden and crispy, then sprinkled with sesame seeds and green onions.
Cost: ¥5–¥15 for 4–6 dumplings.
Where to Find: Popular at Shiziqiao Food Street and small street-side stalls.
Tips: Be careful when biting into these dumplings, as the hot soup inside can spill out. Use a spoon to catch the juices.

4. Nanjing Scallion Pancakes (葱油饼, Cōngyóu Bǐng)

Description: A flaky, savory pancake infused with scallions and fried to perfection.
Ingredients: Flour, scallions, oil, and salt.
Preparation: Dough is rolled out, layered with scallions and oil, folded, and then pan-fried until crispy and golden.
Cost: ¥3–¥8 per pancake.
Where to Find: Street vendors near Xinjiekou or Hunan Road.
Tips: These are best eaten fresh and hot. They make for a quick and satisfying snack.

5. Tangbao (汤包, Tāngbāo)

Description: A larger version of soup dumplings, tangbao is filled with pork and a rich, flavorful broth.
Ingredients: Flour, pork, ginger, and soup stock.
Preparation: The dumplings are steamed, and the soup inside is created by adding gelatinized broth to the filling, which melts during cooking.
Cost: ¥10–¥20 for a serving of 4–6 dumplings.
Where to Find: Try them at Fuzimiao or Laomendong Historic District.
Tips: Use a straw to sip the soup before eating the dumpling. Be cautious, as the soup can be very hot.

6. Sesame Pancakes (麻团, Mátuán)

Description: Sweet, chewy sesame balls filled with red bean paste or black sesame paste.
Ingredients: Glutinous rice flour, sesame seeds, sugar, and red bean or black sesame paste.
Preparation: The dough is shaped into balls, filled with paste, rolled in sesame seeds, and deep-fried until golden.
Cost: ¥2–¥5 per piece.
Where to Find: Commonly sold at street stalls in Shiziqiao Food Street or near Nanjing University.
Tips: These are best enjoyed as a dessert or snack. They’re filling despite their small size.

7. Stinky Tofu (臭豆腐, Chòu Dòufu)

Description: A polarizing dish, stinky tofu is fermented tofu that is deep-fried and served with chili sauce.
Ingredients: Tofu, fermented brine, chili sauce, and pickled vegetables.
Preparation: The tofu is fermented for several days, then deep-fried until crispy on the outside and soft inside.
Cost: ¥5–¥10 per serving.
Where to Find: Look for it in Fuzimiao or Shiziqiao Food Street.
Tips: The smell is strong, but the taste is much milder. It’s worth trying if you’re feeling adventurous.

Where to Find Nanjing Street Food

Fuzimiao (Confucius Temple Area)
- A bustling area with a mix of street food vendors and small restaurants. The scenic Qinhuai River adds to the charm of dining here.
- Best for: Salted duck, tangbao, and duck blood soup.
Shiziqiao Food Street (狮子桥美食街)
- A pedestrian street lined with food stalls and small eateries offering a wide variety of local snacks.
- Best for: Pan-fried dumplings, scallion pancakes, and sesame pancakes.
Laomendong Historic District (老门东)
- A beautifully restored area with traditional architecture and a great selection of street food.
- Best for: Tangbao, stinky tofu, and other traditional snacks.
Xinjiekou (新街口)
- The city’s commercial hub, where you’ll find street food vendors alongside modern shopping malls.
- Best for: Quick snacks like scallion pancakes and sesame balls.

Cultural and Practical Tips

Cash or Mobile Payment: Most street vendors accept cash (RMB) or mobile payments like WeChat Pay or Alipay. Carry small bills if you’re paying in cash.
Hygiene: While most vendors maintain good hygiene, choose stalls with high turnover to ensure freshness.
Timing: Street food is most vibrant in the evenings, especially in areas like Fuzimiao and Shiziqiao.
Sharing: Many dishes are served in small portions, making it easy to try multiple items. Share with friends to sample more variety.
Language: Vendors may not speak English, so learning a few basic phrases or using a translation app can be helpful.
Spice Levels: Some dishes, like stinky tofu or duck blood soup, can be spicy. If you prefer mild flavors, say “Bù là” (不辣), meaning “not spicy.”

Nanjing’s street food scene is a treasure trove of flavors and textures, offering a unique glimpse into the city’s culinary traditions. By exploring the bustling food streets and trying these iconic dishes, you’ll not only satisfy your taste buds but also gain a deeper appreciation for Nanjing’s rich culture. Enjoy your culinary adventure!