best-places-to-eat-in-Nanjing, China

Nanjing Eats: A Foodie’s Guide

Nanjing boasts a rich culinary scene, with delicious street food being a highlight. Here are some must-try spots for your Nanjing foodie adventure:

Street Food Delights:

  • Qinhuai River Snack Street (秦淮河小吃街): A bustling street lined with vendors selling traditional Nanjing snacks like:

    • Salted Duck (盐水鸭): A Nanjing specialty, known for its tender meat and salty-sweet flavor.
    • Xiaolongbao (小笼包): Steamed soup dumplings filled with savory pork broth and a succulent meatball.
    • Tangbao (汤包): Similar to Xiaolongbao but larger and filled with more broth.

  • Fuzimiao Street (夫子庙街): A historic pedestrian street with charming cafes, teahouses, and food stalls offering:

    • Nanjing Duck Blood Soup (南京鸭血粉丝汤): A spicy and flavorful soup made with duck blood, vermicelli noodles, and tofu.
    • Piliao Noodles (皮料面): Thick wheat noodles served in a rich and savory broth with toppings like minced pork, shredded vegetables, and chili oil.

  • 1912 Block (新街口): A modern shopping district with hidden street food gems like:

    • Wonton Noodle Soup (馄饨面): Delicate wontons filled with pork or shrimp, served in a light broth with thin noodles.
    • Rou Jia Mo (肉夹馍): A flatbread stuffed with savory braised pork belly.

Beyond Street Food:

  • Da Hua Restaurant (大华饭店): A renowned restaurant serving traditional Nanjing dishes like “Lion’s Head Meatballs” and “Sweet and Sour Mandarin Fish.”
  • Xuanwu Gate Restaurant (玄武门餐厅): A historic restaurant known for its elegant setting and authentic Jiangsu cuisine.

Tips:

  • Embrace the street food culture: Don’t be afraid to try new things! Many vendors offer small portions, allowing you to sample a variety of flavors.
  • Carry cash: Most street food vendors only accept cash.
  • Learn basic Mandarin phrases: Knowing a few simple phrases like “Ni Hao” (Hello) and “Xie Xie” (Thank you) will enhance your experience.

Enjoy your culinary adventure in Nanjing!