Nanjing Food & Drink
Where to eat in Nanjing — from legendary salted duck to hidden street food gems. All tested by a local.
Must-Try Nanjing Dishes
Salted Duck (盐水鸭)
Nanjing's most famous dish. Tender, savory, with over 400 years of history.
Duck Blood Vermicelli Soup (鸭血粉丝汤)
Beloved local street food. Rich broth with duck blood, organs, and glass noodles.
Lion's Head Meatballs (狮子头)
Large pork meatballs braised with vegetables. A Jiangsu classic.
Nanjing Dumplings (南京小笼包)
Delicate soup dumplings with rich fillings. Better than Shanghai's, locals say.
Tofu Brain (豆腐脑)
Silky tofu served with savory or sweet toppings. Perfect breakfast.
Sesame Pancakes (鸭油酥烧饼)
Flaky pastries made with duck fat. Crispy, savory, addictive.
Where to Eat
Restaurants I've personally tested and recommend. Look for the "English Menu" badge if you don't read Chinese.
Nanjing Impressions (南京大牌档)
The most famous local restaurant chain in Nanjing. Authentic Nanjing flavors in a traditional setting with live folk music. A must-visit for first-timers.
Must Try
Deji Plaza Food Court
High-end shopping mall with excellent international dining options. Perfect for when you need a break from Chinese food or want guaranteed English service.
Must Try
Laomendong Snack Street
Historic street lined with traditional snack vendors. The best place to try authentic Nanjing street food while experiencing old city atmosphere.
Must Try
Purple Mountain Tea House
Peaceful tea house at the foot of Purple Mountain. Experience traditional Chinese tea ceremony with mountain views. Perfect after a morning of sightseeing.
Must Try
1912 District Bars & Restaurants
Former Republican-era buildings now housing trendy restaurants, bars, and cafes. The nightlife hub of Nanjing with international options.
Must Try
Qinhuai River Night Market
Vibrant night market along the famous Qinhuai River. Dozens of food stalls serving everything from grilled skewers to sweet desserts.
Must Try
Dietary Tips for Foreigners
Vegetarian/Vegan
Nanjing has Buddhist temples with excellent vegetarian restaurants. Look for "素食" (sùshí) signs. Most restaurants can make dishes without meat if you ask — learn "不要肉" (bù yào ròu / no meat).
Allergies
Peanut allergies are particularly risky — peanuts are common in Chinese cooking. Carry an allergy card in Chinese. Seafood allergies: watch out for shrimp paste in sauces.
Spice Level
Nanjing cuisine is not particularly spicy (unlike Sichuan). But some dishes have hidden heat. If sensitive, say "不要辣" (bù yào là / no spicy).
Water Safety
Do not drink tap water. Bottled water is cheap (2-3 RMB) and everywhere. Ice in restaurants is usually made from filtered water — safe for most travelers.