Nanjing Local Cuisine

Explore the authentic flavors and must-try dishes of Nanjing

Nanjing Salted Duck
Main Dish
Nanjing Salted Duck

Famous Nanjing specialty with tender, flavorful duck meat

¥40-80
Lunch or dinner
Very common

Best Places:

  • Duck shops
  • Traditional restaurants
  • Local markets

Pro Tip:

The duck should be tender and not too salty

Duck Blood Soup
Soup
Duck Blood Soup

Traditional soup with duck blood curd and vermicelli

¥15-30
Lunch or dinner
Local specialty

Best Places:

  • Traditional restaurants
  • Local eateries
  • Food streets

Pro Tip:

An acquired taste but very traditional

Nanjing Tangbao
Dim Sum
Nanjing Tangbao

Soup dumplings with rich broth and tender filling

¥20-40
Breakfast or lunch
Common

Best Places:

  • Dim sum restaurants
  • Local breakfast shops
  • Tea houses

Pro Tip:

Bite carefully to avoid spilling the hot soup

Nanjing Snacks
Street Food
Nanjing Snacks

Various traditional snacks including pastries and street food

¥10-25
Snack time
Very common

Best Places:

  • Confucius Temple area
  • Food streets
  • Local markets

Pro Tip:

Explore the Confucius Temple area for the best variety

Nanjing Hot Pot
Hot Pot
Nanjing Hot Pot

Local style hot pot with unique broths and ingredients

¥80-150 per person
Dinner
Common

Best Places:

  • Hot pot restaurants
  • Local eateries
  • Food streets

Pro Tip:

Try the local specialty broths and ingredients

Nanjing Tea
Tea
Nanjing Tea

Traditional tea culture with local tea varieties

¥20-60 per person
Any time
Common

Best Places:

  • Tea houses
  • Traditional venues
  • Cultural areas

Pro Tip:

Experience traditional tea culture in historic settings

Nanjing Food Culture Guide

Dining Etiquette

  • • Use chopsticks properly, don't stick them upright in rice
  • • Try a little of everything when dining with others
  • • It's polite to serve others before yourself
  • • Slurping noodles is acceptable and shows appreciation

Ordering Tips

  • • Point at menu pictures if language is a barrier
  • • Ask for "bu la" (not spicy) if you can't handle heat
  • • Street food is generally safe from busy vendors
  • • Don't tip - it's not customary in China