When visiting Nanjing, be sure to try the city's signature dishes, such as Dongpo Pork, Lion's Head, and Nanjing Salted Duck, which showcase the city's rich culinary heritage and blend of Huaiyang and Jiangsu cuisines.
Quick Facts
Food Culture Overview
Nanjing's cuisine is defined by its rich history, cultural heritage, and geographical location. As the capital of Jiangsu province, Nanjing's cuisine is heavily influenced by the Huaiyang style, which emphasizes the use of fresh ingredients, delicate flavors, and intricate cooking techniques. The city's cuisine is also shaped by its proximity to the Yangtze River, which provides an abundance of fresh fish and other seafood. Regional variations within Nanjing's cuisine include the Qinhuai style, which is known for its bold flavors and spices, and the Xuanwu style, which is characterized by its light and delicate flavors.
Nanjing's food culture is also influenced by its history as a former capital city, with many dishes named after famous historical figures or landmarks. For example, Dongpo Pork is named after the famous poet Su Dongpo, who was known for his love of food and cooking. The city's cuisine is also known for its emphasis on seasonal ingredients, with many dishes featuring fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs that are in season.
In addition to its rich culinary heritage, Nanjing is also home to a vibrant food scene, with many restaurants, food courts, and markets offering a wide range of traditional and modern dishes. Visitors to the city can sample a variety of local specialties, from Nanjing Salted Duck to Lion's Head, and experience the city's unique food culture firsthand.
Must-Try Dishes
| Dish | Type | Description | Where to Find |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dongpo Pork | Braised pork belly | A classic Nanjing dish named after the famous poet Su Dongpo, featuring tender pork belly braised in a rich sauce | Traditional restaurants in the Qinhuai district |
| Lion's Head | Braised pork meatball | A large pork meatball braised in a savory sauce, served with steamed bok choy and rice | Local restaurants in the Xuanwu district |
| Nanjing Salted Duck | Roasted duck | A classic Nanjing dish featuring a roasted duck seasoned with salt and other spices, served with steamed pancakes and scallions | Specialty restaurants in the Gulou district |
| Steamed Fish with Pickled Mustard Greens | Steamed fish | A delicate dish featuring steamed fish served with pickled mustard greens and a light sauce | Seafood restaurants in the Yangtze River area |
| Nanjing Wontons | Boiled dumplings | Thin-skinned dumplings filled with pork and vegetables, served in a light broth | Street food stalls and restaurants throughout the city |
| Fried Dough Sticks | Fried bread | Crispy fried bread sticks served with a sweet or savory dipping sauce | Street food stalls and bakeries throughout the city |
| Braised Abalone | Seafood | A luxurious dish featuring abalone braised in a rich sauce, served with steamed rice and vegetables | High-end seafood restaurants in the city |
| Nanjing Dumpling Soup | Boiled dumplings | A hearty soup featuring boiled dumplings filled with pork and vegetables, served with a light broth and noodles | Local restaurants and food courts throughout the city |
| Grilled Pork Chops | Grilled meat | Thick pork chops grilled to perfection, served with a side of steamed vegetables and rice | Outdoor barbecue stalls and restaurants throughout the city |
| Steamed Buns with Pork and Vegetables | Steamed buns | Soft steamed buns filled with pork and vegetables, served with a light sauce | Street food stalls and bakeries throughout the city |
Street Food & Snacks
- Fried Dough Sticks: crispy fried bread sticks served with a sweet or savory dipping sauce, $1-2 USD
- Nanjing Wontons: thin-skinned dumplings filled with pork and vegetables, served in a light broth, $2-3 USD
- Grilled Pork Chops: thick pork chops grilled to perfection, served with a side of steamed vegetables, $3-4 USD
- Steamed Buns with Pork and Vegetables: soft steamed buns filled with pork and vegetables, served with a light sauce, $1-2 USD
- Roasted Chestnuts: roasted chestnuts served with a sprinkle of sugar and salt, $1-2 USD
- Fried Noodles: crispy fried noodles served with a sweet or savory sauce, $2-3 USD
- Boiled Peanuts: boiled peanuts served with a sprinkle of salt and chili powder, $1-2 USD
- Fresh Fruit: fresh fruit such as apples, bananas, and oranges, $1-2 USD
Drinks
- Jasmine Tea: a fragrant and delicate tea made from jasmine flowers, $2-3 USD
- Chinese Beer: a crisp and refreshing beer made from local ingredients, $3-4 USD
- Fresh Juice: fresh juice made from local fruits such as oranges, apples, and watermelon, $2-3 USD
- Soy Milk: a creamy and nutritious milk alternative made from soybeans, $1-2 USD
- Ginger Tea: a spicy and invigorating tea made from fresh ginger, $2-3 USD
- Chinese Wine: a rich and complex wine made from local grapes, $10-20 USD
Dining Customs
- Table manners: it is customary to wait for the host to invite you to sit down and start eating
- Chopstick etiquette: it is considered impolite to stand your chopsticks upright in your rice bowl, as this is reminiscent of a funeral ritual
- Tipping: tipping is not expected, but 5-10% is appreciated for good service
- Reservation culture: it is a good idea to make a reservation at popular restaurants, especially during peak hours
- Dress code: dress code is generally casual, but it is a good idea to dress up for nicer restaurants
- Eating with locals: it is considered polite to try a little bit of everything, and to finish your meal completely
Where to Eat
- Traditional restaurants: try traditional restaurants in the Qinhuai district for a taste of classic Nanjing cuisine
- Food courts: visit food courts in the Xuanwu district for a variety of affordable and delicious options
- Street food stalls: try street food stalls throughout the city for a taste of local specialties
- Seafood restaurants: visit seafood restaurants in the Yangtze River area for a taste of fresh seafood
- High-end restaurants: try high-end restaurants in the Gulou district for a luxurious dining experience
Food Markets & Food Experiences
- Qinhuai Night Market: a lively night market featuring a variety of street food, souvenirs, and local products, located in the Qinhuai district
- Xuanwu Food Court: a large food court featuring a variety of affordable and delicious options, located in the Xuanwu district
- Yangtze River Fish Market: a bustling fish market featuring a wide range of fresh seafood, located in the Yangtze River area
- Gulou Street Food: a popular street food destination featuring a variety of local specialties, located in the Gulou district
- Nanjing Cooking Class: a cooking class where you can learn to make traditional Nanjing dishes, located in the city center