Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Nanjing, China
1. Nanjing Salted Fish
A traditional Nanjing dish made with pickled fish and vegetables, offering a unique blend of salty and sour flavors. Solves the challenge of sustenance in a humid climate.
- Preservation Method: Uses salt as a preservative due to Nanjing's humid climate.
- Local Ingredients: Uses locally sourced fish and vegetables.
- Flavor Profile: Balances salty and sour flavors, a unique taste of Nanjing cuisine.
2. Nanjing Steamed Stuffed Buns
Famous buns filled with various ingredients like pork, vegetables or seafood, steamed to perfection. Solves the challenge of a quick and satisfying meal.
- Preparation Method: Steamed instead of fried for a lighter option.
- Local Flavors: Variety of fillings reflect Nanjing's diverse culinary traditions.
- Quick Meal Solution: A quick, filling meal perfect for a busy traveler.
3. Duck in White Wine Sauce
Tender duck cooked in a flavorful white wine sauce, served with steamed rice. Solves the challenge of finding hearty and flavorful dishes.
- Cooking Method: Slow-cooked to ensure tender, succulent meat.
- Local Wine Ingredient: Uses local white wine for a unique flavor profile.
- Hearty and Flavorful: A hearty, flavorful dish that satisfies any appetite.
4. Nanjing Wine Fish Head
Whole fish head cooked in a spicy and savory sauce, served with rice. Solves the challenge of finding unique culinary experiences.
- Preparation Method: Whole fish head is used for maximum flavor.
- Spiciness Level: Adjustable spiciness to cater to different tastes.
- Authentic Experience: A traditional Nanjing dish offering a genuine culinary experience.
5. Nanjing Xiaolongbao
Famous soup dumplings filled with pork and broth. Solves the challenge of finding a local delicacy.
- Preparation Method: The dough is folded in a unique way to contain the soup.
- Local Delicacy: A famous dish that represents Nanjing's culinary heritage.
- Unique Tasting Experience: The burst of hot soup adds to the overall experience.
6. Nanjing Shouzhu Yu
Hot pot dish featuring various ingredients like meat, seafood, and vegetables, cooked in a pot of simmering broth. Solves the challenge of finding shared meals.
- Preparation Method: Cooked at the table for a social dining experience.
- Local Ingredients: Uses locally sourced ingredients.
- Shared Meal Option: A shared meal that encourages conversation and bonding.
7. Nanjing Rou Cong Yi
Fried gluten sticks served with a sweet and savory sauce. Solves the challenge of finding snacks or appetizers.
- Preparation Method: Gluten is deep-fried until crispy.
- Local Snack: A popular Nanjing snack enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
- Versatile Snack: Can be eaten as a snack or an appetizer before meals.
8. Nanjing Doufu Zhou
Tofu pie served with soy sauce and green onions. Solves the challenge of finding vegetarian options.
- Preparation Method: Tofu is pressed into a pie shape before frying.
- Vegetarian Option: A popular vegetarian dish in Nanjing.
- Simple and Delicious: A simple yet flavorful dish that caters to vegetarians.
9. Nanjing Xuan'er Cake
Sweet cake made with glutinous rice flour and filled with red bean paste. Solves the challenge of finding desserts.
- Preparation Method: The dough is wrapped around the filling before steaming.
- Local Dessert: A traditional Nanjing dessert enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
- Sweet and Soft: The soft texture and sweet flavor make it a perfect dessert choice.
10. Nanjing Baozi
Steamed buns filled with pork or vegetables. Solves the challenge of finding quick and affordable meals.
- Preparation Method: Steamed instead of fried for a lighter option.
- Local Snack: A popular snack in Nanjing.
- Quick and Affordable: A quick, filling meal that won't break the bank.
11. Nanjing Yuan Yang Rou
Pork slices served in two sauces: sweet and sour on one side and garlic on the other. Solves the challenge of finding flavorful dishes.
- Preparation Method: Pork is sliced thinly for even cooking.
- Flavor Profile: Offers a unique combination of sweet and sour flavors alongside garlic flavor.
- Unique Presentation: Pork slices are served in two separate sauces for visual appeal.
12. Nanjing Lanzhou Lamian
Hand-pulled noodles served in a spicy soup with various ingredients. Solves the challenge of finding comfort foods.
- Preparation Method: Noodles are hand-pulled for a unique texture.
- Comfort Food: A hearty, comforting dish that satisfies any appetite.
- Spiciness Level: Adjustable spiciness to cater to different tastes.
13. Nanjing Yuan Yang Gan
Duck tongues cooked in a sweet and sour sauce. Solves the challenge of finding unique dishes.
- Preparation Method: Duck tongues are used for maximum flavor.
- Unusual Ingredient: Duck tongues offer a unique dining experience.
- Flavor Profile: Balances sweet and sour flavors for a distinctive taste.
14. Nanjing Dong'an Tang
Sweet soup made with glutinous rice flour, lotus seeds, and other ingredients. Solves the challenge of finding desserts.
- Preparation Method: Glutinous rice flour is used to create a smooth texture.
- Local Dessert: A traditional Nanjing dessert enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
- Sweet and Nutritious: The sweet flavor and nutritional ingredients make it a perfect dessert choice.
15. Nanjing Qingtuan
Cold glutinous rice balls filled with sesame paste. Solves the challenge of finding refreshing desserts.
- Preparation Method: Glutinous rice is formed into balls and filled with sesame paste.
- Local Dessert: A traditional Nanjing dessert enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
- Refreshing and Delicious: The cold, sweet flavor makes it a perfect refreshing treat.