Local Cuisine

• Restaurants
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  Jiangsu Restaurant

  Founded in 1946 under the name Fuxing Restaurant, this establishment is the birthplace of the iconic "Republic of China Grand Cuisine." In this sense it has become one of Nanjing's most representative dining institutions, with dishes praised for their carefully sourced ingredients and skillful preparation. It has long been a favorite of political figures, merchants, scholars, cultural personalities, and foreign diplomats, who affectionately call it "the Little Building."

  Address:

  255-1 Jianning Road, Gulou District, Nanjing (near Daqiao Hotel)

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  Jinling Hotel · Meiyuan

  Located on the second floor of the Jinling Hotel, Meiyuan is designed in a distinctive Ming–Qing aesthetic with "plum blossom" as its central theme, creating a dining environment of classical elegance. Embracing the philosophy that food and medicine share the same roots, the restaurant selects premium ingredients to express the hallmark qualities of Jinling cuisine — fresh and clean without being bland, rich and full-bodied without overpowering the palate.

  Address:

  2/F, Jinling Building, 2 Hanzhong Road, Gulou District

• 

  Nanjing Dapaidang

  Established in 1994, Nanjing Dapaidang is a classic restaurant brand that showcases Nanjing's distinctive culinary identity. Building on the rich folk flavors of old Nanjing while introducing creative innovations, it offers hundreds of homestyle dishes, seasonal garden vegetables, and everyday cooking with authentic taste. The interior decor exudes classical charm, brimming with the spirit of traditional Chinese folk culture.

  Address:

  48 Dashiba Street, Qinhuai District (Confucius Temple Pingjiangfu Branch)

• 

  Wanqing Tower Cuisine Pavilion

  Opened in 1987, Wanqing Tower sits on the banks of the Qinhuai River, adjacent to Dacheng Hall at the Confucius Temple. It specializes in the "Eight Delicacies of Qinhuai" — eight iconic local snacks. The interior is serene and refined, offering a tranquil haven amid the surrounding bustle, with all snacks handcrafted and all dishes carefully prepared.

  Address:

  1 Gongyuan West Street, Qinhuai District

• Signature Snacks
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  Jinling Salted Duck

  Jinling Salted Duck has a long and celebrated history, earning the accolade "Jinling's duck dishes are the finest under heaven." The duck skin is pale and tender, rich yet never greasy, with a flavor profile that is fresh, aromatic, and delicately soft.
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  Duck Blood and Vermicelli Soup

  A beloved Nanjing specialty made with duck blood, duck liver, and duck intestines simmered in rich duck broth with vermicelli noodles. Vibrant in color and fresh, savory, and refreshing in taste, this dish has won fans across all of China.
• 

  Jinling Soup Dumplings

  One of Nanjing's most celebrated snacks — thin-skinned dumplings packed with minced meat filling and a generous amount of savory broth, rich yet refreshing. The traditional way to enjoy them is to first sip the broth through a small bite, then eat the wrapper and filling. What sets Nanjing soup dumplings apart is their non-greasy quality and a subtle, delicate sweetness.
• 

  Beef Potstickers

  Crispy golden-brown on the outside, generously filled with juicy meat, and bursting with flavorful broth at first bite. Dipped in chili oil and aromatic vinegar, this is the classic Nanjing way to enjoy them.
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  Pidu Noodles

  A hearty bowl built on a light yet slightly thick bone broth, with noodles cooked to perfect firmness and chewy deep-fried pork skin that delivers satisfying texture. Generously topped with a variety of ingredients, it is virtually impossible to stop eating.
• 

  Plum Blossom Cake

  One of Nanjing's traditional celebrated snacks. Served in a small paper cup, the plum blossom cake is as charming in appearance as it is in taste — soft, chewy, and fragrantly sweet.
• Food Streets
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  Mingwalang Food Street

  Mingwalang Food Street near Xinjiekou is a household name in Nanjing. From upscale restaurants and teahouses to small street-side eateries tucked in alleyways, every establishment draws a loyal crowd, with diners streaming in throughout the day.
• 

  Fengfu Road

  Exit Xinjiekou Metro Station at Gate 15, walk forward and turn into Fengfu Road from Huanya Plaza. Zhang's stuffed flatbreads, Acai's vegetable pancakes, egg burgers……the enticing aromas of food drifting the full length of the street create an irresistibly lively atmosphere.
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  Ke Lane

  From Taiping South Road at the western end of Ke Lane all the way to Sansanxiang and Sisanxiang on the eastern side, every small eatery is packed with people — making Ke Lane one of the most vivid "windows" into the vibrant, everyday street life of Nanjing.
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  Hongmiao

  In the hearts of many Nanjing residents, Hongmiao Food Street is the undisputed number one. Its combination of affordable prices and generous portions has secured it a firm and cherished place in Nanjing's vast culinary landscape.
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  Chanan Avenue

  Chanan Avenue preserves the down-to-earth character and raw, authentic flavors that are uniquely Nanjing's own. The city's liveliness, its street-level energy, and the warmth of everyday life are on full display here.