Nanjing Tour Guide
Stinky Tofu (Chou Doufu, 臭豆腐)
Stinky Tofu is Tofu that is marinated in brine and allowed to ferment for several days. How long it ferments for, what the brine is made out of and the type and texture of tofu are all factors that affect the end product. It is possible to have different tasting toufu just as there are different varieties and strengths of cheeses. Because of this variety, many cities in China each count stinky tofu as one of their unique specialties. It is usually served with hot sauce but can also be served with other toppings.
Stinky Tofu can be found at street vendors, restaurants, and grocery stores.
local specialty food
Nanjing is so famous for the exceptional quality and vast quantity of duck dishes it consumes that it has earned the nickname "Yadu" (鸭都), translating to the "Duck Capital."
Soup Dumplings (Tangbao, 汤包)
Dumplings with chicken broth inside them are a favorite of both locals and visitors.
Soup dumplings can be found in many restaurants. One of the more popular restaurants can be found on Lion’s Bridge. They do not sell any dishes besides soup dumplings and duck blood soup.
Duck Blood and Sweet Potato Starch Noodle Soup (Yaxue Fensi Tang, 鸭血粉丝汤)
A beloved local classic, this savory soup is made with smooth, congealed duck's blood and slippery noodles from sweet potato starch. While its ingredients might seem unusual, it's a comforting and flavorful dish that defines Nanjing's authentic culinary scene. Though it can be an adventurous try for visitors.
Crawfish (Xiao Longxia, 小龙虾)
A big bowl of spicy crawfish is a meal on its own. It is often complemented with some small snacks or thin bread.
Crawfish can be found a year long, but the large fresh ones can usually only be found between May and October. It can be bought in grocery stores and restaurants. Indeed, some restaurants only sell crawfish.
Luhao (芦蒿)
Luhao is a green vegetable that is grown in freshwater lakes nearby. It is usually stir-fried and served on its own as a side dish or with toufu. Although some will say that it can only be found in Nanjing, the truth is that it can be found in other cities in China as well. However, it is quite popular in Nanjing.
Nanjing's culinary fame extends far beyond duck to the refined traditions of Huaiyang Cuisine, one of China's Four Great Traditions. For a truly outstanding Huaiyang experience, we often go to Chef Queen (Xiaochuniang), a celebrated local restaurant that is a top choice for family gatherings, weddings, and birthdays.
I hope you're hungry by now! For an authentic taste of everything, we must visit Nanjing Impression (Nanjing Da Paidang). This is my personal favorite; my friends and I dine here every few weeks because it feels as comfortable and relaxing as home. The restaurant is dedicated to preserving the old flavors of Nanjing, serving classic local snacks that are now hard to find elsewhere. The food here is wonderfully homemade and never fails to bring back cherished memories of my childhood.
Nanjing Salty Duck (Nanjing Yanshui Ya, 南京盐水鸭)
Nanjing Salty Duck has been produced in Nanjing for over 1000 years and is widely thought of as the number one Nanjing specialty. The skin is lightly colored, and the meat is tender.
Bagged Salty Ducks can be found in all the tourist markets and supermarkets (better tasting ones). Fresh ducks can be bought at butchers' shops and grocery stores.