Exploring the Culinary Delights of Nanjing: A Guide to the Best Foods in China’s Historical City

Nanjing, also known as Nanking, is a city in eastern China. It is the capital of Jiangsu province and is located in the Yangtze River Delta region, approximately 300 miles northwest of Shanghai. Nanjing is an important cultural, economic, and educational center in China, with a rich history dating back more than 2,000 years. It was the capital of several ancient Chinese dynasties and was the site of several significant historical events, including the Nanjing Massacre during the Second Sino-Japanese War. Today, Nanjing is a modern city with a population of over 8 million people.

Nanjing is known for its cuisine, which is a blend of the culinary traditions of the surrounding region. The food of Nanjing is known for its use of fresh ingredients and bold flavors, and is considered one of the eight great traditions of Chinese cuisine. Some popular dishes from Nanjing include braised duck, salted duck, and Nanjing salted pork. The city is also known for its sweet and savory pastries, including Nanjing mooncakes and Yangtze River shrimp dumplings. In addition to its local specialties, Nanjing also has a vibrant food scene with a range of international cuisines available.

Here are five must-try foods in Nanjing that will satisfy your taste buds and give you a true taste of the city:

Salted duck and pork

Nanjing salted pork and duck are both dishes that are known for their rich and savory flavors. The pork is typically made using high-quality pork belly that is salted and then braised or roasted until it is tender and flavorful. The resulting dish is typically served in slices and has a rich, salty taste with a hint of sweetness. Nanjing salted duck is made using a similar technique, but with duck meat instead of pork. The duck is salted and then slow-cooked until it is tender and flavorful, with a rich, savory taste and a tender, succulent texture. Both dishes are typically served as part of a larger meal and are enjoyed alongside other dishes and rice.

Nanjing salted duck blood soup

Nanjing salted duck blood soup is a traditional Chinese dish that is known for its bold flavors and rich, savory taste. The soup is made by simmering duck blood and a variety of other ingredients, including diced tofu, herbs, and spices, in a flavorful broth. The resulting soup has a deep, savory flavor and a smooth, silky texture. The taste of the soup can vary depending on the specific ingredients used, but it is generally considered to be a hearty and satisfying dish with a rich, bold flavor.

Yangtze River shrimp dumplings

Yangtze River shrimp dumplings, also known as Nanjing humped shrimp dumplings, are a type of traditional Chinese pastry that is popular in the city of Nanjing. The dumplings are made by wrapping a filling of shrimp and other ingredients, such as minced pork and seasonings, in a dough made from wheat flour. The resulting dumplings are typically steamed and served as a snack or as part of a larger meal. The taste of the dumplings can vary depending on the specific ingredients used, but they are generally considered to be savory and flavorful, with a tender, delicate texture and a slight sweetness from the shrimp filling.

Nanjing braised pork

Nanjing braised pork, also known as “red-cooked pork,” is a traditional Chinese dish that is known for its rich, savory flavor. The pork is typically made using high-quality pork belly that is slowly braised in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, and other seasonings until it is tender and flavorful. The resulting dish has a deep, savory taste and a tender, succulent texture. The taste of the pork can vary depending on the specific ingredients used, but it is generally considered to be a hearty and satisfying dish that is full of bold, savory flavors.

Nanjing mooncakes

Nanjing mooncakes are a type of traditional Chinese pastry that is popular in the city of Nanjing and surrounding areas. Mooncakes are typically eaten during the Mid-Autumn Festival, which is a major holiday in China. Nanjing mooncakes are known for their rich, savory fillings and delicate, flaky crusts. They are typically filled with a mixture of ingredients such as lotus seed paste, duck egg yolk, and minced pork or chicken, and are often decorated with intricate designs on the surface. The taste of the mooncakes can vary depending on the specific ingredients used, but they are generally considered to be savory and satisfying, with a delicate, flaky texture and a rich, complex flavor.

No trip to Nanjing is complete without trying these delicious local dishes. Whether you are a foodie looking to try new flavors or just want to sample the local cuisine, these five must-try foods in Nanjing are sure to satisfy your cravings.