Best Places to Eat in Nanjing China

Discovering the Flavors of Nanjing: A Street Food Guide

Nanjing, the capital city of Jiangsu province in eastern China, is a treasure trove of culinary delights. From traditional street foods to modern twists on classic dishes, Nanjing offers a diverse and vibrant food scene that will tantalize your taste buds. Here are some of the best places to eat in Nanjing, with a focus on popular street food destinations:

Xinjiekou Street Food Night Market

Located in the heart of the city, Xinjiekou is a must-visit destination for any food enthusiast. This bustling night market offers a wide range of street foods, including:

  • Salted Duck: A Nanjing specialty, this dish features tender duck meat marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, and spices.
  • Steamed Buns: Soft, fluffy buns filled with pork, vegetables, or sweet fillings like red bean paste.
  • Grilled Squid: Fresh squid skewers grilled to perfection, often served with a sprinkle of chili powder and a squeeze of lemon.

Fuzimiao Street Food

This historic street is famous for its traditional Nanjing snacks. Be sure to try:

  • Yangzhou Fried Dumplings: Crispy fried dumplings filled with pork and vegetables, served with a dipping sauce.
  • Nanjing Small Wontons: Delicate wontons filled with shrimp or pork, served in a light broth.

Laoshan Street Food

This popular street food destination is known for its spicy Sichuan-inspired dishes. Don’t miss:

  • Spicy Boiled Fish: A flavorful and numbing dish featuring fish cooked in a spicy broth with Sichuan peppercorns.
  • Chongqing Noodles: Spicy noodles served with a variety of toppings, including pork, chicken, or vegetables.

Other Must-Try Street Foods

  • Jiangnan Rice Cakes: Crispy rice cakes filled with sweet or savory fillings, such as red bean paste or pickled mustard greens.
  • Nanjing Salted Pastry: Flaky pastry pockets filled with a mixture of salted meat and vegetables.

Tips and Essentials

  • Language: While many vendors may not speak English, it’s always helpful to learn some basic Chinese phrases, such as “hello” (nǐ hǎo), “thank you” (xiè xiè), and “how much?” (duō shǎo qián).
  • Payment: Most street food stalls only accept cash, so be sure to have plenty of yuan on hand.
  • Hygiene: While street food can be a concern for some travelers, Nanjing’s vendors generally maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene.

Getting Around

Nanjing is easily navigable by taxi, bus, or metro. For Xinjiekou Night Market, take metro line 2 to the Xinjiekou Station and exit at Gate 1. For Fuzimiao Street Food, take metro line 3 to the Fuzimiao Station and exit at Gate 2.

With this guide, you’re ready to embark on a culinary adventure in Nanjing! From spicy Sichuan dishes to traditional Jiangsu snacks, the city’s street food scene has something for every palate.