The food of Nanjing is classified under the more encompassing Jiangsu cuisine (su cai) or Huaiyang cuisine.
Close proximity to the river, large freshwater shrimp and fish are prevalent on Nanjing menus, while duck and
pork are more familiar than beef. Other common ingredients include bamboo shoots, pears, dates, mushrooms,
tea leaves and melon. Dishes are often roasted, braised or boiled. Seasonings are sparing while oil is liberally
used.
Famous Snacks
Duck Blood Soup
This food is the top of all travelers' recommendations. The blood of a freshly killed duck or goose is made into
blood cakes. And the soup is seasoned with salt, pepper, and subtly spicy undertones. Simmer gently for several
minutes and serve with eggs, noodles and caraway.
Fried Spring Onion Pancake
This is a kind of fried pastry that is filled with shallot, meat and other ingredients and usually covered with a pastry
crust. It is also a popular breakfast snack. The best place to taste it is Liu Feng Ju.
Gan Si (Shredded Bean-curd Sheets)
A refreshing cold dish made of Bean-curd sheets. The bean-curd sheets are cut finely into threads with seasoning
of sauce, sesame oil and vegetables shreds of bamboo root, mushroom, chicken or meat. It has fine shreds and
a tender taste. It can also be boiled in broth and served with other meat shreds.
Featured Restaurant
Chake Laozhan 茶客老站
Address: Suite A 4-1, Nanjing 1912 Commercial District, 58 Taiping Beilu, Xuanwu District, Nanjing
南京市玄武区太平北路58号南京1912商业区A4-1
Contact:025 8451 3303 (Tel)
Price: 50-60 RMB/person
Description:
One of the most popular restaurants in the Nanjing 1912 district, Tea Drinkers' is a perfect place to enjoy the dishes
and atmosphere of the Nationalist period. A large glass wall encloses a room full of comfortable sofas, giving you a
chance to enjoy Nationalist architecture while you eat. In addition to Japanese, Korean, Chinese and Western food,
Tea Drinkers' also has great cakes, tea and red bean ices.
Bella Napoli 贝拉
Address:2F, Deji Plaza, 18 Zhongshan Lu, Baixia District, Nanjing
南京市白下区中山路18号德基广场2楼
Contact:025 8470 8969 (Tel)
Hours: 11:00 – 22:00
Description:
One of Nanjing's only true Italian restuarants, Bella Napoli's pizzas are thin, crispy and one of a kind. A welcomed
change from the greesey pizzas often found at other chains or the like, Bella Napoli's pizza's will leave make you
believe your actually in a Roman Piazza. And in a city where calzones are almost unheard of, the chef at Bella Napoli
has created his own special twist with the Mezza-luna, half pizza and half calzone - pure genious. With two locations,
it'll be easy to make a trip to one of Nanjing's must-try restaurants.
Soul Mate Coffee House 索味咖啡西餐酒吧
Address:15-1 Nanxiu Cun, Hankou Lu, Gulou Distirct, Nanjing 南京市鼓楼区汉口路南秀村15-1号
Contact:025 8332 8418 (Tel)
Hours: 11:30 - 22:30
Description:
The next time you are in need of a tasty crepe or a real cup of coffee, the place to go is Soul Mate. Located just off the
always-popular Shanghai Lu, Soul Mate is a quaint French-inspired cafe and a must-try for all in Nanjing. With comfy
couches and what could be Nanjing’s best coffee, Soul Mate is a great place to spend a lazy afternoon listening to
good music and playing games – they have chess, a few board games, UNO cards and plenty of decks of cards to go
around. And once you get hungry, their brief-but-tasty menu offers something for everyone. Most recommended,
however, are the crepes. Lunch and dinner crepes are pretty good, but their banana crepe with chocolate sauce is a
one-of-a-kind. While there are only about six tables in the place, it’s usually not too crowded to get a table.
