Nanjing is the capital of Jiangsu province. It is great for its food and rich history. Even though it is not as famous as Beijing or Shanghai for street food Nanjing has a food scene with lots of flavors that show its culture. Any person who loves food should try Nanjings street food, which has everything from sesame treats to savory duck dishes.
1. Salted Duck (盐水鸭) – Nanjing’s Signature Dish
If you visit Nanjing you have to try the salted duck. This dish is famous for its tender meat and fragrant salty taste. It has been a favorite for over a thousand years. To make the duck taste good it is marinated in a mix of salt and spices cooked gently. You can find duck in restaurants. You can also find it at street food stalls, where they serve it in small pieces that are easy to eat on the go. Nanjings salted duck is really something
2. Nanjing Duck Blood Soup (鸭血粉丝汤) – A Comforting Classic
In Nanjing duck blood soup is another must-try food. The soup is made with duck blood cubes, glass noodles and a savory broth with herbs, ginger and garlic. Sometimes tofu duck intestines or meat are added to the soup to make it taste better. Even though it may sound strange locals love Nanjing duck blood soup because it is warm and nutritious during the winter months. Nanjing duck blood soup is a classic.
3. Pan-fried Beef Dumplings (牛肉锅贴) – A Crispy Delight
Nanjing-style pan-fried beef dumplings are a must-try for people who love dumplings. Unlike dumplings they are pan-fried to keep the inside moist and aromatic while making the outside crispy. The best way to eat these dumplings is out of the pan, filled with beef, onions and a bit of ginger. They are a street snack that’s perfect for grabbing a quick bite while exploring the city. You will love Nanjings -fried beef dumplings.
4. Tangbao (汤包) – Juicy Soup Dumplings
Like Shanghais xiaolongbao Nanjings tangbao is a bit bigger. Has a rich flavorful broth with a tasty beef filling. The thin dough wrapper of these made soup dumplings is full of flavor when you bite into it. To eat tangbao like a local drink the soup using a straw before eating the dumpling. This way you will not burn your mouth. You can enjoy the flavor as a whole. Nanjings tangbao is delicious.
5. Sesame Pancakes (芝麻烧饼) – A Sweet or Savory Treat
Sesame pancakes are a choice for a street snack. These flaky crunchy pastries come in savory kinds while the sweet version is made with sugar or red bean paste and the savory version is loaded with minced beef or scallions. Locals love sesame pancakes for breakfast which they often eat with soy milk in the morning. You can try Nanjings sesame pancakes for breakfast too.
Final Thoughts
The street food scene in Nanjing has a lot of textures, flavors and adventurous tastes. The flavors of Nanjing will stay with you whether you are eating beef dumplings sipping a bowl of Nanjing duck blood soup or trying the citys famous salted duck.
Nanjing should be, at the top of your list of places to visit if you love trying Chinese food, especially Nanjings street food. Thanks
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