Nanjing has its own proud culinary tradition, part of the broader Jiangsu cooking style, which favours fresh ingredients, delicate seasoning and a gentle touch of sweetness. Its signature dish is salted duck, brined and steamed until pale and tender, served cold in slices. Alongside it come duck blood and vermicelli soup, a clear, comforting bowl with offal and glass noodles that locals eat for breakfast or lunch, along with soup dumplings, beef pot-stickers, sesame pancakes and small pastries. The old Qinhuai area is also known for the Eight Delicacies, a set of snacks served at traditional teahouses. A food tour is the easiest way to taste these dishes without struggling with menus in Chinese, and the product linked here lasts around three hours and moves between neighbourhood eateries by public transport, which gives a taste of daily life as well as food. A local guide chooses places that specialise in a single dish, explains how each is made and shows you how to order and what to ask for. Tastings are generous, so you should arrive hungry. The tour also gives you a sense of how the city eats, from breakfast stalls to lunch counters, and it introduces etiquette such as sharing dishes and sipping soup. For travellers keen on food, it is among the most rewarding things to do in the city, and it helps you plan later meals on your own.
How to visit
The linked product is a three-hour authentic local food tour by public transportation, so check the details for the meeting point, the start time, the number of tastings and what is included. Tell the operator about dietary restrictions when you book, since Nanjing cuisine uses pork, duck, offal, shellfish and soy, and options for vegetarians, halal diets or allergies need advance notice.
What to expect
You will meet your guide and travel by metro or bus between several stops, perhaps a morning snack shop, a noodle or dumpling restaurant, a duck specialist and a sweet dessert place. The tastings are small and shared, so you can sample a wide range without becoming too full. Along the way the guide will describe local customs, the history of dishes and the best places to eat later in your stay. Be ready for some walking and standing, and for short rides in crowded carriages at busy times.
How to get the most from it: go early in your trip so that you can use the guide's recommendations for the rest of your visit. Bring cash or a mobile payment option for any extras, and wear comfortable shoes. Do not be shy about trying unfamiliar items, since the soup, the duck and the dumplings are among the best introductions to Nanjing. If you prefer a street food and market focus, the seasonal street food walk is a good alternative, and for a sit-down evening meal, consider the river cruise with dinner.
Planning note
Because the tour moves between several venues, wear comfortable shoes and carry a light bag with wipes, a bottle of water and a small amount of cash. If you have a food allergy, write it down in Chinese or show it on your phone, and make sure the guide knows before the first stop, since the dishes are prepared in busy shared kitchens.
What to expect
The experience
A guided three-hour tasting tour between neighbourhood eateries, using the metro and buses.
Best time
Mornings or lunchtime when the dishes are freshest; come hungry.
How long
Three hours.
Tips
Report dietary needs when you book, carry some cash and wear comfortable shoes.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Food lovers and first-time visitors who want an easy introduction to local dishes.
- Families
- Suited to adventurous children; portions are small and shared.
- Couples
- A fun, interactive way to share a morning.
- Pair with
- Confucius Temple area and the Qinhuai River.
- Time needed
- A morning.
Good questions
What is Nanjing famous for eating?+
Salted duck, duck blood and vermicelli soup, soup dumplings, beef pot-stickers and a range of small snacks.
Is the tour suitable for vegetarians?+
Options are limited because many dishes use meat. Tell the operator in advance so they can plan.
How much walking is involved?+
Expect moderate walking and some standing, plus short rides on public transport.
Do I need to bring cash?+
Most tastings are covered, but bring some cash or mobile payment for extras and souvenirs.
When should I do it?+
Early in your trip, so you can use the guide's recommendations afterward.
