What Food To Try in Nanjing and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Nanjing for 2024.
National currency: Yuan Renminbi, symbol — ¥ (international currency code CNY).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Nanjing cafes and restaurants
$2.9
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $2.07
$20.7
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $13.83
$4.2
Combo Meal
Starting from $3.46
What to Try in Nanjing
Must-try Dishes
Salted Duck - 盐水鸭 (savory duck treat) - Tender duck marinated in a unique blend of spices, then poached gently, giving it a rich flavor and silky texture. Locals often enjoy it cold with a side of spicy sauce as a light meal or snack, especially popular during summer months.Stir-Fried Duck Blood Curd - 鸭血 (crunchy tofu alternative) - A curious dish made from duck blood that's set akin to tofu, stir-fried with various vegetables and spices for a savory bite. You’ll find it at local markets when you're on the go, perfect for a quick snack in the afternoon.
Scallion Pancakes - 葱油饼 (crispy and flaky) - Flaky pancakes filled with fresh scallions, pan-fried to golden perfection. Commonly enjoyed at breakfast, you might pair it with a soy dipping sauce from a street vendor while chatting with locals about the day ahead.
Nanjing Pan-Fried Dumplings - 南京锅贴 (savory dumplings) - Crisp-bottomed dumplings stuffed with juicy pork or vegetables, pan-fried until they’re golden brown and served with vinegar. Locals savor these at dinner time, often sharing a plate among friends, fostering lively conversations over dinner.
Sweet and Sour Crispy Eel - 炸鳝鱼 (unexpectedly refreshing) - Lightly battered and deep-fried eel drizzled with a sweet and tangy sauce garnished with fresh herbs. This surprisingly delightful dish is a favorite in the evening among locals, best enjoyed with a side of steamed rice.
Nanjing-Style Soup Dumplings - 小笼包 (soupy delight) - Delicate dumplings filled with juicy pork and spiced broth, steamed to perfection. Typically enjoyed during lunch, be careful when biting into them — the burst of hot soup inside can catch you off guard!
Yangzi River Crab - 阳澄湖大闸蟹 (seasonal specialty) - Plump, lightly steamed crabs served with vinegar for dipping, best found in late autumn when they’re at their sweetest. Families gather around tables during this crab season to celebrate meals, making it a joyous culinary experience.
Rice Noodles with Duck - 鸭肠米线 (simple yet hearty) - Silky rice noodles garnished with pieces of duck, topped with pickled veggies and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. This dish is comfort food for many locals, best enjoyed after a long day, often by the river in cozy eateries.
Desserts & Drinks
Jinling Coffee - 金陵咖啡 (local coffee blend) - A rich brew made from locally sourced coffee beans, often blended with milk and a hint of sweetness. It's typically enjoyed in cozy cafés, especially during chilly afternoons when locals gather to share stories.Sweet Osmanthus Rice Cake - 桂花糕 (sticky rice cake) - A soft and chewy dessert made from glutinous rice, flavored with osmanthus flowers and sweetened with sugar. Commonly served during festivals, it's a delightful treat that brings a floral fragrance and a touch of nostalgia.
Nanjing Salted Duck - 南京盐水鸭 (savory duck dish) - Though not typically a drink, this local specialty is marinated and boiled with various spices, served cold. It’s the go-to dish during gatherings, especially in summer, accompanied by a refreshing drink. By the way, asking for "duck" might confuse you with endless options; stick to 'Salted Duck' for the traditional kind.
Cold Watermelon Juice - 西瓜汁 (refreshing fruit juice) - Pureed fresh watermelon served chilled, often garnished with mint. Locals enjoy this during the sizzling summer months as a perfect way to cool off after a day out—find it at street vendors or parks.
Sticky Rice Balls - 汤圆 (sweet glutinous dessert) - Made from glutinous rice flour filled with sweet fillings like sesame or red bean paste, these are typically served in warm water and enjoyed during Lantern Festival. They symbolize family togetherness, so expect to share them with loved ones for extra joy!
Food and Groceries in Nanjing
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $1.59 |
| Bananas | $1.5 |
| Oranges | $1.69 |
| Potatoes | $0.92 |
| Apples | $1.74 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $0.54 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $0.69 |
| Imported Beer | $1.49 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $11.06 |
| Milk 1L | $2.26 |
Various Groceries
| Meat (Beef or Pork) | $12.52 |
| Chicken | $3.27 |
| Cigarettes | $3.66 |
| Rice | $0.89 |
| Local Cheese | $6.91 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
In the bustling streets of Nanjing, meals unfold in a rhythm that is both vibrant and distinctly local. Lunch breaks often bustle between 12:00 PM and 1:30 PM, while dinner typically draws families and friends together around 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. This timing habit, which might seem flexible, is quite essential for avoiding crowds in the popular dining districts, especially around Xinjiekou and the Confucius Temple area.
When it comes to dining out, prices vary significantly from one area to another. A meal at a mid-range restaurant in Xinjiekou can set you back roughly 80-150 RMB per person, whereas similar fare in a local noodle shop could be enjoyed for about 30-50 RMB. Freshly prepared jianbing (Chinese breakfast crepe) from street vendors can be had for as little as 10-20 RMB, making it a favorite among morning commuters. It's this diversity in price that allows everyone, regardless of budget, to explore the culinary treasures of Nanjing.
Payment customs are notably straightforward, with most establishments favoring WeChat Pay or Alipay over cash, which can be a learning curve for newcomers. I've experienced the awkwardness of fumbling with cash, only to be met with a polite but firm refusal at a bustling local eatery. Oh, and before I forget, don’t worry about tipping—it's not a common practice here and might even confuse your server.
One authentic local dining habit you’ll find is the communal sharing of dishes. It’s customary for tables to order a variety of dishes to share, fostering a social atmosphere that emphasizes connection over individual meals. However, one common tourist mistake is trying to eat just one dish alone without understanding this norm, leading to awkward dining experiences.
Peak dining hours can often bring long waits, especially during weekends when families flock to popular spots. Visiting outside of these times can provide a quieter experience, allowing you to really savor your food. A lesser-known aspect of local dining is how seasonal changes influence menu offerings; in colder months, hot pot restaurants become a favored choice, while the summer heat drives locals to enjoy lighter fare, like cold noodles and refreshing jellies.
As you explore Nanjing’s food scene, it’s fascinating to witness how modern dining habits are evolving—especially among youth. There's a growing trend towards international cuisine and fusion flavors, but traditional dishes remain deeply cherished. This balance between the old and new is quite reflective of Nanjing's rich cultural tapestry, making every meal a delightful adventure into local tastes.
When it comes to dining out, prices vary significantly from one area to another. A meal at a mid-range restaurant in Xinjiekou can set you back roughly 80-150 RMB per person, whereas similar fare in a local noodle shop could be enjoyed for about 30-50 RMB. Freshly prepared jianbing (Chinese breakfast crepe) from street vendors can be had for as little as 10-20 RMB, making it a favorite among morning commuters. It's this diversity in price that allows everyone, regardless of budget, to explore the culinary treasures of Nanjing.
Payment customs are notably straightforward, with most establishments favoring WeChat Pay or Alipay over cash, which can be a learning curve for newcomers. I've experienced the awkwardness of fumbling with cash, only to be met with a polite but firm refusal at a bustling local eatery. Oh, and before I forget, don’t worry about tipping—it's not a common practice here and might even confuse your server.
One authentic local dining habit you’ll find is the communal sharing of dishes. It’s customary for tables to order a variety of dishes to share, fostering a social atmosphere that emphasizes connection over individual meals. However, one common tourist mistake is trying to eat just one dish alone without understanding this norm, leading to awkward dining experiences.
Peak dining hours can often bring long waits, especially during weekends when families flock to popular spots. Visiting outside of these times can provide a quieter experience, allowing you to really savor your food. A lesser-known aspect of local dining is how seasonal changes influence menu offerings; in colder months, hot pot restaurants become a favored choice, while the summer heat drives locals to enjoy lighter fare, like cold noodles and refreshing jellies.
As you explore Nanjing’s food scene, it’s fascinating to witness how modern dining habits are evolving—especially among youth. There's a growing trend towards international cuisine and fusion flavors, but traditional dishes remain deeply cherished. This balance between the old and new is quite reflective of Nanjing's rich cultural tapestry, making every meal a delightful adventure into local tastes.