Nanjing Salted Duck
Brined and air-dried duck, the city's 1,000-year signature.
Spice levelNot spicy (0/5 — order “wēi là” 微辣 for mild)
What it is
Nanjing's edible emblem: salt-brined duck eaten cold, lightly cured with osmanthus in the traditional autumn version — the city has eaten duck in every form for six centuries, and this is the daily one.
How to order like a local
Buy it fresh-cut at an old-shop counter, not vacuum-packed: the texture is the whole point. Half a duck feeds two with leftovers. The osmanthus season (Guihua yazi, autumn) is the vintage.
Good to know
Fresh-cut runs 30-50 CNY per half. Vacuum versions travel well but trade away the skin's silk — save those for souvenirs only.
More to eat in Nanjing
- Nanjing Da Pai Dang
Retro canteen of Nanjing classics under lanterns.
- Fuzimiao Snack Quarter
Eight Quintessences snack sets along Qinhuai River.