Must-Try Foods In Purple Mountain (Zijin Shan) (Nanjing) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Purple Mountain (Zijin Shan), Nanjing

Zijin Shan, also known as Purple Mountain, sits in the eastern suburb of Nanjing, a city with a deep cultural heritage reflected in its traditional cuisine. In ancient times, the mountain area was a retreat for emperors and literary figures, who often enjoyed lavish banquets with local specialties. With Nanjing being the capital of several dynasties, the cuisine here, often referred to as Jinling cuisine or Nanjing cuisine, has been influenced by the royal cooking traditions. This rich historical backdrop contributes to the diverse culinary scene near Purple Mountain, which offers an amalgam of flavors, including prominent vegetarian options driven by the Buddhist temples located on the mountain.

Top 10 Must-Try Food Dishes Near Purple Mountain (Zijin Shan)

1. Nanjing Salted Duck (非牛肉) - Non-veg: Known as the signature dish of Nanjing, it's famous for its tender meat and aromatic flavor.
2. Sweet and Sour Mandarin Fish (非牛肉) - Non-veg: A Jiangsu culinary special with the fish's mouth shaped like a squirrel's tail, thus sometimes called “squirrel-shaped mandarin fish”.
3. Nanjing Tangbao (糖包) - Non-veg: These are large soup dumplings filled with pork and savory broth.
4. Vegetarian Delights from Niushoushan Fudi - Veg: A variety of vegetarian dishes are prepared by Buddhist monks with fresh mountain ingredients.
5. Stinky Tofu (臭豆腐) - Veg: A popular fermented snack that's particularly famous at street food stalls around Nanjing.
6. Pan-Fried Buns (生煎包) - Veg/Non-veg: These buns can be stuffed with vegetables or meat and are a popular breakfast dish.
7. Lü Bo Soup (绿菠汤) - Veg: A refreshing and healthy soup made with spinach and tofu, seasoned delicately to enhance the natural flavors.
8. Jinling Roasted Duck (非牛肉) - Non-veg: A competitor to Beijing's Peking Duck, this roasted duck is another prized dish of Nanjing.
9. Nanjing Dapaidang - Veg/Non-veg: This refers to a variety of local street foods that can be found in snack shops, offering a lively dining experience.
10. Osmanthus Jelly (桂花糕) - Veg: A fragrant dessert made from sweet osmanthus flowers and gelatin, symbolizing the local flora of Zijin Shan.

Top Famous Restaurants in Purple Mountain (Zijin Shan), Nanjing

Yuehui Restaurant (阅湖楼)

Address: No.12 Zhichun Road, Nanjing

Famous Dish: Nanjing Salted Duck - Non-veg

Zijin Summit Restaurant (紫金山顶餐厅)

Address: Near the Observatory, Purple Mountain, Nanjing

Famous Dish: Nanjing Tangbao - Non-veg

Lu Bo Fan (绿菠饭店)

Address: No.321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing

Famous Dish: Nanjing Salted Duck - Non-veg

Vegetarian Lifestyle (枣子树)

Address: No.4 Jingxiu Garden, Wutai Mountain, NanjingFamous Dish: Assorted Mushroom Hot Pot - Veg

Ziinlife Café (至尊生活)

Address: No.200 Zhongyang Road, Nanjing

Famous Dish: Spaghetti with Tomato and Basil Sauce - Veg