Must-Try Foods In Qinhuai River (Nanjing) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Qinhuai River, Nanjing, China: A Culinary Journey

Qinhuai River, the largest river in Nanjing, has a rich history that mirrors the development of the city's culinary culture. Historically, the river was a bustling commercial waterway, serving as the lifeblood of trade and culture during the Six Dynasties period. As a melting pot for different cultures, it helped to shape the diverse culinary landscape of Nanjing. Street food vendors and small eateries have always been a common sight along the banks of the Qinhuai River, offering a variety of local dishes to both residents and visitors alike. The river's proximity to fertile lands and fresh waters has also influenced the types of ingredients used in local cuisine, with an emphasis on fresh produce and river fish.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes around Qinhuai River, Nanjing

1. Duck Blood Soup - This savory broth with solidified duck blood curds is a non-veg delicacy believed to have medicinal properties.
2. Tangbao - Giant steamed soup dumplings filled with pork or crab roe broth, these non-veg buns are a delightful treat.
3. Salted Duck - Known as Nanjing's signature dish, this aromatic non-veg meal is usually enjoyed during the Mid-Autumn Festival.
4. Qinhuai Snacks - A broad category covering a range of street foods such as fried dumplings and stinky tofu, many of which are veg.
5. Stinky Tofu - Although its pungent odor may be off-putting to some, this fermented tofu dish is a beloved veg snack.
6. Sweet Osmanthus Cake - A fragrant and sweet veg dessert made with rice flour and osmanthus flowers.
7. Jinling Salted Dried Bean Curd - A type of seasoned and dried tofu with a salty flavor, served as a veg snack or side dish.
8. Pidu Noodles - Also called "Peking Noodles," these are thick, hand-pulled wheat noodles usually served with a variety of non-veg toppings.
9. Lotus Root with Sweet Glutinous Rice - Stuffed lotus roots with sticky rice and often coated with honey, a delightful veg treat.
10. Pan-fried Beef Dumplings - Crisp on the outside and juicy inside, these non-veg dumplings are a must-try for meat lovers.

Top Famous Restaurants in Qinhuai River, Nanjing

• Confucius Temple Market
  Address: Gongyuan Street, Qinhuai District, Nanjing
  Famous for: A variety of local snacks - both veg and non-veg
• Lao Mendong
  Address: No.30 Dashiba Street, Qinhuai District, Nanjing
  Famous for: Salted Duck - non-veg
• Yishou Bridge Noodle House
  Address: 29-2 Da Shiba Street, Qinhuai District, Nanjing
  Famous for: Pidu Noodles - non-veg
• Ma Xiang Xing
  Address: 56-2 Zhonghua Road, Qinhuai District, Nanjing
  Famous for: Roast Duck - non-veg
• Zhangji Traditional Snacks
  Address: No. 1-2 Lanxiang Road, Qinhuai District, Nanjing
  Famous for: Qinhuai Snacks - both veg and non-veg

Whether you seek the vibrant street food scene at the Confucius Temple Market or the historic flavors at Lao Mendong, Qinhuai River's cuisine tells the story of Nanjing's rich cultural tapestry through its exceptional dishes.