If you’re going to Nanjing on vacation, the two things you should look out for are the wonderful historical sites and delicious Nanjing cuisine. A place where you can experience both unique tourist sites and rare food truly is a perfect destination.
NanJing DaPai Dang 南京大排档
A legend in Nanjing that is as much a trip back in time as it is a treat to the tastebuds; Nanjing Dapai Dang opened its doors in 1994 and as such earned a reputation that is nothing short of magnificent. Dishes are served from vintage food stalls that line the walls around a communal dining area where both pauper and prince are seated on stools. Here the emphasis is on Nanjing street food of old; classic dishes that run the range from fermented rice and red beans to yellow shrimp tofu and crayfish. Be sure to try the bamboo steamed rice.
Add: 6/F, Shuipingfang, No.3 Jiankang Road, Qinhuai District, Nanjing, China
Contact: 025-68176777
Yuehonghe 粤鸿和
An upscale chain that sells Cantonese cuisine, Yuehonghe has a bold, dark interior that is perfect for a fancy dinner. The modern decor blends perfectly with the Nationalist era architecture. The service is superb and all the dishes are a delight to eat. Recommendations: teppanyaki cod, snow flake beef and crunchy milk dove.
Add: Nanjing 1912 Commercial District suite A10 A4-1, 58 Taiping Beilu, Xuanwu District, Nanjing
Tel: 025-84458766
Chake Laozhan 茶客老站
One of the most popular restaurants in the Nanjing 1912 district, Tea Drinkers’ is a perfect place to enjoy the dishes and atmosphere of the Nationalist period. A large glass wall encloses a room full of comfortable sofas, giving you a chance to enjoy Nationalist architecture while you eat. In addition to Japanese, Korean, Chinese and Western food, Tea Drinkers’ also has great cakes, tea and red bean icees.
Add: Nanjing 1912 Commercial District, Suite A 4-1, 58 Taiping Beilu, Xuanwu District, Nanjing
Tel: 025-84513303
Qingliang Mountain Phoenix Club 清凉山凤凰会馆
Located near Qingliang Mountain, the Phoenix gives you a chance to escape the clamor of the city in a traditional Chinese atmosphere. Every private room is done up specially, and the only sounds you’ll hear are the attentive waiters coming and going, and the running water that flows through the main hall of the restaurant. Phoenix serves Huaiyang and Canton cuisine. Recommendations: thirteen lobsters, sandriver fishheads, mandarin fish and hairy fish.
Add: 83 Qingliangshan. Located inside Qingliangshan Craft Market inside Qinglianshan Park, Gulou District, Nanjing
Tel: 025-87303939
Zhenshangfang Boat Restaurant 珍膳舫
Located near Xuanwu Lake, you can see the natural scenery from your table while you dine on the old ship. The Boat Restaurant serves Hubei seafood. Recommendations: Tianshan snow lotus, duck bill, turtle soup and rice tofu.
Add: 7 Huanhulu, Xuanwu Lake Park, Located inside the Nanjing Golf Club, Gulou District, Nanjing
Tel: 025-83609289
Meimuji Lobster 美木及龙虾美食
One of the most popular restaurants among Nanjingers, Meimu serves up nearly a dozen different types of lobster and is packed every night. The Jianggu Lobster and Mala Bullfrog are the most popular dishes.
Add: Bldg. 9 Wenchang Xiang, Baixia District, Nanjing
Tel: 025-84416690