Walking into the streets and alleys of Nanjing to experience the authentic local cuisine known only by the locals

Then come to Nanjing, where can you find authentic, delicious and cheap food? Confucius Temple? Lion Bridge? Xinjiekou? True food lovers know that to truly understand a city, you often have to explore the small streets and alleys, where you can find not only local customs and traditions, but also genuine local flavors.

Heipi Private Kitchen

The shop is located in the alley opposite Jin Su An on Wufu Street. This small shop is hidden in a narrow alley, without even a signboard, and it's impossible to find without an introduction from someone familiar. According to the owner, there's no worry about business, and no need for advertising, so they simply took down the signboard. Their garlic pork belly is chewy and flavorful, paired with rich garlic sauce, it's definitely a favorite for those who love strong flavors!

Lao Zhanyuan Noodle House

The restaurant is easy to find, with a prominent signboard. It is an old brand that has been operating in Nanjing for decades. It is famous for its xiaolongbao and old braised noodles. The quality of the xiaolongbao has always been maintained well, and it still tastes the same over the years. It has a slightly sweet taste, with the meat filling seasoned just right, not too fatty or greasy, not dry or tough, and the skin is very thin. When eating, take a small bite first to drink the soup, which is simply divine, then slowly savor the skin and meat filling.

Old Man's BBQ Stall

This place is a childhood memory, and the owner is the old man himself. The old man has a unique personality, unlike other BBQ stalls, he always opens in the afternoon and closes around 7 PM, only accepts cash, and refuses WeChat and Alipay. The pork skewers are the signature dish and a must-try. The old man has a secret recipe, and when served, it sizzles with exclusive seasonings, offering a spicy, numbing, and fresh flavor. The meat is very tender, and the seasoning is just right. One thing to note is that their chili is very spicy, so be sure to mention if you can't handle spicy food.

Wang's Wontons

Laifeng Community is truly a food paradise, gathering many popular snack shops. Wang's Wontons is a must-mention. They have been selling wontons here since 1983, and it's been 35 years now. The Wang family has three brothers, each with their own shop, and they have even been featured on CCTV. Wang's Wontons are large, with plenty of firm meat filling. The seasoning is a secret recipe, and the deliciousness lies in the seasoning. The spicy oil is the soul of the small wontons, with a magical touch, so be sure to add a bit.

Xu's Duck Shop

Nanjing is famously known as the 'Duck Capital'. Visiting Nanjing without eating duck is like not having visited at all. Xu's Duck Shop has many chain stores in Nanjing. Their ducks are roasted in their own ovens, freshly roasted and sold. The most beloved by Nanjing people are the salted duck and roast duck. The salted duck is savory and flavorful. The highlight of the roast duck is its crispy skin, which is not greasy at all. Paired with the marinade, it is rich, sweet, and perfectly balanced, complementing the duck perfectly. It's simply perfect.