Top 5 Nanjing Food Streets

You can explore Nanjing's lively food scene through these five famous streets—here, history and tasty food come together. There are tourist spots like Confucius Temple, and hidden local gems like Ke Lane, too; each has its own special dining experience. Try real Nanjing duck dishes, sweet glutinous rice balls, hot pancakes and more. All of these cost little money. Whether you want traditional flavors or new takes on them, these food streets show the city's rich food culture. They're perfect for food lovers who want to visit both famous landmarks and real local eateries. Don't miss the chance to eat where Nanjing people do!

Confucius Temple Food Street

Confucius Temple is not just a cultural landmark of Nanjing, but also where Nanjing snacks started. Specialty snacks from Nanjing and even all over China are gathered here, and this forms a food street with a unique Qinhuai flavor. Every snack—from classic duck blood vermicelli soup and stinky tofu to special fried dumplings and sweet red bean glutinous rice balls—carries the feelings and memories of Nanjing people.

The Confucius Temple Food Street is also famous far and wide for its special "Qinhuai Eight Delicacies". The Ming and Qing-style buildings here go well with the food, and visitors feel like they're in a sea of tasty food.

Recommended Food: Jiang You Ji pot stickers, Lian Hu Gao Tang Shop's red bean sweet rice balls from

Suitble for: First-time visitors and those who enjoy bustling night markets and sweeter flavors.

Laomendong Food Street

Laomendong is adjacent to the Wengcheng (Enceinte) of Zhonghua Gate and is a Nanjing neighborhood rich in historical heritage. Its food street combines ancient architectural styles with authentic local flavors. With Ming and Qing dynasty-style buildings—characterized by green tiles, white walls and carved window lattices—as the main backdrop, strolling here feels like traveling back to ancient Nanjing, and you often come across unique shops around corners.

There are many classic local Nanjing delicacies here, all made following traditional techniques. You can also see opera stages and handmade workshops, allowing you to feel the lifestyle of old southern Nanjing during breaks from tasting food.

Recommended Food: Jiang Youji Pran-fied Dumplings

Suitble for: Families and groups wanting to experience traditional Nanjing flavors in a nostalgic setting.

Kexiang Food Street

Kexiang Food Street sits in the core part of Qinhuai District. Nanjing locals love it as their "hidden gem"—it's more full of daily life than popular tourist food streets. In 2020, it was upgraded to "Kexiang New Market." Its environment got cleaner, but it still stays cheap and friendly. It gets busy early in the morning, so locals and visitors both come here. You can find many kinds of food here: Jinling snacks, specialty foods from all over China, and also braised meats and pastries. Prices are low, and it's good value—this can meet different taste needs.

Recommended Food: Auntie Xu's Sticky Rice Dumplings

Suitble for: Budget-conscious travelers and young explorers seeking local street food culture.

Mingwalang Food Street

Mingwalang is near Xinjiekou shopping hub, and it's a busy hidden gem. It's in the city center, but it still keeps old Nanjing's charm. This short street has lots of eateries—there are old local spots and new trendy shops here, and they mix tradition and modernity.

You can get more than just classic dishes; you can also try Chinese-style pancakes and creative milk teas. When it's peak hours, crowds come together, and nice food smells fill the air. That's why it's a must-visit food spot to taste real Nanjing flavors.

Recommended Food: Jin Hongxing Roast Duck (crispy-skinned with sweet-savory sauce)

Suitble for: Groups wanting to sample diverse local flavors in an authentic setting.

Chanan Avenue Food Street

Chanan Avenue is in Jianye District, near Mochou Lake Park. It's a popular local food place, and it's more relaxing and real than the food spots downtown. This narrow street has lots of eateries. They serve food from breakfast to late-night snacks, so it's a top pick for residents to eat and friends to meet up. The food here is known for tasting real and having a local feel. You can get traditional Nanjing snacks and regional special foods here, and the prices are easy on the wallet. This plain-looking street has quietly become a foodie favorite—all because it's truly authentic.

Recommended Food: Anjia Osmanthus Rice Balls

Suitble for: Visitors wanting to eat where locals do, especially breakfast/brunch lovers.

By Kristen Qin
Web Editor