Dishes in Nanjing city have always enjoyed the reputation of 'Big Dishes around Jiang Su which are derived and developed from Huaiyang Dishes' (one of the 4 major types of dishes in China). The fact that Jiang Su Province is surrounded by waters made the local dishes in Nanjing closely connected with aquatic produces like fish and ducks. Nanjing cuisine is known for its emphasis on presenting the original flavors of the ingredients used. Therefore, raw ingredients are chosen with great care. Dishes are typically bright in color with limited use of seasoning, but heavy use of oil. 

The famous dishes are Fengwei (phoenix tail) Shrimps, Chicken Boiled in Clear Soup, Nanjing Steamed Duck, Marmite vegetables, Jinling Roast Duck, Salted Duck, and Salted Chicken, and 'Eight delicacies soup'.

Nanjing Steamed Duck
As early as 1910, the Nanjing steamed Duck cutlet was awarded a national award by the Qing government and is now popular in Hong Kong and Southeast Asia. This dish is characterized by its appetizing appearance and tender and delicate taste. The cooking process involves steeping, boiling, braising and baking the duck. The best places to taste this are the snack bars around the Confucius Temple area of the city. 

Eight delicacies soup
The 'Eight delicacies' are: fish, water chestnut, lotus root, vine, parsley, arrowroot and lotus seeds. This is a popular dish especially around 'Moon Festival' time (roughly around the middle of August). 

Nanjing Salted Duck
Nanjing salted duck is a dish with over 400 years of history, and is one of China's most famous methods of preparing duck. Delicious and tender salted duck is a Nanjing specialty, rich in flavor but not too greasy. Salted duck hangs from many city shop windows and the best time to purchase and eat the duck is said to be August when the duck is seasoned with Osmanthus flowers and has a delicate flavor. The best place to sample this dish is in the Wan Qing Lou Restaurant in the south of the city. 

Nanjing snacks
Most of Nanjing's traditional snacks are thought to originate from the Confucius Temple. However, nowadays the best places to sample traditional Nanjing snacks are located throughout the city. These include: Liu Feng Ju (for jellied bean curd, green onion pancakes), Qin Yuan Chun (for dumpling soup and snacks made of flour), Kuiguangge (for highly spiced beans and eggs), Jiangyouji (for beef soup and fried dumplings), Qifangge (for chicken noodle soup and stuffed buns with mixed fillings), and Lian Hu Sweet Snack Store (Russian-style cakes).