Eating in China
Jinling roast duck

Jinling roast duck

金陵烤鸭Jīnlíng kǎoyā

Nanjing-style roast duck

Nanjing-style roast duck chopped into bone-in pieces and served with a savory, slightly sweet jus.

Heat
Region
Jiangsu
Type
Dishes
Kid-friendly
Order in Chinese

At the table

How to enjoy it

Eat the cut meat and skin, separating out bones. Ask for smaller pieces if needed; try the duck before adding a dip.

A useful check

Contains duck; not vegetarian or vegan. Cut pieces may contain small or sharp bones. Ask about the glaze and sauce ingredients if you have dietary restrictions.

How it may vary

Roasting methods and sauce recipes vary. Chili is not characteristic of the representative savory-sweet style, but check added sauces.

Tender, non-chili meat may suit children who eat duck if an adult removes all bones and cuts it into pieces they can comfortably chew. Keep dips separate.

Recipes vary. Ask the restaurant about ingredients and serving before you order.

GET TO KNOW THE DISH

What goes into it?

Explore some key ingredients below. Preparations may use additional seasonings and ingredients.

Roasting methods and sauce recipes vary. Chili is not characteristic of the representative savory-sweet style, but check added sauces.

Typical ingredients

Recipes vary by restaurant.

How does it taste?

Roasted duck richness with savory-sweet jus.

Chili heat
Texture
Juicy meat; browned skin softens under the sauce.
How it’s made
Glaze and roast the duck, chop it with the bones, and serve with its seasoned jus.

Roasting methods and sauce recipes vary. Chili is not characteristic of the representative savory-sweet style, but check added sauces.

A CONNECTION TO PLACE

Origin & regional roots

Explore regional food

Associated with Jiangsu.

About this regional connection

Jiangsu: Nanjing chopped roast-duck style.

Ask if they have it first

ASK IF IT'S AVAILABLE

请问你们有金陵烤鸭吗?

Do you have this item?

A LITTLE SOMETHING TO READ

Story & history

Chopped Duck and Savory-Sweet Jus

In Nanjing, roast duck is an everyday dish sold by duck shops and market counters. It is chopped into bone-in pieces and served with a fragrant, slightly sweet jus, often packed separately to pour over the meat. The emphasis is juicy duck and sauce; crispy skin softens where it meets the liquid. This is a local chopped-duck serving style, with recipes and roasting methods varying between shops.

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