Nanjing's Ancient Market: Legendary Buns, Crispy Pancakes & Salted Duck

Most Insane Market in China’s ancient capital: salted duck, Chinese sushi, Legendary Buns

Destination:ChinaCity:NanjingPopulation:9.4 million
Most Insane Market in China’s ancient capital: salted duck, Chinese sushi, Legendary Buns
that Evan guy2025-12-0218 min

Step with me into Nanjing’s ancient market, where every corner hits you with a new smell, a new story, and a new bite you’ve never seen before.

I didn’t even make it 10 steps before a young local handed me a snack I’d never tried—this fried, scallion-stuffed mystery that instantly hooked me. From there the entire market turned into a mission…

Find the KING of pancakes. And yep… I found him. The confidence, the energy, the crispy sound when he flipped that pancake—had to try it. One bite and it was over. Unreal.

Then somehow I ended up eating what looked like Chinese dessert sushi—no fish, just rice, fried dough, and some magic I still can’t explain. Completely addictive.

The legendary salted duck. A recipe locals say goes back thousands of years. And it tastes exactly like something that survived history for a reason.

If you love chaotic markets, ancient food culture, and those moments where you take a bite and just stare into the distance wondering what your life has been—this video is for you.

Grab a snack, this one gets wild.

--- that Evan guy
December 2, 2025, Winter in China

Video Chapters

  1. 0:00Introduction
  2. 0:20Nice man's scallion filled fried goodie
  3. 1:27Nanjing's crispy pancake
  4. 4:17Nanjing's Sushi Dessert
  5. 9:04Nanjing's famous duck
  6. 14:18Nanjing's famous buns
  7. 18:00Hidden parts

That Evan Guy explores Nanjing's ancient market, discovering legendary salted duck, crispy pancakes, and unique Chinese sushi. A vibrant culinary adventure.

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

  1. Tip 1Accepting offered snacks from locals can lead to delightful and unexpected culinary discoveries in the market. (0:36)
  2. Tip 2Observe vendors making food to understand their specialty and choose the freshest items. (1:44)
  3. Tip 3Don't hesitate to ask vendors for recommendations on their best products. (2:15)
  4. Tip 4Look for long lines at food stalls, as they often indicate popular and high-quality local specialties like the famous duck. (4:50)
  5. Tip 5Be adventurous with toppings; deciding on your own combination can lead to unique flavor experiences. (5:37)
  6. Tip 6Sweet and salty combinations can be surprisingly delicious, especially when featuring ingredients like sticky rice and seaweed. (6:50)
  7. Tip 7Embrace the market chaos; even with long waits, the food is often made fresh and is worth the anticipation. (10:25)
  8. Tip 8High-quality ingredients, like the tender and creamy duck, are a result of perfected ancient recipes and techniques. (13:17)
  9. Tip 9Look for vendors who prepare food on-site, ensuring freshness and authenticity. (15:14)
  10. Tip 10Trying local variations of familiar foods, like different types of buns or dumplings, can reveal surprising and delicious results. (17:25)

Embark on a wild culinary adventure in Nanjing's ancient market with That Evan Guy! This video plunges you into a sensory explosion of smells, sights, and incredible tastes. From a mysterious fried snack to the legendary salted duck with its millennia-old recipe, prepare for a feast. Discover the secrets of crispy pancakes and a unique 'Chinese sushi' dessert that perfectly balances sweet and salty. It's a journey into the heart of authentic Chinese food culture, showcasing unforgettable flavors and vibrant market life.

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Most Insane Market in China’s ancient capital: salted duck, Chinese sushi, Legendary Buns

This video takes viewers on an exhilarating culinary journey through Nanjing's ancient market, guided by That Evan Guy. The market is a vibrant sensory overload, with every turn presenting new aromas, sights, and tastes. From the moment he enters, Evan is drawn into the bustling atmosphere, encountering a local who offers him a delicious fried, scallion-stuffed snack that immediately captivates his palate.

The quest for the perfect pancake leads him to a vendor whose confident technique and the satisfying crisp of the pancake are mesmerizing. He tries a layered, crispy, and buttery pancake filled with scallions, describing it as a delightful combination of salty and savory flavors, with a texture that is both crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside.

A significant portion of the exploration is dedicated to Nanjing's legendary salted duck. Evan learns about its ancient recipe, dating back thousands of years, and the tradition of eating it in the fall when the ducks are at their fattest. He describes the duck as incredibly tender, creamy, and buttery, noting that while the saltiness is a unique characteristic, it complements the richness of the meat. He highlights the high quality and tenderness, comparing it to eating butter and emphasizing that the perfection of this dish is a testament to centuries of refinement.

Another unique discovery is a dessert that resembles Chinese sushi. This intriguing creation features fried dough, sticky rice, and various toppings, creating a complex flavor profile that balances sweet and salty elements. Evan is particularly impressed by the combination of textures, from the crispy fried dough to the sweet sticky rice and the savory toppings, especially the seaweed, which he finds enhances the overall taste.

The market also showcases an impressive array of fresh produce, seafood like eel, and various meats. Evan notes the sheer scale of the market and the dedication of the vendors, evident in the long queues for popular items. He observes that locals, particularly the older generation, have discerning tastes and seek out the highest quality food, making the long waits worthwhile.

The experience is a deep dive into authentic Chinese food culture, highlighting not just the flavors but also the stories and traditions behind each dish. The chaotic yet organized energy of the market, coupled with the personal interactions and the sheer deliciousness of the food, makes this a truly unforgettable travelogue.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: What was the fried, scallion-stuffed mystery snack like?
A: It was incredibly flavorful and instantly hooked me with its deliciousness.
Q: How was the legendary salted duck?
A: It was incredibly tender, creamy, and buttery, with a unique saltiness that complemented the rich meat.
Q: What made the Chinese sushi dessert so unique?
A: It combined fried dough, sticky rice, and toppings like seaweed, creating an amazing sweet and salty flavor profile.
Q: What was the experience like waiting in long lines at the market?
A: The lines were huge, but the food was made fresh and was legendary, making the wait worthwhile.
Q: What was the most surprising food discovery?
A: The Chinese sushi dessert was a complete surprise, offering a unique blend of textures and flavors.

Nanjing's Ancient Market: Legendary Buns, Crispy Pancakes & Salted Duck

Step with me into Nanjing’s ancient market, where every corner hits you with a new smell, a new story, and a new bite you’ve never seen before. I didn’t even make it 10 steps before a young local handed me a snack I’d never tried—this fried, scallion-stuffed mystery that instantly hooked me. From...

Nanjing Ancient Market: Legendary Duck, Sushi & Buns

Embark on a culinary adventure through Nanjing's ancient market, a sensory explosion of sights, sounds, and unforgettable tastes. From a mysterious fried scallion snack to the legendary 'King of Pancakes,' this journey promises delightful discoveries. Experience the intrigue of 'Chinese sushi' and savor the timeless flavor of salted duck, a dish steeped in history. Prepare for a wild ride of chaotic markets and ancient food culture that will leave you questioning everything with every delicious bite.

Attractions in this video: Ancient Market, Food Market, Scallion Pancake, Salted Duck, Chinese Sushi, Legendary Buns, Sticky Rice, Fried Dough