Have a taste with Nanjing Cuisine at Nanjing Impressions (南京大排档), Nanjing, China

One of Jiangsu cuisine styles, the Nanjing style emphasises an even taste and matching colours, with dishes incorporating river fish/shrimp and duck. 

Located at Deji Shopping Mall (德基广场购物中心), the restaurant is always full and there are customers still waiting at the entrance, waiting for their queue number to be called. We came slightly before their operating hours so that we could have a table. The Ancient China's decor created a very nice and blast-to-the-past ambience.

Jinling Yong Chun Noodles with Soy Sauce Broth (金陵阳春面)(above) was amazingly delicious. Made from freshly cut noodles complemented with soy sauce, chives and refined lard, this very simple noodle dish was highly unforgettable. The texture of the noodles were stringy and the broth was light, yet fragrant. The key ingredient of this dish is the noodles. (Food rating: 5/5)

If you have like the braised duck in Singaporean-style, you will definitely like the Jinling Roasted Duck (金陵烤鸭). The sauce was very fragrant and the duck meat was very tender. The meat texture was surprisingly like chicken that I doubted myself for a short while. You can either eat it on its own or with their steamy delicious white rice. (Food rating; 4.5/5)

Sweet Taro with Lotus Root Starch (古法糖芋苗) is known as Jinling's most popular street food snacks. The sweet-scented osmanthus  sugar syrup was extremely beautiful. The flora scent was light and mesmerising. The chewy balls made from yam was absolutely memorable. The syrup, though sweet, was still mildly sweet. (Food rating: 4/5)

Signature Pan-fried Dumplings (招牌煎饺). The skin was thick but the filling was moist. When you bite the dumpling, take care of your neighbour. The meat juice from the dumpling would squirt at him/her. (Food rating: 3/5)

Jinling Stinky Tofu (金陵炸臭干) is the first stinky tofu I have ever ate in my entire life. To my surprise, the taste was less pungent than I have expected. The thin stinky beancurd slices dipped in sweet and sour chilli taste were great combination. The pungent smell was less stronger than the ones in Taipei. (Food rating: 3/5)

Baby Rooster Stew with Special Sauce served with Crispy Sesame Bun (地锅小公鸡), priced at RMB46, was delicious and the stew was great. However, the portion was huge for us to finish. (Food rating: 3.5/5)

Celestial Roast Duck Dumpling (天王烤鸭包). The roast duck meat was tender and moist. (Food rating: 3.5/5)

Osmanthus Rice Cake (桂花拉糕) is similar to the Japanese mochi but it is more savoury. (Food rating: 4.5/5)

Savoury Radish Pancakes (萝卜丝), priced at RMB9 for 3 pieces, was surprising delicious. The radish was exceptionally sweet. (Food rating: 4/4)

Huaiyang Sweet Strata Cake (淮扬千层油糕) is like layers of sweet steamed cake. Similar to Kueh Lapis, each layer was distinct and beautiful. (Food rating: 4/5)

Address: 中山路18号德基广场购物中心一期7楼(近地铁新街口站)

Deji Shopping Mall, Level 7, 18 Zhongshan Road (Nearest MRT: Xinjiekou)

Price: $

Rating: 4.5/5

Stuffness Level (How full you are): 5/5

Ambience: The restaurant interior is decorated during the ancient China period. The staff were dressed in the Ancient China's costume. The staff were also very attentive, friendly and played the role as "店小二" very well.