Nanjing Kaibin Apartment Zhujianglu Muma

Chef Liang's career spans three decades and includes stints at famous establishments in Macau. Here, he gives Cantonese classics a makeover with condiments from his birthplace of Shunde, for instance salted kohlrabi in sautéed baby lobster with radish cake, and Chinese olive kernels in sweet and sour pork. The Cantonese barbecue is a highlight; the crispy-skin chicken with silky, juicy flesh also tends to sell out. Pre-order to avoid missing out.

Since the 1970s, the owner has been treating customers to iconic Nanjing-style small bites at this no-frills shop. Black rice balls, the favourite breakfast for many, comprise black sticky rice with bilberry leaves and stuffed with meat. End on a sweet note with baby taro in osmanthus sweet soup thickened by lotus root starch. Glutinous rice balls in red bean soup with wine lees, and peppery beef broth are also popular.

Now run by the third-generation owner, this family business opened its doors in 1959. The decor is no great shakes, but authentic old-time Nanjing flavours, generous portions and wallet-friendly prices have won it acclaim. Be sure to try their hand-made egg-coated beef potstickers – juicy, aromatic and nicely caramelised, they are a must! The white silver carp head soup in claypot with tofu and wood ear fungus boasts contrasting textures.

This restaurant comes from humble beginnings as a street hawker stall. Thanks to the unrelenting support of the city's foodies for over 30 years, it has expanded into a two-storey restaurant serving Jiangsu cooking alongside Cantonese favourites. The juicy frog's legs with duck tongues in sizzling claypot are a must – their smoky aroma is intoxicating. Some find the fragrance imparted by the stinky tofu and pork intestine pot addictive!

For over 30 years, this place has been packed with wonton soup lovers throughout the day. The room has seen better days, but regulars clearly don't consider that a deal breaker. Wontons are wrapped on the spot, cooked à la minute and jazzed up by chopped chives. It's worth paying extra to add duck blood curd, intestine or liver to your wonton soup, which goes well with flatbread in either the sweet or savoury variety.

Initially a cold appetiser shop in Hongmiao District, this place moved several times before settling in the bustling city centre. The signature duck blood curd glass noodle soup comes with a choice of different duck cuts and offal. If in doubt, go for the version with a bit of everything. The duck broth is deeply flavoured, the meat moist and silky. Classic palates will also relish the roast duck with crispy skin and juicy, marinated flesh.

In the 1950s, the owner's grandparents co-founded the legendary Jiming Restaurant. He inherited the heritage soup dumpling recipe and opened his own shop in 2017. The space feels upbeat and targets a younger clientele. Soup dumplings, filled with pork or crabmeat and roe, are made to order and steamed in the typical Nanjing way – with the pleats facing down so as to retain the juices. Also try the Nanjing braised noodles, and duck blood curd glass noodle soup.