Swan Bakes
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This is my second visit, and I truly enjoyed discovering the rich history behind the cuisine. The beautiful lantern décor made me feel like I was stepping back into the 3rd–6th century, bringing the ancient flavors of Nanjing to life.
Nanjing Signature Duck (served cold):
I’m very picky about duck, but this one was tender, smooth, aromatic, and perfectly seasoned — with no gamey smell at all. Taking over 200 hours to prepare, it’s no wonder this dish became famous during the Ming dynasty and remains a symbol of Nanjing’s 1,000-year culinary legacy.
Fried Quail with Crispy Celery and Quail Eggs:
A golden, crispy base shaped like a nest holds a quail egg, topped with perfectly fried quail. The celery fritter adds great texture. I love how the nest, egg, quail, and celery come together — the flavors are simply perfect. Such a creative and beautifully presented dish!
Duo-Color Fermented Chestnut Pearl:
Beautifully made, with gentle sweetness from the chestnut and sweet fermented rice. Its soft, delicate texture makes it so enjoyable — definitely my favorite dessert!
Smoked Duck Spring Roll:
This time, the roll had only a small amount of duck meat, so the duck flavor was less pronounced. However, it still tasted good, with nicely balanced seasoning and a crisp texture. During my previous visit, the portion of meat was larger and the duck flavor stood out more from the first bite.
Three Delicacies Bun:
Soft, juicy, and filled with tasty pork and shrimp.
Golden Harvest Medley:
Soft, perfectly cooked veggies with that lovely chestnut crunch.
Jade Shaomai:
Shaped like a little flower with its green jade color on top — light, pretty, and similar to a delicate dumpling.
Pork Kidney with Chive:
Tender and flavorful, with a nice kick from the chives and a salty sauce that ties everything together.
Braised Pork Liver:
Rich and savory — perfect for anyone who loves liver! My friends, who are true liver lovers, really enjoyed it!
I also enjoyed fragrant tea, which was refilled throughout the meal — a perfect companion that cleansed my palate and enhanced each dish’s flavors.