鸭油酥烧饼Nanjing Duck Oil Pastry: The Dancing Golden Sesame Cake! A Must-Try Breakfast Treasure for Foreign Travelers
Picture this: early morning on the streets of Nanjing, a bakery owner pulls golden pastries from a charcoal oven. Tap it lightly—crack!—the crisp sound rings out as the flaky layers bloom like petals, releasing the rich aroma of duck oil into the air. This isn’t just an ordinary pastry—it’s the legendary Duck Oil Sesame Cake, hailed as one of Nanjing’s most iconic breakfasts. If you think sesame cakes are just dry bread, this Nanjing specialty will completely change your mind!
1. Origin and History
The story of Duck Oil Pastry dates back to the Ming Dynasty, when Nanjing was the capital of China. With roast duck vendors everywhere, locals found a clever way to reuse the precious duck fat dripping from roasting ducks—mixing it with flour to create a rich, flaky pastry. By the Republican era, it had become a must-have snack in teahouses along the Qinhuai River. Today, this tradition has been alive for over 600 years.
2. Cultural Significance
For Nanjing locals, Duck Oil Pastry is more than just food—it’s a morning ritual and a symbol of warm hospitality. The classic pairing is “a sesame cake with a bowl of wontons”, the refined way Nanjing people start their day. This pastry reflects the city’s wisdom of “turning the ordinary into the extraordinary,” using humble ingredients to create a taste that amazes every visitor.
3. Ingredients
The stars of the show are fresh duck oil (for its unique aroma), refined flour, and sesame seeds. The magic lies in the texture—duck oil replaces traditional pork lard, making the pastry lighter yet even crispier. The result is a golden-brown cake with countless delicate layers, almost like Chinese-style mille-feuille.
4. Cooking Process
The secret lies in the techniques of “layering and baking”. Duck oil is repeatedly rubbed into the dough to create a flaky texture, then the dough is folded multiple times for that signature thousand-layer effect. After sprinkling sesame seeds on top, the pastry is baked in a traditional charcoal oven. The heat must be carefully controlled—too much and it burns, too little and it stays undercooked.
5. Flavor and Texture
The first bite gives a delightful crunch, followed by the rich yet mellow fragrance of duck oil spreading across your palate. The outer crust is crisp like a biscuit, while the inside is tender like cake. The best part? The thin layers melt on your tongue, leaving you wanting more—even down to licking the last sesame seeds from your fingers.
6. How to Eat
The best way is to pair it with Duck Blood Vermicelli Soup or a bowl of tiny wontons. Locals often break the pastry and soak it into soup, enjoying the perfect mix of crispy and soft. Another classic option is with a cup of Yuhua Tea, whose light fragrance balances the richness of duck oil—the authentic Nanjing experience.
7. Where to Try
You can find these sesame cakes in bakeries and breakfast stalls all over Nanjing. Popular spots include Chengcheng Duck Oil Pastry and Xiao Zheng Pastry (about 2–5 RMB each). When ordering, just say “yào yī gè yā yóu shāo bǐng” (“I want one duck oil pastry”). If you like savory, ask for the scallion version; if you prefer sweet, try the sugar-filled version.
8. Traveler Tips
In English, it’s called “Duck Oil Pastry” or “Nanjing Sesame Cake”. Be prepared—it’s best eaten with your hands, or the flaky crust will shower everywhere! It’s also vegetarian-friendly (no meat filling), making it a perfect choice for visitors who love crispy, buttery pastries.
Fun Home Experiment
You can try a simple version at home: use duck fat (or substitute with butter), mix it into flour, sprinkle sesame seeds, and bake in the oven. While it won’t have the exact smoky crispness of a charcoal oven, you’ll still get a taste of the unique aroma of duck oil.
When strolling under the plane trees of Nanjing, if the air is filled with the fragrance of baked sesame cakes, follow the aroma—it will lead you to this golden treasure. Duck Oil Pastry is more than just a snack; it’s a miracle of flavor, proving that the most extraordinary tastes often come from the simplest ideas. Add it to your “must-eat in China” list—because if you haven’t tried Nanjing Duck Oil Pastry, you haven’t truly experienced the charm of Nanjing’s breakfast culture!
