Xingdian is a well-known Hui Muslim community in the Jiangbei area of Nanjing. The craft of making Xingdian Halal Roast Duck has been listed as part of Nanjing’s Intangible Cultural Heritage. With a history of nearly 300 years, it is a culinary hallmark of Pukou.
Local lake ducks with a balanced ratio of fat to lean meat are selected. The traditional Hui method of hanging the duck in the oven is used, ensuring the duck is roasted without direct contact with open flames; water is injected into the duck’s cavity to lock in the juices, and the duck undergoes multiple manual processes, including washing, marinating, blanching the skin, glazing, and hanging to roast.
The finished product has a lustrous, water chestnut-red hue and carries a distinctive pine nut aroma; Its hallmark is tender skin and fatty meat—the skin and meat are almost separate, yet each slice reveals a glistening layer of fat. The duck meat is tender and juicy, rich yet not greasy, and when paired with a secret sweet-and-salty braising sauce, it offers a rich and savory flavor.
It is not only a daily favorite among locals but also a must-try specialty and an ideal souvenir when visiting Pukou.
