Okay, let me tell you about Hui Wei Duck Blood & Vermicelli Soup on Zhanyuan Road. This place isn’t just a restaurant; it’s practically a Nanjing institution! They opened their doors way back in 1996, which means they’ve been perfecting their craft for almost 30 years. That’s serious staying power in the food world. Everyone knows this spot – locals love it, visitors flock here, and it’s always buzzing. Think “time-honored favorite” and “super popular” rolled into one.

What To Expect: Simple, Clean, Tasty & Affordable

Don’t go expecting fancy décor. It’s set up like a clean, efficient fast-food joint – bright, no-frills, and spotless. What makes it awesome? The incredible value. You get seriously delicious, authentic Nanjing food at prices that feel like a steal (think about $4 USD for a bowl!). Perfect for a quick, satisfying meal without hurting your wallet.

The STAR: Nanjing Duck Blood & Vermicelli Soup (Their Claim to Fame)

This is why you’re here. This soup is a real signature dish of Nanjing, and Hui Wei does one of the best versions you’ll find. Imagine a clear, gentle broth that’s surprisingly deep and savory (“umami” for the foodies!). It’s comforting, not heavy.

  • The Duck Blood: Sounds intense? Don’t knock it ‘til you try it! Theirs is known for being super fresh and having this unique, bouncy, slightly springy texture – really pleasant, not mushy at all.
  • The Vermicelli (Fan Si): Thin, slippery glass noodles that slurp up beautifully and have just the right bit of satisfying chew.
  • Level Up Your Bowl: The magic doesn’t stop! You can add awesome extras like creamy duck liver or chewy duck intestine slices right into your soup. It creates this amazing combination of textures and flavors that’s just… addictive. Seriously, this bowl is a MUST-TRY Nanjing experience. 🍜

Don’t Skip The Soup Dumplings Either!

While the duck blood soup is the headliner, their Soup Dumplings (Tang Bao) are a fantastic co-star. They might not be the absolute most famous in Nanjing, but they are seriously good, especially the Fresh Shrimp ones. Picture it: super thin, delicate wrappers holding a generous, juicy filling bursting with fresh shrimp flavor. And yes, you can see the actual shrimp pieces inside! A perfect sidekick to your soup or a delightful treat on its own.

Planning Your Hui Wei Visit

  • Find It: Hui Wei Duck Blood & Vermicelli Soup (Zhanyuan Road Branch), No. 7 Zhanyuan Road, Qinhuai District, Nanjing. (It’s near the famous Confucius Temple area – Fuzimiao – so super easy to find while sightseeing!).
  • Call Ahead?: Phone: 025-85862668 (Good if you have questions or maybe ordering a lot, but usually you just walk in).
  • Cost: Super budget-friendly! Aim for around 26 RMB per person (that’s roughly $3.50-$4 USD). Amazing bang for your buck!
  • Open: EVERY DAY! From 9:00 AM right through until 9:00 PM. Super convenient for lunch, a late snack, or dinner.
  • Your Meal: Plan for it to be a quick-in-and-out delicious fuel stop. You’ll order, eat, and be happily satisfied in well under an hour.

In a Nutshell…

Hui Wei on Zhanyuan Road is a classic. It’s not about the frills; it’s about genuinely delicious, authentic Nanjing street food done incredibly well, fast, clean, and for a great price. If you want to taste a true local legend – that famous duck blood soup! – in a no-nonsense setting, this is absolutely the spot. Grab a seat, order the soup (add the extras!), try the shrimp dumplings, and soak up the tasty, bustling atmosphere of a real Nanjing favorite. You won’t regret it!