Instead, we cut a small hole to extract the organs, then pump in boiling water when we hang the ducks to roast. This way, we can achieve ultra delicious duck skin, which is the best part of a Peking duck, while keeping the meat juicy and soft.”
Nanjing’s symbolic duck dish of salted duck is even more tender than Peking duck and more meaty in flavor, but compared to the aromatic and golden brown roast duck, its looks don’t reflect its taste. To tourists who have never tried it, it might appear bland and under prepared.
“The crispy and roasted skin of Peking duck is visually more appealing than the plain white skin of the Nanjing kind,” says Lawrence Lo.