Top Xinjiang food and best restaurants, what and where to eat

Xinjiang cuisine is a fusion of Chinese, Central Asian, and Middle Eastern flavors and is known for its hearty and flavorful dishes. Here are some of the top foods you must try on a Xinjiang trip:

Laghman: a type of hand-pulled noodles, served with stir-fried vegetables and meat.

Kebabs: Xinjiang is famous for its delicious lamb kebabs, which are marinated in a mixture of spices and grilled over open flames.

Dapanji: a hearty chicken stew made with potatoes, peppers, and a spicy tomato sauce.

Nang: a type of flatbread that is often eaten with meat or vegetable dishes. It comes in various shapes and sizes, including sesame nang, onion nang, and stuffed nang.

Pilaf: a rice dish that is often served with lamb, carrots, and onions. The rice is cooked in a rich broth with spices like cumin and coriander.

Samsa: a savory pastry filled with lamb or beef, onions, and spices.

Da pan ji: a spicy chicken stew made with potatoes, peppers, and a tomato-based sauce.

Youtazi: a deep-fried dough that is often served with honey or sugar.

These are just a few of the delicious dishes you can try on a Xinjiang trip. There are many more to discover, so be sure to explore the local cuisine and sample as much as you can!

Restaurants recommended for a Xinjiang trip

Yershari Uyghur Restaurant (叶尔沙拉乌鲁木齐店) in Urumqi: This restaurant serves a variety of Uyghur dishes, including roasted lamb skewers, hand-pulled noodles, and laghman (a spicy noodle dish).

Hetian Noodle Restaurant (和田面馆) in Hotan: This restaurant specializes in hand-pulled noodles and offers a variety of toppings, including lamb, beef, and vegetables.

Kazakh Restaurant (哈萨克族风味餐厅) in Bayingolin: This restaurant serves Kazakh cuisine, including grilled meats, steamed buns, and milk tea.

Loulan Mutton Restaurant (楼兰羊肉馆) in Turpan: This restaurant is known for its lamb dishes, including lamb shashlik (skewers), lamb dumplings, and lamb soup.

Islam Food Restaurant (伊斯兰大饭店) in Kashgar: This restaurant serves halal Chinese dishes, including stir-fried vegetables, grilled meats, and noodle soups.

Chini Bagh in Kashgar: This restaurant is located in the heart of the Old Town and is known for its traditional Uyghur cuisine. The menu features a variety of dishes, including hand-pulled noodles, grilled kebabs, and lamb pilaf. The decor is also traditional, with low tables and cushions on the floor.

Yusup Haji Kashgar: This restaurant is located near the Id Kah Mosque and is popular with locals and tourists alike. The menu features a variety of Uyghur dishes, including hand-pulled noodles, lamb skewers, and spicy beef soup. The restaurant also has a pleasant outdoor seating area, perfect for people-watching in the bustling market area.

Zhaixiang Noodle Restaurant (斋香面馆) in Aksu: This restaurant serves a variety of noodle dishes, including hand-pulled noodles, sliced noodles, and cold noodles.

Oasis Cafe (绿洲咖啡厅) in Tianshan Mountains: This cafe offers a selection of Western and Chinese dishes, as well as coffee and tea.

Grape Valley Restaurant (葡萄沟餐厅) in Turpan: This restaurant serves Xinjiang-style dishes, including braised lamb, fried noodles, and grape juice.

Golden Deer Restaurant (金鹿餐厅) in Urumqi: This restaurant serves a variety of Chinese dishes, including Sichuan-style spicy dishes and Cantonese-style seafood.

Hui Muslim Restaurant (回民大饭店) in Hami: This restaurant serves halal Chinese dishes, including grilled meats, stir-fried vegetables, and noodle soups.