Kanas local food and restaurants, what and where to eat in Kanas

In the northern part of Xinjiang lies a place often referred to as "Heaven on Earth" — Kanas. This picturesque region not only offers breathtaking natural beauty but also a culinary experience that combines traditional Xinjiang flavors with unique Kanas specialties, leaving visitors enchanted and longing for more. Following are food and restaurant that recommended to experience in Kanas.

What to eat

Top 1: Grilled Cold-water Fish/烤冷水鱼

Kanas is renowned for its production of rare fish species such as Hucho taimen and pike, which add to its mysterious allure. The local specialty, Irtysh River Grilled Fish, primarily uses Hucho taimen, pike, and perch as main ingredients, and is prepared using traditional recipes with distinctive ethnic characteristics. The grilled fish is notable for being numbing but not paralyzing, spicy but not overly hot, oily but not greasy, and aromatic yet tender. This unique combination leaves a lingering, delightful aftertaste. Pairing it with locally brewed beer enhances the experience, providing a unique flavor that is memorable.

In addition to grilling, cold-water fish from Kanas can be prepared in various other ways, such as steaming, braising, or in hotpot. Each cooking method offers a different taste sensation, stimulating the palate in its own way.

Top 2: Xinjiang Barbecue/新疆烤肉

Xinjiang barbecue, commonly referred to as grilled lamb skewers, is a shining star in the realm of Xinjiang cuisine with a history of over 1,800 years. The local lamb, known for its tender meat, is cut into appropriately sized pieces and skillfully threaded onto a skewer, then slow-roasted over a charcoal fire. The fat and lean pieces of lamb sizzle on the coals, releasing an irresistible aroma as they are sprinkled with a moderate amount of salt and chili powder. The simple yet flavorful seasonings enhance the natural taste of the lamb perfectly, creating a symphony of flavors on the palate. These grilled lamb skewers have become a nationwide favorite, ubiquitous in urban and rural areas, streets, and markets, beloved by people from all walks of life.

Top 3: Naan/馕

Naan, a traditional round flatbread, has a long-standing history in Xinjiang and is often celebrated with the saying "Better three days without meat than one day without naan". Made primarily from flour, the dough is usually fermented but contains no baking soda, only a pinch of salt, and the preparation is similar to that of baking flatbreads. Naan is typically round and made with a variety of ingredients. In addition to flour, essential components include sesame seeds, onions, eggs, vegetable oil, ghee, milk, sugar, and salt. When baked, naan is fragrant, crispy, and nutritious, serving as a staple food for the Uyghur people in Xinjiang.

Top 4: Laghman/拉条子

Laghman is a traditional Uyghur dish from Xinjiang. The preparation involves hand-pulling a dough into thin strips and boiled in water until cooked. The noodles are typically mixed with stir-fried lamb that has been marinated with starch and briefly fried with green peppers, tomatoes, onions, and garlic. Alternatively, they can be stir-fried directly with these ingredients. Laghman is a colorful and flavorful dish, with a mix of red, green, and white, offering a spicy and savory taste.

Top 5: Naryn/那仁

Naryn is a traditional pastoral delicacy of the Kazakh people. It typically uses horse meat or mutton as the main ingredient, better with smoked horse meat or mutton. The meat is boiled until tender and then placed on a large iron plate. Broad noodles are cooked in the meat broth and then served over the meat, poured with the broth and sprinkled over with spices including chili powder and onions, resulting in an incredibly fragrant and delicious flavor without any gaminess wiht the distinct characteristics of the pastoral region.

Top 6: Xinjiang Milk Tea/新疆奶茶

Milk tea is a staple beverage in the daily life of Xinjiang's ethnic minorities, and you can easily find it in Hemu. Along the way, rest stops frequently sell milk tea. The prepared tea is kept in a thermos, then mixed with fresh milk and butter. A bowl of this milk tea not only appears instantly but also provides a warm and comforting drink. Consuming a hot bowl of milk tea can ward off the cold, relieve heat, quench thirst, and benefit overall health.

Where to eat

Top 1: A Place to Eat Cold-water Fish/一个吃冷水鱼的地方

A Place to Eat Cold-water Fish, as the name suggests, focuses on serving cold-water fish dishes. In Xinjiang, Kanas is renowned for its cold-water fish, and this particular restaurant is ranked first in the area for this delicacy. The restaurant's specialty is fresh cold-water fish, caught and prepared directly from the lake, which is firm and flavorful, making it a must-try delicacy in Kanas.

• Recommended: Steamed Northern Pike, Spiced Fish with Chili Sauce, Double Boiled Lamb Soup, Yogurt
• Operating Hours: 10:30 AM – 01:00 AM
• Address: No. 9-6 Baihuayuan Road, Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang
• Telephone: 0906-6533444

Top 2: Kanas Food Court/喀纳斯美食广场

Kanas Food Court, located next to the Kanas Transit Center, is the culinary hub of Kanas. Here, you can indulge in the authentic flavors of both Xinjiang and Kanas. The array of Xinjiang specialties is dazzling: Laghman, Polo, Samsa, Barbecue, hotpot, etc. The fusion of Chinese style and Kanas charm in the decor creates a cozy and welcoming environment, relieving your travel fatigue and satisfying even the most discerning palates.

• Recommended: Xinjiang Barbecue, Dapanji, Spiced Chicken with Chili Sauce, Naan, Laghman, Samsa
• Operating Hours: 08:00 AM – 12:00 AM
• Address: Kanas Scenic Area, Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang
• Telephone: 0906-6326133

Top 3: Hemu Private Milk Tea House/禾木自留地奶茶馆

Hemu Private Milk Tea House in the old village of Hemu stands out from other restaurants with its rich local ethnic characteristics rather than modern simplicity. Adorned with Kazakh embroidery, fur skis, and dombra, it is infused with the local culture. Besides milk tea, the menu offers a variety of meats, polo, and traditional snacks. The authentic flavors and tranquil atmosphere make it an ideal spot to relax and unwind.

• Recommended: Xinjiang Milk Tea, Boiled Lamb, Polo, Hotpot, Naryn, Yogurt, Kazakh Bread
• Operating Hours: 08:00 AM – 12:00 AM
• Address: Opposite the Hemu Village Health Center, Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang
• Telephone: 6325186

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