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

Xinjiang, located in the northwest of China, is a region rich in exotic charm and unique culture. The distinctive cultural heritage of Xinjiang has given rise to a variety of unique cuisines. These dishes not only embody the characteristics of halal food but also feature the rich and flavorful cooking style typical of Northwestern Chinese cuisine. Each dish is a feast for the senses, with its vibrant colors, enticing aromas, and unforgettable tastes. Following are food and restaurant that recommended to experience in Xinjiang.

What to eat

Top 1: 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. Xinjiang's 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 2: Whole Roast Lamb/烤全羊

Whole roast lamb with a long history is a renowned delicacy of Xinjiang cuisine, comparable in its appeal to Peking duck. After slaughtering the lamb and removing its hooves and viscera, a paste made of flour, eggs, pepper, and cumin powder is evenly applied to the lamb's entire body, which then is fixed on an iron frame and placed in a large oven for several hours of roasting. When ready, guests can freely carve the lamb and dip the pieces in sauce, enjoying the crispy skin and tender, flavorful meat. Whole roast lamb is one of the most prestigious dishes in Xinjiang, indispensable at significant events or high-end banquets, and is considered an important symbol of the local ethnic culture.

Top 3: Dapanji/大盘鸡

Xinjiang Dapanji (big plate chicken), a modern dish among halal snacks, is named for its large serving platter filled with chicken pieces, which is a popular culinary delight for tourists visiting Xinjiang. The dish mainly consists of stir-fried and stewed chicken chunks and potato pieces, visually appealing with its mix of red, white, and green colors. It has a slightly sweet taste, with a balance of spiciness and numbing sensation, and the chicken is tender and flavorful. Typically, Dapanji is served with noodles, which are added to the remaining sauce after eating the chicken, making for a deliciously savory meal.

Top 4: 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 5: Samsa/烤包子

Samsa, a famous snack among the Uyghur people, are roasted the stuffed buns in a tandoor oven, which is widespread in Xinjiang. The wrappers are made by rolling out dough without yeast into thin sheets and folding the edges to form a square shape. The filling consists of diced lamb, lamb fat, onions, cumin powder, salt, and pepper, mixed with a small amount of water. The raw buns are then placed inside the tandoor oven, and within minutes, they are roasted to perfection. The finished samsa has a golden, crispy crust, and a tender, juicy filling bursting with fresh, aromatic flavors.

Top 6: Polo/手抓饭

Polo, also known as pilaf, is a beloved dish among the people of Xinjiang, made by simmering lamb, rice, and carrots. Originally eaten by hand, it is now commonly enjoyed with spoons or chopsticks. Polo has a rich, aromatic flavor, and is both nutritious and delicious. The combination of tender rice and flavorful mutton makes it irresistible, making pilaf one of the most iconic and representative dishes of Xinjiang cuisine.

Top 7: 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 8: Spicy Mutton Trotters/胡辣羊蹄

Spicy Mutton Trotters is a traditional Xinjiang snack known for its spicy flavor. The preparation starts by cleaning the lamb trotters, then cooked in a spiced broth made with star anise, cinnamon, bay leaves, dried ginger, cooking wine, and a generous amount of fresh and dried chili peppers, along with pepper powder, green onions, and ginger. The trotters are boiled in this seasoned broth until tender. While eating, they are taken out and drizzled with a special spicy sauce. Spicy Mutton Trotters is visually appealing with a reddish hue and offers a deliciously spicy, soft, yet chewy texture that makes it incredibly tasty.

Where to eat

Top 1: North Arrow Red Wine House/北方箭达红酒馆

Urumqi's first Eastern European cuisine restaurant has hired top chefs from Georgia and Russia, offering authentic Eastern European dishes. The restaurant boasts an exotic atmosphere with friendly foreign staff, providing a unique and warm dining experience. The ambiance is romantic, with display cases on the walls filled with a variety of wines and Russian musical instruments, enhancing the overall dining experience.

• Recommended: Beef Pizza, Roasted Chicken, Sirloin Steak, Russian Tuna Salad
• Operating Hours: 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM
• Address: No. 669 Kunlun East Road, Urumqi City, Xinjiang
• Telephone: 0991-3060268

Top 2: Xiao Ga Zi Restaurant/小尕子

Xiao Ga Zi, one of the most popular halal restaurants In Urumqi, caters to a wide range of tastes, making it a favorite among tourists. The restaurant features nine must-try signature dishes, each offering a rich taste of Xinjiang cuisine. The portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable. Additionally, while dining, guests can enjoy traditional Xinjiang dance performances, adding a touch of cultural charm to their meal.

• Recommended: Xinjiang Barbecue, Dapanji, Spiced Chicken with Chili Sauce, Xinjiang Yogurt, Samsa, Laghman
• Operating Hours: 12:30 AM – 12:00 PM
• Address: No. 1 Mingyuan West Road, Saybag District, Urumqi City, Xinjiang
• Telephone: 0991-4561111

Top 3: 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
• Operating Hours: 10:30 AM – 01:00 AM
• Address: No. 9-6 Baihuayuan Road, Burqin County, Altai Prefecture, Xinjiang
• Telephone: 0906-6533444

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