Xinjiang's top specialty food: Lamb skewers (10 yuan/skewer)
Lamb skewers, a distinctive ethnic snack from Xinjiang, have captured the hearts of countless tourists. Especially lamb skewers served with red willow branches, which, under the smoking of charcoal, not only have less of a gamey smell but also have the unique fragrance of red willow branches, making people's mouths water just from the aroma. One bite, and the crispy outside and tender inside, fragrant taste is irresistible.
PS: In Xinjiang, besides being used to skewer lamb, red willow branches also carry unique Xinjiang sentiments, symbolizing the local people's resilience and love for life.
Red Willow Lamb SkewersXinjiang's Top 2 Specialty Food: Baked Naan (3-5 yuan/piece)
"I'd rather go a day without meat than a day without naan" is a saying that perfectly describes Xinjiang's staple food—naan. Naan is a type of flatbread made primarily from flour, with various toppings added and baked in a tandoor oven. Most naan are round, but there are also some uniquely shaped ones, such as flower-shaped, bird-shaped, or fish-shaped. It can be eaten directly or paired with lamb skewers. Wrap the skewers in the naan, and with one bite, the aroma bursts in your mouth, bringing a sense of satisfaction!
Top 3 Xinjiang Specialty Foods: Baked Buns (3-6 yuan each)
Xinjiang baked buns are called "Samsa" in Uyghur. As one of the favorite pastries of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang, they are second only to naan bread in status. They are characterized by thin crust and thick filling. They are baked to a golden brown color. When you gently break them open, you will find a rich and juicy meat filling inside. They are usually filled with mutton, but some shops use beef to cater to the tastes of tourists from other places. You can choose according to your own taste preferences.
Baked bunsTop 4 Xinjiang Specialty Foods: Big Plate Chicken (35 RMB/person)
The origin of Dapanji (Big Plate Chicken) is Shawan County, Xinjiang. Originally a dish to make it easier for passing drivers to eat, it later became very popular and gradually developed into one of the most representative dishes of Xinjiang. Tender chicken, soft and glutinous potatoes, and rich seasonings make it unforgettable. Towards the end, you can add two-finger-wide belt noodles, which are coated with the soup, and the taste is simply amazing.
Top 5 Xinjiang Specialty Foods: Sichuan Pepper Chicken (30 RMB/person)
There's a reason why Sichuan peppercorn chicken ranks among the countless delicacies of Xinjiang. Its uniqueness lies in its flavor, a perfect blend of numbing, spicy, fresh, and fragrant. It's not only great with rice but also with drinks. After a day of travel, enjoying authentic Xinjiang cuisine—Sichuan peppercorn chicken—with friends in the evening breeze is a wonderful experience. A bite of spicy and fragrant Sichuan peppercorn chicken, paired with a bite of sweet onion, and then a sip of potent Urumqi beer—it's simply divine!
Top 6 Xinjiang Specialty Foods: Hand-pulled Rice (30 RMB/person)
The status of Xinjiang hand-pulled rice needs no introduction. As a traditional Xinjiang delicacy, it's said that a trip to Xinjiang is incomplete without trying it. The main ingredients are rice, carrots, and onions. However, Xinjiang's yellow carrots are different from ordinary carrots, with a sweeter and more refreshing flavor, making them a perfect match for hand-pulled rice. Even without meat, it's still very delicious. If you add meat, you can choose from minced meat pilaf, mutton pilaf, lamb chops pilaf, lamb leg pilaf, and so on, depending on your budget.
Hand-grabbed riceTop 7 Xinjiang Specialty Foods: Hand-pulled Lamb (40 RMB/person)
Xinjiang's unique geographical environment has led to a local food culture that is dominated by beef and mutton. Mutton, as a high-quality protein, is an essential part of daily life, which is why hand-pulled mutton is so famous. It uses the simplest cooking method to preserve the original flavor of the mutton, making it melt in your mouth, with a rich milky aroma and no trace of muttony smell. Paired with Xinjiang's unique sauces, it is so delicious that you will fall in love with it at first bite.
Top 8 Xinjiang Specialty Foods: Fried Rice Noodles (20 RMB/person)
Xinjiang fried rice noodles are probably a well-known Xinjiang specialty, with more shops outside of Xinjiang than even those in Xinjiang itself. So, when you come to Xinjiang, how can you not try authentic Xinjiang fried rice noodles? Topped with local Xinjiang chili peppers and onions, freshly baked naan bread, and a spoonful of their unique sauce, this dish creates a truly unique and delicious experience. (Friendly reminder: Tourists who can't handle spice should definitely not attempt the extra-spicy Xinjiang fried rice noodles!)
Top 9 Xinjiang Specialty Foods: Spicy Lamb Trotters (6-10 yuan/piece)
For people in Xinjiang, every part of a sheep is valuable, and lamb trotters are no exception. You can see spicy lamb trotters everywhere you go. They are stewed until tender and flavorful, and served with a special spicy sauce. One bite is full of collagen, making you want to have another after you finish one.
Spicy Lamb TrottersTop 10 Xinjiang Specialty Foods: Braised Pork in a Jar (30 RMB/person)
If you see a ceramic pot being heated on a stove while traveling in Kashgar, don't mistake it for tea or sugar water. It's actually a Xinjiang specialty called "Gangzirou" (literally "pot meat"). The ingredients are very simple: just mutton, chamagu (a type of vegetable), and carrots, with a little salt for flavor. The simple yet delicious Gangzirou is ready, and it's a perfect meal to eat with naan bread.
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Xinjiang boasts a diverse culinary scene, from golden, crispy baked buns to tender, juicy lamb skewers and stir-fried rice noodles with a variety of side dishes, all showcasing the unique flavors of Xinjiang. After reading the above, are you eager to embark on a culinary journey through Xinjiang? Contact us now and join us on a trip to Xinjiang that combines delicious food and breathtaking scenery!