There is no doubt about the diversity found in Chinese cuisine, characterized by its extensive regional differences, rich flavors, and age-old culinary practices. However, there is one cuisine that stands out to me above the rest, and that is Xinjiang cuisine, which can be found in abundance throughout Beijing. There's nothing quite like a cozy Xinjiang restaurant, complete with classic decor and an illustrated menu.
The challenge arises when you order dishes that are hit or miss, which can dilute the overall experience. Therefore, here is my non-Michelin yet highly useful guide to selecting the top dishes from a Xinjiang restaurant menu.
1. 抓饭 (zhuāfàn): Polo or Pilaf
To start with the essentials, if you're unsure of what to order or are visiting a Xinjiang restaurant for the first time, it's wise to go for a polo. This rice dish resembles Uzbek pilaf, featuring spiced and caramelized onions along with succulent lamb (or sometimes beef) atop a mound of shiny rice, accented with raisins and more. Allow it to take over your senses! Embrace the glory of this dish and surrender completely! You won’t regret it!
2. 新疆烤肉 (Xīnjiāng kăoròu) Xinjiang Barbecue
Keeping it straightforward, this option is great for that friend who is a picky eater and can only imagine having burgers and fries. Introduce them to the delightful world of Xinjiang barbecue, where skewers of cubed meat (typically lamb) are seasoned with a blend of cumin, chili, and other spices, then grilled over charcoal. Trust us, nothing satisfies a meat lover quite like Xinjiang barbecue.
3. 馕包肉 (nángbāoròu): Xinjiang-Style Braised Lamb With Naan
If there’s one dish you should try from this guide, it’s nangbaorou. No other food can compare to this heavenly delight. Fried naan is laden with a savory lamb gravy along with vegetables like potatoes, carrots, onions, and bell peppers, spiced with flavors from deep within Xinjiang. The fried naan absorbs some of the gravy while retaining its firmness. Dive in with your chopsticks, pin the naan down, add the meat, and pair it with a soft, buttery potato piece that has an onion slice nestled within it … that bite! That heavenly bite is what dreams are made of. That single bite is life-changing!
4. 烤包子 (kǎobāozi): Samsa
Never pass up the chance to order one of these! They are akin to Xinjiang’s version of a hot pocket or English pasty, featuring lamb or beef wrapped in flaky dough and roasted to a golden brown. No matter what you’re having, a samsa enhances the meal. Not in the mood for a large dinner? They're a perfect snack! Want a hearty meal? They complement your noodle dish beautifully! You can even enjoy them in an unconventional way with ketchup or Thai sweet chili sauce, or pair them with a cold drink – there are no wrong choices! The juices from the meat moisten the inside of the baozi while the exterior remains crispy and flaky.
5. 大盘鸡 (dàpánjī): Big Plate Chicken
Ever feel like being enveloped in a rich, meaty, and flavorful gravy filled with spices? Look no further! This is Xinjiang's most indulgent dish. Often accompanied by naan bread or noodles, it’s succulent, savory, and wonderfully shareable. Each bite of chicken, bell peppers, and onions will transport you to another world. Dapanji is also an excellent choice for those who don’t eat beef or lamb.
6. 新疆拌面/拉条子 (Xīnjiāng bànmiàn/lātiáozi) Xinjiang Noodles
For noodle lovers who enjoy a saucy dish, Xinjiang banmian delivers! Often likened to Xinjiang Bolognese, but after tasting this, you’ll forget all about regular Bolognese. These hand-pulled noodles are topped with a spiced meat and tomato sauce, providing a completely different experience compared to typical stir-fried beef noodles. Commonly served at airports in Xinjiang, Xinjiang banmian is just the wake-up call you need after a long flight.
7. 新疆麻糖/切糕 (Xīnjiāng mátáng/qiēgāo) Xinjiang Matang
We’ll wrap up this list with a sweet treat: Xinjiang matang, also known as Xinjiang qiegao, which can be viewed as Xinjiang’s version of a trail mix bar. Trust us, no one does trail mix quite like the locals. They’ve unlocked the potential of chewy desserts, and it’s a game-changer. This delightful concoction combines nuts like almonds, pistachios, and walnuts with caramelized
An incredibly useful guide to some of the finest dishes from Xinjiang!
