Urumqi Dining

Overview
Food is one of the things for which Xinjiang is famous. When tourists mention Urumqi Xinjiang, they will come up with all kinds of delicious food, such as Watermelon, grape, roast mutton, grab rice, naan, spicy kebabs, yogurt that tastes slightly like soda water but in a good way, steaming pilaf or famous hand stretched noodles—there are a lot of choices and lots of variety. 

What to eat in Urumqi Xinjiang

Mutton by hand
Mutton by hand is a traditional food loved by Mongolian, Tibetan, Hui, Kazak, Uygur and other nationalities in Northwest China. Mutton by hand has a history of nearly one thousand years. It was named after eating by hand.

Naan
Naan has a long history in Xinjiang. Its skin is golden and yellow. It was called "Hu cake" and "Lu cake" in ancient times. Naan is mainly made of flour, mostly fermented flour, but with a little salt instead of alkali. It is the most popular food in Xinjiang.

Watermelons
Watermelon, a specialty of melons region of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, is a national geographic indication product of China. Watermelon is mainly produced in Turpan Hami basin (Turpan Basin). It has different shapes, unique flavor, thick flesh, crisp and refreshing.

Grapes
Xinjiang grape is the best grape in the world, especially in Turpan. In particular, the seedless white grapes produced here are thin skinned, tender, juicy, tasty and nutritious, known as "Pearl Fruit".

Hand grabed rice
Hand grabbed rice is a popular food in Xinjiang, which is called "poluo" in Uyghur. It is rich in nutrition and has the effect of food supplement. It is one of the necessary food for Uygur people to celebrate festivals and treat guests. It was named because it was originally used to catch food by hand.

Urumqi baked bun
Urumqi baked bun is called "shamusa" in Uyghur, which is a favorite snack of Uyghur compatriots.

Where to eat in Urumqi Xinjiang
Local restaurants are available throughout the city, although most Uyghur restaurants are concentrated in Erdaoqiao, around the Grand Bazaar - there are plenty of restaurants on the street behind the mosque offering a nice alternative to standard Chinese cuisine.

Bodun Restaurant
Address: 42 Heping Road North.
Delicious and cheap Uyghur staples. Good location in the city centre.

Avral Restaurant
Address: 60 Shengli Road (In Erdaoqiao)
Delicious and finely decorated, Avral is also well known for its Uyghur ice cream (marozhni). This location is currently undergoing renovation, but their ice cream is served at restaurants.