(Ecns.cn)—When traveling in Xinjiang, the western frontier province of China, sampling the local cuisine is an essential part of the experience. Here's a few of our favorite dishes from the region.
1. Naan
Large, round flatbreads cooked in ceramic ovens, this is the most typical food for Uyghur people. They are easy to preserve, good for the stomach and convenient to carry. In the past they were the common food for travelers in the area, just like in Central Asia.
For only 3-5 yuan you can acquire one big piece of naan not only in Xinjiang, but also in other provinces with Xinjiang-style restaurants.
Tips: It's recommended to try naan at the restaurants on the Northwest Road of Urumqi, capital city of Xinjiang. They enjoy high a reputation among locals.
2. Goats head soup
Though it sounds uninviting, this is a very nutritious and popular local dish. Female tourists in general tend to give avoid it, if only for the name.
But for locals it's a true delicacy, especially in winter. Usually, families gather and enjoy the soup after killing a goat for a big event like a wedding.
3. Kebabs
Outside virtually every restaurant you will see a man fanning kebab skewers, filling the air with mutton and lamb-laden curls of smoke, an always tempting smell.
Usually, the waiter will ask how many kebabs you want before you even check the menu. Ignore your diet and dive in to this delicacy, which is super cheap in Xinjiang.
4. Stewed Mutton Cubes
This is a dish prepared especially for festivals, when people cut mutton into cubes of 500 grams apiece and boil them in a big pot. The foam floating on the surface of the soup is removed when it is half done, but when it is 80 percent done, onions, peppers, ginger slices, carrots, turnips and tomatoes are poured in to create a delicious stew.
Tip: Before eating the mutton, dip it in chili sauce, especially if you are not a fan of lamb.
5. Rice eaten with hands
A plate of rice smothered in peppers, mutton, onions, garlic and spices, this is the world famous dish eaten in many regions in Central Asia and India. It's also a household dish for the Uyghur people, and is featured at festivals, funerals and weddings in Xinjiang.
Though high in calories, the oily-yellow color of the rice is simply irresistible.
6. Xinjiang noodles
This is a dish similar to laghman (lamian) noodles, that is covered with tomatoes, peppers, onions, garlic, green beans and spices. For meat-eaters, the noodles are often served with mutton. Make sure you pile on the roasted red pepper paste which is more roasted than fiery.
Tips: In almost every big city of Xinjiang there are night markets which serve as ideal starting point for Xinjiang cuisine, and provide adventurous dining opportunities with local Uyghurs.
As you travel throughout China, watch out for signs adorned with images of mosques or Arabic-looking script, as they are indications that you have found a Xinjiang-style restaurant serving Uyghur cuisine. They usually offer hearty, spicy and inexpensive fare.
