Is Xinjiang cuisine mainly halal? What are the must-try foods?
Xinjiang cuisine is mainly halal, with pork products being uncommon. Beef, mutton, and wheat-based foods are the main highlights. Must-try dishes include roasted lamb skewers, big plate chicken, hand-pulled rice, Latiangzi noodles, roasted buns, and Zhuankeng meat; vegetarian travelers also have options such as mixed noodles with vegetables and cold skin noodles.
Xinjiang is a region where halal food predominates, and most restaurants do not serve pork. Please respect local customs. Must-try list:
- Grilled Lamb Skewers: Skewered with red willow branches and grilled, cumin and chili are the soul of the flavor.
- Big Plate Chicken: Served with ribbon noodles, the flavor is enhanced after absorbing the broth.
- Hand-Pulled Rice: Lamb, carrots, and rice cooked together, rich and fragrant.
- Baked Buns: Baked in a pit oven, with crispy outer skin and juicy filling.
- Xinjiang Stir-Fried Rice Noodles: A challenge for spice lovers, with rich sauce.
Travelers with sensitive stomachs should start gradually and drink plenty of hot tea; at night markets (such as Hotan Night Market and Urumqi Grand Bazaar Food Street), you can try a variety of snacks all at once.