Urumqi Cuisine
It is not an exaggeration to say that Urumqi is an expo center of Middle Asian delicacies.Some people think dining in a grand restaurant is a better way to enjoy the local delicacies.However,the fact is not like that.Sometimes, a small nameless snack bar can provide more splendid food. Of course,this situation demands your more patient exploration.Take Er Dao Qiao for an example. There are many snack bars in this place.Please don't despise them for the sake of their tempting snacks.
Baked Mutton Kebabs(烤羊肉串)
Baked Mutton Kebabs (Kaoyangrouchuan) can be found anywhere on the streets of any city or small market town throughout Xinjiang.
Migrants from Xinjiang have made these kebabs famous throughout the rest of China's major cities but naturally,the best,most authentic kebabs are only available in Xinjiang!
Anyone who has traveled throughout China has seen the kebab vendors with their long metal stands filled with hot embers and a pile of uncooked meat on sticks. The meat is cooked over the heat with the vendor fanning the embers to quicken cooking.
The kebabs are then seasoned with spice powder (either spicy or not spicy) and served. One kebab is not more than a mouthful.Prices can range from between RMB1 to RMB2 per kebab.
Lamian Noodles（拉面）
Lamian noodles,known in Chinese as Lamian or Lamiantiao are popular with many ethnic groups both in Xinjiang and the rest of China. The name 'Lamian' means 'pulled noodles'.
The noodle dough is pulled in a special way to create thinner and thinner strings of dough, and finally, noodles!Then the noodles are boiled quickly and various ingredients are added,including oil,mutton pieces,cooked tomato and chili peppers.
Sometimes the noodles are stir-fried along with these ingredients,which can only be described as a totally different,yet equally delicious taste.
Nan Flat Bread（馕）
Nan or Nang in Chinese is the staple bread of Xinjiang cuisine. It is a crucial part of the Uigur diet. The word 'Nan' originates from the Persian language,and this type of bread is popular throughout the Arabic and Middle Eastern World.
While there are different varieties of Nan in Xinjiang,this bread is basically made by sticking dough to the inside wall of an extremely hot oven and then after a few minutes, removing the cooked bread.The shape of the bread is typically round, flat and golden brown.
Other varieties include Oil Nan (Younang),Sesame Nan (Zhimanang),and Mutton Nan (Rounang),etc
Uyghur Rice（维吾尔炒饭）
We call this dish 'Uigur Rice',but it's name in Chinese is Zhuafan.In English,this actually means 'grabbed rice' for the fact that you can eat it with your hands.
The main ingredients are rice cooked in mutton broth with spring onion,carrot,and a piece of mutton (or beef,chicken,duck meat instead) placed on top of the rice.Sometimes, raisins or almonds are also added for a little extra flavor.
This dish is actually quite rich,but it's richness gives it an undeniably delicious flavor.This rice will not only fill you up,it'll give you lots of energy and leave a delicious aftertaste in your mouth.
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