The food of Xinjiang, China’s vast Muslim northwest, tastes of the Silk Road — smoky grilled lamb, cumin and chilli, hand-pulled noodles and flatbreads, with strong Central Asian influences. It’s halal, hearty and hugely popular all over China.

What to order

• Lamb skewers (羊肉串) — cumin-and-chilli grilled mutton; the ultimate street snack.
• Big-plate chicken (大盘鸡) — chicken, potato and peppers in a spiced stew, served over wide hand-pulled noodles.
• Laghman (拌面 / 拉条子) — hand-pulled noodles with stir-fried toppings.
• Naan — chewy tandoor-baked flatbread.
• Polo (手抓饭) — pilaf rice with lamb and carrot.

Where to eat it

You’ll find excellent Xinjiang restaurants in every major Chinese city, not just the region itself — look for the skewers grilling out front.

Tips

• It’s a great halal option for Muslim travellers.
• Portions are generous — big-plate chicken is made for sharing.
• Wash it down with sweet milk tea or yoghurt.