Hello, everyone says that northwest China has a lot of delicious food everywhere else, and wherever you go there’s lamb or beef. But you also need to pay attention: northwestern cuisine differs greatly from eastern Chinese cuisine, so be prepared not to find it suitable.
In general, northern people mainly eat lamb or beef, with strong flavors that tend to be spicy. Rice and hand-pulled noodles are staple foods here.
Most areas in northwest China have dry climates, which is why you should strengthen your resistance by increasing vegetable and fruit intake. Avoid eating too much lamb without a plan; it’s recommended that you drink plenty of water, eat fruits moderately, and take meals frequently. Don’t overindulge, especially avoid excessive oil-rich food to prevent digestive problems or even stomach ulcers.
Many areas in Xinjiang are Muslim-dominated enclaves. When dining at halal restaurants, please refrain from bringing in non-halist foods and beverages outside the restaurant. It’s recommended not to drink alcohol either. Recommended dishes include:
- Gansu: apricot kernel water, lamb kebabs, Qinghai cold noodles, Lanzhou spicy potsticker, handmade wheat flour rolls, fried oil cakes, beef noodle soup, and Camel Whip Noodles;
Xinjiang: grab-and-eat rice, La Tiaozi, naan breads, baked buns filled with mutton or beef. Don’t miss out on the sweet fruits like grapes and pomegranates!