Urumqi · A City’s Color
Urumqi’s color is Tianshan snow white, with the backdrop of Bogda Peak’s year-round snow cover. The golden domes of the International Grand Bazaar shine under the sun.
Signature Snacks
Dapanji (Big Plate Chicken)
Chicken chunks, potatoes, and green and red peppers piled into a mountain on a large iron platter. The chicken is tender, potatoes are soft, and at the very bottom lies a layer of wide noodles—the noodles, saturated with the broth, are the essence of the whole dish. Shawan-style dapanji is the most authentic.
Grilled Lamb Skewers (Kao Yangrou Chuan)
Lamb skewers sizzle and drip oil over charcoal, a sprinkle of cumin and chili powder, and the aroma wafts down three streets. Xinjiang lamb has no gamey taste; fatty and lean pieces alternate, perfect for eating in one bite per skewer.
Hand-Grabbed Pilaf (Shou Zhua Fan)
Lamb, carrots, yellow carrots (unique to Xinjiang), raisins, and rice simmered together. The rice turns golden, the lamb is fall-apart tender, sweet and savory intertwined. Traditionally eaten by hand.
Recommended Shops
| Shop | Address | Specialty |
|---|---|---|
| Xuezhan Dapanji | Shayibake District | Dapanji |
| Int’l Grand Bazaar Food Street | Tianshan District | Lamb Skewers / Pilaf |
| Miraj | Shengli Road | Uyghur Traditional Cuisine |