Turpan Food

Similar to other cities in Xinjiang, Turpan has plentiful supply of restaurants serving a mind boggling variety of flavors ranging from the local Muslim food to cuisine from other regions in China. The local food such as Baked Kebab, Rice Taken with Hands, Lanian Noodle can be found at almost every restaurant or street stall. Some restaurants or street stalls set their tables under the green forest of intertwined grape valley which itself alone encourages big appetite.

Food aside, Turpan is internationally known for its sweet fruits. Don't miss the opportunity to taste some of local’s featured fruits such as watermelon or grape when there.

Baked Mutton Kebabs

Xinjiang people are proud of their Baked Mutton Kebabs. Kebabs can be found in the streets and bazaars throughout Xinjiang. Chunks of mutton are strung on a skewer and roasted over charcoal. The kebabs are turned continually, and when they are almost done, salt, pepper and other seasonings are sprinkled on them. Kebabs look crispy outside and taste tender inside, slightly salty and hot. The seasonings can be different due to personal requirement.

Lamian Noodle

Lamian Noodles or Hand-pulled Noodles are a very popular dish throughout Northwest China, especially in the Hui ethnic community. Chefs stretch and double a single lump of noodle dough several times in succession to create very thin strings noodles. Lamian Noodles can be served with beef or mutton either in soup or stir-fried. Caraway is the most common herb when Lamian Noodle is served in soup and is regarded as indispensable.

Rice Taken by Hands

Rice Taken by Hands is a popular food at Rice Taken with the Hands festivals. The main materials are fresh mutton, carrots, onions, vegetables, rice and raisins. Raisins are boiled with sliced onions, carrots and small cubes of fried beef. Rice is then added and boiled again. The ingredients are streamed for twenty minutes and then served. Before eating, one washes one's hands three times and dries them with handkerchiefs. Sitting cross-legged on cushions, people serve the rice on plates and it is then eaten with the hand.