Taste of Urumqi Must-Try Dishes Analysis (1)

Satisfying Xinjiang Cuisine Imaginations 🍲 Eating authentic Xinjiang cuisine in New York is actually quite a challenge, and finding places that serve freshly made dishes is even rarer. But this time, visiting Taste of Urumqi was like being instantly transported back to Northwest China. The food here is not only hearty and flavorful but also carries the sincerity of home-cooked meals by family members. 🏙️🌟 🥇 Top 1 Must-Try: Dapanji (Big Plate Chicken) + Hand-Pulled Noodles (Definitely Pre-Order!) This dish is truly amazing! Traditional Dapanji is a classic Xinjiang dish meant for drinking and filling your stomach. It's made to order, with chicken pieces that are tender and flavorful but not dry. The potatoes are soft and absorb all the delicious juices. But the real star for me was the hand-pulled noodles—thick and chewy, they soak up the rich, slightly spicy sauce of the chicken dish. By the end, I wanted another serving! 🍖🍜 🥈 Top 2: Lamb Hand-Grab Rice This is a staple at traditional Uyghur festival feasts. The rice is stir-fried before being steamed, giving it a sweet aroma from the carrots and a rich flavor from the lamb fat. The large chunks of lamb are perfectly marbled, tender, and full of flavor. Every bite is juicy and distinct. 🍛 🥉 Top 3: Grilled Lamb Skewers Seriously! These skewers are as long as my arm, with thick-cut lamb pieces seasoned with cumin and chili powder. They're crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with juices bursting out as you chew. It's rare to find such juicy, non-stringy grilled skewers in the US. This is the real Xinjiang taste! 🍖 ⭐️ Top 4: Homemade Yogurt This yogurt is completely different from what we usually buy in supermarkets. It's slightly sour and sweet, with a gentle fermented milk flavor. It's a gentle and satisfying finish to the meal. 🍶 #TasteofUrumqi