Did you even go to Xinjiang if you didn’t have its famous barbecue? Read on to learn why Xinjiang BBQ is worth the HYPE, and exactly how to find AND order it!
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Xinjiang BBQ Table of Contents:
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What is Xinjiang BBQ?
One of my friends lived in Xinjiang for a little while and was always talking about Xinjiang barbecue. We finally found a spot in Beijing that had “real Xinjiang BBQ” and we tried it. I was amazed; he was appalled.
I thought he was just being dramatic until four years later, when I finally went to Xinjiang.
I hated to admit it, but he was RIGHT. Whatever we were eating in Beijing was good — but for a LIFE ALTERING, juicy barbecue you really need to go to Xinjiang.
So what is Xinjiang BBQ?
In Mandarin Chinese, BBQ is called 串 or “chuan” (in Beijing, it’s pronounced “串儿” or “chua’er”). Take a good look at that Chinese character “串”. See how it kinda looks like a skewer with meat on it?
Xinjiang BBQ isn’t like BBQ in the West, with a massive round grill and slabs of steak or burger patties.
Instead, small, fresh cuts of beef or lamb (never pork, the predominant religion in Xinjiang is Muslim) are popped onto skewers. The skewers are laid on a long grill (it’s sort of shaped like a trough) and turned to cook evenly.
The skewers used are either metal or red willow wood, and you can DEFINITELY taste the difference when they cook them on wooden skewers (it adds a really light smoky flavor).
Paired with local beer, you’re in for the perfect evening to chat endlessly and make friends with the locals. When your tray of skewers is empty, be sure to call for “再来一份!” (“Zai lai yi fen!” Or “another round!”).
NOTE: there is SO much more to eat in Xinjiang than just the barbecue! Check out my post on Xinjiang Food: 8 Amazing Things you HAVE to Try!
How To Order Xinjiang BBQ
Ordering these life-altering skewers is pretty simple, ESPECIALLY if you’re in Xinjiang.
First off, you’ll need to find a restaurant. And honestly, they’re pretty easy to find in Xinjiang. Pretty much any place with BBQ and customers will hit the spot.
It’s common for restaurants in Xinjiang (and all of China) to have photos alongside of items, which makes YOUR job as a traveler easy!
With any roast veggies or a side of locally made yogurt — Xinjiang BBQ is extremely versatile in terms of pairings.
Usually you can order single skewers, but sometimes the restaurant might sell them in a certain quantity. Most everywhere I went in Xinjiang allowed us to order singles if we wanted, which I personally liked.
Pay attention to the characters next to the pictures: if you see “牛肉” (pronounced “niu-rou“), it’s a beef skewer. If you see “羊肉” (pronounced “yahng-rou“), it’s a lamb skewer.
You won’t find pork BBQ, because Xinjiang is primarily populated by the Uyghur people, many of whom are Muslim.
If all else fails, when ordering your skewers you can always try your luck with animal sounds to get what you like (seriously, this works! 😂).
I can assure you though: BOTH options are delicious. However, the lamb skewers are definitely canonical Xinjiang BBQ.
More on Xinjiang!
By the way — check out the posts I’ve already written on Xinjiang to make your planning easier!
- Xinjiang Restaurant Spots You’ll LOVE!
- 8 Xinjiang Hotels You’ll LOVE (2024)
- Xinjiang Food: 8 Amazing Things You HAVE To Try!
- What to do in Xinjiang: BEST Travel Guide (2024)
- Is Xinjiang Safe for Tourists? Best 2024 Guide
Culture around Chuan/BBQ
As in every region of China, food often holds as much culture and history as the local people do.
In a region filled with Kazakh minorities, Uyghur minorities, and other minorities with nomadic histories, this simplistic yet oh-so satisfying dish (skewer?) holds a deep significance to the area.
It’s common to see flocks of sheep or cows roaming throughout the rural roads of Xinjiang. While nomadic living may not be as common, the culture of shepherding lives on.
There’s something about the deep connection between the people and their food that takes the experience to another level.
If you’re lucky enough to find an English-speaking local, they’d probably love to explain more about the culture behind Xinjiang’s famous BBQ.
Restaurants in Xinjiang
Lucky you — I already wrote a post about my top Xinjiang Restaurant picks HERE!
If you’re looking for perfect kebabs, then I’m excited to recommend a chain restaurant found all over Xinjiang called Kaidirui! (in Chinese: 开蒂锐) Copy and paste the Chinese text into your map to find a location!
Kaidirui’s Xinjiang style BBQ is not only legendary, but their rice dish made with carrots and raisins is to DIE for!
Going to Kaidirui in Xinjiang is sort of like going to Shake Shack in America; it’s GOOD food, and the perfect, classic experience of the local cuisine.
More on Xinjiang!
Check out the posts I’ve already written on Xinjiang to make your planning easier!
- Xinjiang Restaurant Spots You’ll LOVE!
- 8 Xinjiang Hotels You’ll LOVE (2024)
- Xinjiang Food: 8 Amazing Things You HAVE To Try!
- What to do in Xinjiang: BEST Travel Guide (2024)
- Is Xinjiang Safe for Tourists? Best 2024 Guide
Summary
This post covered what Xinjiang BBQ is, how to find and order your barbecue fix, and also a bit on the culture of this savory dish! Still have questions? Drop them in the comments and lets get talking!
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