More than daily bread

If you go

Flavorful halal food, hearty carbs, fresh dairy, and fruits are the best eats of Urumqi, capital of the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. Must-try dishes include:

• Kebabs (lamb skewers): crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

• Baked bun: Naan-pit baked, flaky crust with lamb, onion and fat. Bite carefully — it's juicy hot.

• Pilaf: Fragrant rice cooked with lamb, carrots and mutton fat.

• Lamb noodles: Hand-pulled noodles with stir-fried lamb, veggies and savory sauce.

• Big plate chicken: Spicy fried chicken with potatoes.