Qīngzhēn cài which means 'Chinese halal cuisine' has a long history in China. It was over 1000 years ago when Chinese halal food emerged, spread by the Arabians and Persians.
As such, most of the Chinese halal food are essentially the result of two cultures: Middle Eastern and Chinese. Imagine having a bite of Middle Eastern and Chinese flavor at once. Exciting isn’t it?
So get ready to go on an adventurous mouth-watering journey because we have collected the best Halal Food Places in China that you should get the taste of!
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Located in the far northwest of China, Xinjiang Province or Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (XUAR) is the biggest Chinese administrative division you probably never heard of. Spanning over 1.6 million km², Xinjiang Province is rich in its ethnic groups, where the Uyghur as the majority. Not only rich in culture, Xinjiang is known to have the largest Muslim population in China dominated by the Uyghur. Therefore, this city is filled with historical Islamic buildings and halal street food.
Getting the halal street food in Xinjiang is easy. Just go to Ürümqi, the capital of Xinjiang or Kashgar, the stop on the Silk Road. There is a saying that said, “if you want to know more about the culture of a place then go to its market”.
So, you should go to Xinjiang’s best night market! You can go to Ürümqi and Kashgar’s night markets where they sell halal street food that are mostly sold by the Uyghur.
Here are the lists of the halal street food that you should try!
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Unlike the any other Lamian, Leghmen’s topping is spicy stir-fried mutton or lamb meat. Under the topping is artistically made Lamian, where you can just sit and watch the noodles being made in front of you.
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Polu is a version of rice pilaf by the Uyghur. Combined with carrot, raisin, cumin and a hint of pepper, Polu is fried, tossed in the air and being served just for you.
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Cooked like a much bigger version of Peking duck, Roasted Whole Lamb is a call to daredevils! Just, imagine eating a whole cooked lamb with its head on, staring back at you.
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This food is basically a skewer kebab. It is made from roasted lamb/mutton that is stacked like satay. It is very easy to find this food in Xinjiang!
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Naan is an oven baked flatbread that is widely known around Asia. It is made from sesame seeds, butter, milk, vegetable oil, salt, and sugar. Perfect to be combined with roasted lamb/mutton. Yum-yum!
Address: Public Square, Saybag District, Ürümqi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China / Night Market, Old Town, Kashgar, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
Opening hours: 8PM – 12AM
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Located in Changchun, Shiji Jinsa Island Halal Restaurants offers you delicious and hygienic Xinjiang cuisine. This place will not only pamper your palate but also your eyes. Shiji Jinsa Halal Restaurant has a very compelling interior design and unique islamic ornaments. Best to visit for you who would like to enjoy a nice and clean lunch alone or with your partner. Here are the best picked menu items this restaurant has to offer:
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Famous since 1990, Dapanji or Big Plate Chicken, literally, is a Chinese/Uyghur fusion dish made from chicken, bell peppers, potatoes and other unique spices. The process is quite simple, the bite size cut unboned chicken is sauteed with spices and chopped vegetables and then shimmered in broth. On top of the dish, leghmen is being put like a topping.
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Originated from Xinjiang, this will be the richest yogurt taste you will ever get in your life. Made from dairy, the yogurt is perfectly fermented. This is a perfect dessert to end a spicy journey.
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Well, this is not a regular shumai for sure. This dish is a mix of Chinese and Uyghur flavor. So, instead of using chicken or other meat as the filling, this Shumai uses mutton or beef mixed with green onion and radish. We bet you cannot wait to taste it!
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This place is famous for its Naan dish. A flatbread with sesame seeds on top of it will be served fresh from the oven just for you.
Address: No. 2811 Dongsheng Street, Changchun
Opening hours: 10AM – 10PM
Phone number: +(86) 431 89659076
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As the third biggest ethnic group, Hui also plays an important influence in halal dish besides Uyghur. Beijing Lao Hui Hui is the most popular Hui Muslim’s restaurant in Beijing. It is one of the oldest Hui Muslim’s restaurant. The place’s ambiance is very traditional. The design is filled woody accents and red paints that arouses your appetite.
This place offers you affordable dish with generous portions. Lao Hui Hui is perfect place to have a dinner with you partner, where you can get a table for two and have a deep talk with your loved ones, especially after a long walk and adventure in the city.
Here are three recommended dish to have in this restaurant:
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A diced freshest lamb, soy sauce, cumin and other spices are stir-fried into one. Blending it all into one delicious dish that will make your mouth drool.
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Authentically burned with Hui’s people method that has been used for hundreds of years, braised mutton is being served. Made only from anise, soy sauce, salt, sugar, this braised mutton has the most authentic taste that will spoil your palate.
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Noodles in this restaurant are perfectly made using traditional technique and ingredients. There are plenty types of noodle dish that you can get in this restaurant, from stir-fried noodles to soup noodles.
Address: Building 6, Liupukang Alley, Ande Road, Xicheng District, Beijing
Phone: +86 10 6237 5239
Opening hours: 11AM – 2PM, 4.30PM -9.30PM
Even though Muslims are a minority group in China, there is sufficient Halal food that can be found throughout the city. Food as a part of culture plays a huge part in travelers’ lives. Especially if you are travelling to China, being able to find halal places to eat at is a privilege.
And that is why we are here to help you. We hope that you enjoy your holiday in China! Zàijiàn!
