Yinchuan, as a main cultural center for the Hui people in China, offers a variety of unique Muslim food as well as traditional Chinese fare. Visitors can not only sample authentic Islamic dishes but also taste some of the unique Hui cuisine.

 

The dishes most representative of Yinchuan are Qingzheng Yanggaorou (steamed lamb), Shouzhua Yangrou (mutton eaten with hands), Yangrou Paomo (shredded cake in mutton and beef soup), and Xiangsuji (spiced crisp chicken).

 

The traditional Gaiwancha (a kind of tea beverage), which is said to have originated during the Tang Dynasty (618-907), is also of Hui origin. This tea comes in a variety of flavors due to the different ingredients added such as brown sugar, white sugar, crystal sugar, five-savory (tea leaf, crystal sugar, longan, raisin, and dried apricot), and eight-treasure ( Chinese date, Barbary wolfberry fruit, walnut kernel, longan, gingili, raisin, white sugar and tea leaf).

 

In addition, various kinds of fish including cyprinoids, silver carp, and crucians produced around the Sand Lake Scenic Resort (Sha Hu) will surely satisfy your appetite.

 

Other famous Yinchuan snacks are Facai, Youxiang and Naiyougao. In addition to the variety of local food, some restaurants offer Western food as well.