Turpan caters more for tourists than some of the other cities in Xinjiang. As a result, many restaurants here serve good, standard Chinese fare, have English menus and some even sell western style food. The best selection of places is around the crossroads of Qiunian Lu and Lao Cheng Lu. The Chipu Cafe is currently the pick of the crop round here, serving good Sichuan and Uigur food. Opposite the Turpan Hotel is John's Information Cafe. This place serves good western food and offers invaluable advice about travel in the region. You can also hire bikes and organize drivers and donkey carts from here! Basic Uigur staples such as noodles and kebabs and Uigur Rice, are available from the small stalls and restaurants around Lao Cheng Lu. If it is more upmarket Chinese food you are looking for, try one of the restaurants in the Oasis Hotel.


Baked Mutton Kebabs

Baked Mutton Kebabs (Kaoyangrouchuan) can be found anywhere on the streets of any city or small market town throughout Xinjiang. Migrants from Xinjiang have made these kebabs famous throughout the rest of China's major cities but naturally, the best, most authentic kebabs are only available in Xinjiang!

Anyone who has travelled throughout China has seen the kebab vendors with their long metal stands filled with hot embers and a pile of uncooked meat on sticks. The meat is cooked over the heat with the vendor fanning the embers to quicken cooking. The kebabs are then seasoned with spice powder (either spicy or not spicy) and served. One kebab is not more than a mouthful. Prices can range from between RMB1 to RMB2 per kebab.

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