Best Budget Eats in Ürümqi, Xinjiang, China
1. Kawapiräk Käzärisi
A popular local fast food joint serving affordable lamb skewers and noodles, offering a taste of Xinjiang culture.
- Affordability: Inexpensive meals starting from as low as 5 RMB.
- Local Flavor: Authentic Xinjiang cuisine that is hard to find elsewhere.
- Quick Service: Ideal for a quick, tasty meal on the go.
2. Huoshaoluo Xiaochi Jie
Street food market offering various budget-friendly dishes like roujiamo and liangpi, showcasing Uighur and Han Chinese cuisines.
- Variety: Over 50 different food stalls to choose from.
- Authenticity: Traditional and local dishes that give a taste of Ürümqi.
- Affordable Prices: Most dishes are under 20 RMB.
3. Ruo Yi Jia Xiaochi Jie
A food street offering diverse budget-friendly dishes, with a focus on Uighur cuisine like polo and mouton kebabs.
- Uighur Cuisine Focus: Unique dishes that are hard to find elsewhere.
- Budget-Friendly Prices: Meals starting from as low as 10 RMB.
- Lively Atmosphere: Vibrant and bustling night market with live music.
4. Ürümqi Noodles (Lamian)
A local specialty made by hand-pulling and stretching noodles to order, served in a flavorful broth with various toppings.
- Handmade Noodles: Unlike anything you've tasted before.
- Affordable Price: Most bowls of noodles cost less than 20 RMB.
- Hearty and Filling: Perfect for a satisfying meal on a budget.
5. Ürümqi Roujiamo
A local take on the Chinese hamburger, with seasoned meat and vegetables wrapped in a fluffy steamed bun.
- Tasty and Portable: Perfect for eating on-the-go or as a quick snack.
- Affordability: Costing around 5-10 RMB each.
- Authentic Xinjiang Flavor: A taste of local culture in every bite.
6. Xīnjìng Gāotie
A type of flatbread filled with lamb or mutton, onion, and seasonings, popular in Xinjiang region.
- Flavorful and Satisfying: A filling meal that is easy to eat.
- Budget-Friendly Prices: Priced around 5-10 RMB each.
- Local Specialty: A must-try dish when visiting Ürümqi.
7. Liangpi Jie
Street food market selling cold and spicy noodles called liangpi, made from starch and served with vinegar and chili oil.
- Spicy and Tangy: A refreshing snack to beat the heat.
- Affordable Prices: Each serving costs less than 10 RMB.
- Unique Texture: A chewy noodle texture unlike any other.
8. Huang He Paomo
Sticky rice cooked in a pot and mixed with milk and sugar, resembling the Yellow River's sands.
- Sweet and Sticky: A delicious dessert or snack.
- Affordable Prices: Servings start from as low as 5 RMB.
- Historical Significance: Symbolizing the Yellow River and its importance to Xinjiang region.
9. Ürümqi Big Plate Chicken (Dapan Ji)
A spicy and flavorful dish made with chicken pieces served on a large platter.
- Flavorful and Spicy: A popular choice for those who love spicy food.
- Budget-Friendly Prices: Priced around 30-50 RMB per serving.
- Local Specialty: A must-try dish when visiting Ürümqi.
10. Ürümqi Xinjiang Snacks
Shop selling various budget-friendly snacks like dried fruits, nuts, and local candies.
- Tasty Treats: Ideal for trying different flavors of Xinjiang.
- Affordable Prices: Snacks are priced from 1-5 RMB each.
- Convenient Location: Located in the heart of Ürümqi, easy to find.
11. Ürümqi Hot Pot (Huoguo)
A popular Chinese dish where diners cook raw ingredients in a pot of simmering broth at the table.
- Social Experience: Ideal for sharing with friends or family.
- Budget-Friendly Prices: Priced around 100-200 RMB per person, depending on the ingredients chosen.
- Endless Choices: A wide variety of ingredients to choose from.
12. Ürümqi Naan (Nang)
Flatbread made in a traditional tandoor oven, served with various toppings or dips.
- Tasty and Filling: Ideal for a quick meal on the go.
- Budget-Friendly Prices: A serving costs around 5-10 RMB.
- Versatile: Can be eaten plain, with toppings or dips.
13. Ürümqi Xinjiang BBQ (Xijie Kuàr)
Street vendors grilling various meats like lamb, mutton, and chicken on skewers.
- Tasty and Flavorful: A delicious way to try local meats.
- Affordable Prices: Skewers cost around 5-10 RMB each.
- Quick Service: Perfect for a quick snack or light meal.
14. Ürümqi Xinjiang Teahouse (Chá Ting)
Traditional teahouse serving various types of tea and light snacks like pastries and cakes.
- Relaxing Atmosphere: Ideal for unwinding after a day of exploring.
- Affordable Prices: Tea sets and snacks cost around 10-50 RMB.
- Authentic Experience: A chance to experience the traditional tea culture of Xinjiang.
15. Ürümqi Nang Pizza (Nang Píza)
Flatbread pizza made with local ingredients like lamb and tomato sauce.
- Tasty and Unique: A fusion of traditional flatbread and pizza.
- Affordable Prices: Priced around 20-30 RMB per serving.
- Convenient Location: Located in the heart of Ürümqi, easy to find.