Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Xining, Qinghai, China
1. Tibetan-style Yak Burger
A unique burger made with yak meat served at Kunpengyang Restaurant, offering a taste of Tibetan culture.
- Authenticity: Experience the authentic taste of Tibetan cuisine
- Unusual Ingredient: Try yak meat, a rare ingredient outside Tibet
- Cultural Experience: Enjoy a meal that reflects the local lifestyle and traditions
2. Qingke Beer Noodles
A hearty noodle dish flavored with locally brewed Qingke beer at Xining Beer Snack Street.
- Local Flavor: Savor the unique taste of Qingke beer in a noodle dish
- Street Food Experience: Enjoy street food while exploring Xining's vibrant culture
- Food and Drink Combo: Experience the perfect combination of food and locally brewed beer
3. Tsampa with Yak Butter Tea
A traditional Tibetan dish made from roasted barley flour and yak butter tea served at Tsampa House.
- Authentic Experience: Experience a genuine taste of Tibetan cuisine
- Unique Ingredients: Try traditional Tibetan ingredients like yak butter and tsampa
- Historical Context: Understand the historical significance of this dish in Tibetan culture
4. Xining Lamb Kebabs
Tender lamb skewers marinated in spices and grilled to perfection at Muslim Street.
- Local Specialty: Savor the famous Xining lamb kebabs
- Street Food Experience: Enjoy street food while exploring the bustling Muslim Street
- Spice Level: Adjust the spiciness to your preference
5. Sour Yaks Milk Tea
A refreshing tea made from yak milk, available at local tea houses.
- Unique Beverage: Try a traditional yak milk tea
- Refreshing Drink: Stay hydrated and cool in Xining's warm climate
- Local Custom: Participate in a popular local tea drinking custom
6. Tibetan Stew with Yak Meat
A rich and flavorful stew made with yak meat, potatoes, and carrots at Tibetan Restaurant.
- Authentic Cuisine: Experience the authentic taste of Tibetan cuisine
- Hearty Meal: Enjoy a filling and warm meal
- Unique Ingredient: Try yak meat in a stew, a delicacy in Tibetan cuisine
7. Xining Noodles with Sesame Sauce
Thick hand-pulled noodles served with a tangy sesame sauce at Xiaoma Noodle Shop.
- Local Specialty: Savor the famous Xining noodles
- Handmade Noodles: Enjoy fresh, hand-pulled noodles
- Unique Sauce: Taste the tangy sesame sauce that sets this dish apart
8. Potato Pancakes with Yogurt Dip
Crispy potato pancakes served with a cooling yogurt dip at local snack stalls.
- Local Street Food: Enjoy popular street food in Xining
- Comfort Food: Indulge in a tasty and comforting snack
- Yogurt Dip: Try the traditional yogurt dip that complements this dish perfectly
9. Xining Fried Dumplings
Delicate dumplings filled with meat and vegetables, fried to a golden crisp at local dumpling shops.
- Local Delicacy: Savor the famous Xining fried dumplings
- Street Food Experience: Enjoy street food while exploring Xining's vibrant culture
- Variety of Fillings: Choose from a variety of fillings to suit your taste
10. Sour Milk with Glutinous Rice Flour Balls
A traditional Qinghai dish featuring glutinous rice flour balls in sour milk at local restaurants.
- Unique Dish: Try a unique and delicious dish from Qinghai
- Traditional Treat: Indulge in a traditional dessert popular in Xining
- Comfort Food: Enjoy a comforting and refreshing dessert after a day of sightseeing
11. Labrang Monastery Vegetarian Meal
A nutritious and delicious vegetarian meal at Labrang Monastery's cafeteria.
- Cultural Experience: Experience the spiritual ambiance while dining
- Health-Conscious Option: Enjoy a vegetarian meal that is both tasty and nutritious
- Traditional Recipes: Savor the taste of traditional Tibetan vegetarian recipes
12. Xining Style Spicy Noodles
Spicy noodles seasoned with local chili oil and served at spice shops.
- Local Specialty: Savor the famous Xining spicy noodles
- Street Food Experience: Enjoy street food while exploring Xining's vibrant culture
- Adjustable Spiciness: Adjust the spiciness to your taste preference
13. Xining Style Beef Skewers
Tender beef skewers marinated in special seasonings and grilled to perfection at local eateries.
- Local Specialty: Savor the famous Xining beef skewers
- Street Food Experience: Enjoy street food while exploring Xining's vibrant culture
- Flavorful Meal: Indulge in a flavorful and tasty meal
14. Qinghai Mutton Soup
A hearty mutton soup made with local ingredients at local restaurants.
- Local Specialty: Savor the unique taste of Qinghai mutton soup
- Warm and Comforting: Enjoy a warm and comforting meal
- Healthy Option: Choose a nutritious and satisfying soup for your meal
15. Xining Style Steamed Buns
Soft and fluffy steamed buns filled with savory fillings like meat or vegetables at local bakeries.
- Local Delicacy: Savor the famous Xining steamed buns
- Variety of Fillings: Choose from a variety of fillings to suit your taste
- Quick Snack Option: Enjoy a quick and tasty snack on-the-go