Xining Food - What and Where to eat in Xining

Local Delicacy: Xining food is characterized by distinct flavors and hearty meals are designed to ward- off hunger in the cool mountain climate. The local cuisine relies more heavily on local ingredients than typical cuisines from other parts of China. Xining, as the capital of Qinghai has plenty of dishes to offer such as Flabelliform Nostoc, also called as Facai. Nostoc was originally sent as a tribute to the royal family in ancient times. Though Qinghai people flavor a number of dishes using it, Nostoc is also recognized as an effective TCM product used to treat high blood pressure and GI problems.

Steamed egg with Nostoc is a local specialty. It is also served crispy or added in soup. Chicken cooked with Caterpillar Fungus, also called as Danbai Chongcai Ji is a medicinal dish that is believed to nourish the kidneys and helps in weight gain.

Chicken steamed with Aweto and egg is a simple dish that is favored by the locals. Fried Lamb Tenderloin known as Fengwo Liji, seasoned with ginger and salt is certainly mouthwatering. Minced meat is formed into balls and fried until crisp and is served with a sweet vinegar sauce. Apart from these there are Kebab (Kao yangrou), Yu Rangpi (similar to the Dunhuang Rang pizi), Wang's Thick Sliced Noodle Pieces (Wang mianpian), Cold Noodles (Liang mian), Hand Held Mutton (Shouzhua yangrou) and Lamb Liver (Zhu yanggan). Muslim Yoghurt known as Qingzheng Suannai is a popular drink that locals have in the morning.

Xining Food Streets

Daxin Jie Night Market is the best place to go for good local snacks in Xining.
Hours: 17:00 to midnight.
Address: Chengzhong District, Xining

Shuijing Lane Market: it is also known as the '100 flavor street', snacks from Qinghai and the rest of China are featured here. Especially,dumplings and lamb kebabs are abundant
Address: Ximenkou, Xining
Phone: 0971-8247205