Spicy delights and more at Xinjiang restaurants

Lamb skewers, with sesame and cumin seeds on top, are popular dishes from Miss Ali.

Xinjiang cuisine is a good choice in winter: Sizzling kebabs, roasted mutton and warm tandoor bread.

Signature dishes like dapanji (big plate chicken) and lamb kebabs have stronger flavors and use various spices like cumin and red pepper flakes while staples like handmade noodles and Uygur pilaf are very good.

Xinjiang restaurants are becoming more popular in Shanghai due to the hearty portions and distinct flavors.

Here are several restaurants serving good Xinjiang cuisine in Shanghai.

Yershari Restaurant

This restaurant franchise has nine branches in Shanghai and is highly recommended. The quality is consistently good and its menu offers all the usual Xinjiang favorites.

Lamb skewers are the best appetizer. Hot off the grill, the kebabs are 3.5 yuan (US$0.6) per skewer. The tender and juicy lamb chunks topped with cumin seeds have a tempting smell to warm up any appetite.

The dapanji is also excellent as the potatoes are soaked in chicken gravy. The portion is large with the thick noodles soaking up the gravy — great for sharing.

The Uygur mutton pilaf is a steamed rice dish with shredded carrots, mutton and raisins. Meat lovers will likely love the grilled lamb chop.

Atmosphere: Uygur style, great service, there are also traditional Uygur singing and dancing performances in the evening.

Recommended: Dapanji, lamb skewer, mutton pilaf, yoghurt, lamb pies, chopped noodles with diced lamb and vegetables.

Average per person: 90 yuan (US$15)

Address: 106 East Nandan Rd; 918 Dongfang Rd;

7/F, Bailian Shimao, 819 East Nanjing Rd and 6 other locations