Qinghai local food and restaurants, what and where to eat in Qinghai

When it comes to Qinghai’s cuisine, it is undoubtedly one of the most distinctive strokes on the map of Chinese gastronomy. These dishes are not only delicious but also bold and robust, much like the eagles soaring over the plateau, carrying an indescribable wildness. The local food blends the unique flavors of various ethnic groups, including Tibetan, Mongolian, and Hui. It combines the fresh aromas of the grasslands with the simplicity of the plateau, carrying the rich flavors bestowed by nature. Following are the best food and restaurant in Qinghai.

What to eat

Top 1: Hand-grasped Mutton/手抓羊肉

Hand-grasped mutton, a unique delicacy of northwest China, is an indispensable part of Qinghai People's daily life.

The special feature of Hand-grasped mutton lies in its tender meat and rich flavor. The high-quality lamb, with its firm texture, is carefully selected and processed, then stewed with a secret blend of spices until it becomes tender and flavorful, with the fat being rich but not greasy, and the lean parts tender without being tough. When eating, people typically grab chunks of lamb with their hands, dip them in a special sauce, and take big bites. This primitive, rustic way of eating makes it unforgettable. People of all ethnic groups in Qinghai—whether Hui, Han, Mongolian, or Salar—use Hand-grasped mutton as a delicacy to honor guests.

Top 2: Qinghai Rang Pi/青海酿皮

Rang Pi is a traditional snack with distinctive characteristics from Qinghai. It has a smooth and tender texture, with a refreshing balance of sourness and spiciness that leaves a lasting aftertaste. It is also found in regions like Gansu, Ningxia, Shaanxi, Xinjiang, and the Hetao area of Inner Mongolia.

There are two types of Rang Pi in Qinghai: the Simmered Rang Pi, which has a golden shine, is thin, crisp, and delicate; and the Steamed Rang Pi, which has a dark brown color, is thick and hearty. Although their appearances differ, both have a similar flavor. Though it is a snack, Rang Pi can serve as a filling main dish or be enjoyed as a cold appetizer paired with drinks. It can be eaten hot or cold, making it suitable for all seasons.

Top 3: Sheep Intestine Noodles/羊肠面

Sheep Intestine Noodles, a traditional snack from Xining, Qinghai, can be said to be the instant noodles of Qinghai and comparable to Wuhan's famous hot dry noodles. It is also one of the local halal dishes. The dish features lamb intestines as the main ingredient, served with noodles and a hot broth. There are two types of lamb intestines: meat-filled intestines, which are stuffed with lamb offal, and dough-filled intestines, which are stuffed with pea flour.

The broth of Sheep Intestine Noodles is a light yellow, with clean, tender pieces of intestine, while the fat intestine appears white and soft. The noodles are long, smooth, and chewy, and when paired with spicy oil, garlic, vinegar, and chili, the combination stimulates your appetite. It can be served cold in summer or hot in winter, making it an affordable and instant snack.

Top 4: Gou Jiaoniao/狗浇尿

”Gou Jiaoniao” or " Gou Jiaoniao Oil Cake", which means "Dog Pissing", is a type of oil cake made from white flour and barley flour, popular in the Haixi Prefecture and Golmud region of Qinghai. When making " Gou Jiaoniao", the rapeseed oil is repeatedly poured along the edge of the pan, like the action of a dog urinating, which is how it got its playful name. Though the name may not be elegant, it doesn’t detract from its popularity in the area.

One of the most well-known staple foods locally, "Gou Jiaoniao" tastes surprisingly good: its golden-yellow color and oily sheen, crispy on the outside yet soft on the inside, release the unique fragrance of high-altitude rapeseed oil that whets the appetite, often enjoyed with milk tea.

Top 5: Ga Flat Noodles/尕面片

The most unforgettable and beloved noodle dish for every Qinghai person is definitely Ga Flat Noodles. Unlike traditional noodles that are rolled out with a rolling pin, Ga Flat Noodles is made by hand-pulling the dough. The dough is first cut into thick strips, then covered with a damp towel for a short time. After that, it is pinched and torn into pieces, each about the width of a finger, and boiled in hot water until cooked. The small size of these pieces is why it's called Ga (small) Flat Noodles.

There are many variations of Ga Flat Noodles. Depending on the shape of the noodles, ingredients, and cooking methods, it can be enjoyed in a variety of ways.

Top 6: Sweet Barley Wine/甜醅

Sweet Barley Wine is a traditional specialty food of Qinghai, primarily found in Xining and the northeastern regions of the province. It is mainly made from highland barley or hulless oat. It has a rich, refreshing, and sweet flavor, with a delightful balance of sweetness and alcohol aroma. The ingredients are easy to obtain, and the brewing process is simple. In the summer, Sweet Barley Wine can refresh and invigorate the body, alleviating fatigue, while in the winter, it helps strengthen the body, warm the stomach, and stimulate the appetite.

Where to eat

Top 1: Mojia Street/莫家街

Mojia Street is located on the south side of East Street in the city center of Xining, opposite Yinma Street. It has a history of over 600 years. As one of the top snack streets in Xining, it is often bustling with activity and full of life. In the evenings, it’s a great place to relax with friends, enjoy delicious food, sip on some drinks, and unwind in a lively yet cozy atmosphere.

• Recommended: Roasted Lamb, Sheep Intestine Noodles, Hand-grasped Mutton, Qinghai Rang Pi, Sweet Barley Wine
• Operating Hours: 00:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• Address: Mojia Street, Chengzhong District, Xining City, Qinghai Province

Top 2: Halal Yixin Hand-grasped Mutton Restaurant/清真·益鑫羊肉手抓馆

Yixin Hand-grasped Mutton Restaurant retains the authentic taste of local lamb, making it a renowned specialty snack shop. It is an old-established shop located in a small alley near the mosque, and it is also the most famous place in Xining for hand-grabbed lamb. The owner is a typical Qinghai Muslim who pays great attention to the dietary customs of Muslims. The lamb is very tender and soft, with no gamey taste, and the roasted potato chunks inside are also a unique feature of the dish.

• Recommended: Hand-grasped Mutton, Braised Mutton, Vermicelli with Pickled Cabbage, Fried Potato Cube, Yogurt
• Operating Hours: 08:30 AM – 09:30 PM
• Address: No. 5 Baiyu Lane, Chengdong District, Xining City, Qinghai
• Telephone: 0971-8179336

Top 3: Ma Zhong Restaurant/马忠食府

Ma Zhong Restaurant, formerly known as the famous Ma Zhong Rang Pi, later became home to Maria Casseroles as well. Since then, Ma Zhong Restaurant has gathered a variety of traditional Qinghai snacks. Located on Mojia Street, Ma Zhong Restaurant is always bustling, with people from all over the country coming to enjoy the food. Here, you can taste authentic Xining cuisine.

• Recommended: Grilled Lamb Chop, Sheep Intestine Noodles, Ma Zhong Rang Pi, Milk and Egg Laozao
• Operating Hours: 10:00 PM – 11:00 PM
• Address: No. 10 Mojia Street, Chengdong District, Xining City, Qinghai
• Telephone: 19909714998

Top 4: Laoyan Grilled Lamb/西行老严烤羊肉

In Haixi, there is a name known by everyone: Laoyan Grilled Lamb. This famous restaurant attracts countless diners with its unique roast lamb dishes and warm service. The surrounding area offers convenient accommodations and a pleasant environment, making it especially suitable for travelers from afar and those who are sensitive to the strong flavor of lamb.

• Recommended: Grilled Lamb Chop on a Kang, Roast Sheep Intestine, Fried Lamb Tripe, Yogurt
• Operating Hours: 03:00 PM – 03:00 AM
• Address: No. 13 Binhe West Road, Delingha City, Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai
• Telephone: 13119779222

Top 5: Lujiyuan Qinghai Old Hot Pot/陆记源·青海土火锅

This traditional Qinghai-style hot pot restaurant may have a simple environment, but it is extremely popular. The old hot pot uses a copper pot fueled by charcoal, where a variety of ingredients such as sauerkraut, vermicelli, hairtail fish, meatballs, cured meat, mushrooms, and tofu are simmered in lamb broth. The combination of meats and vegetables is flavorful, spicy, and refreshing, with generous portions.

• Recommended: Qinghai Old Hot Pot, Gou Jiaoniao, Momo, Yogurt
• Operating Hours: 10:30 AM – 10:30 PM
• Address: No. 31 Yinma Street, Chengzhong District, Xining City, Qinghai
• Telephone: 0971-4910881

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