Dunhuang food is a captivating reflection of its nomadic heritage and its role as a cultural melting pot. Characterized by hearty wheat noodles, succulent lamb, and aromatic spices, the food in Dunhuang offers you a unique gastronomic adventure.
This Dunhuang dining guide will lead you through the bustling night markets and esteemed Dunhuang restaurants, ensuring you experience the very best of this historic city’s flavors.
Dunhuang Local Cuisine
When people think of Dunhuang, the first thing that comes to mind is, what is the famous pass in China? In the context of the Silk Road, the two most famous passes near Dunhuang are Yang Pass and Yumen Pass. Therefore, Dunhuang local cuisine is directly born from the needs of travelers and traders who passed through this desert outpost.
Influenced by nomadic culture, local cuisine in Dunhuang features wheat flour noodles served with lamb, chicken, or beef. BBQ mutton is a very popular dish everywhere in the town. And Dunhuang Rang Pizi is another well-known specialty here, which is actually made from pea flour with a jelly look.
Developed and improved by Zhao Changan (master chef and restaurateur), Dunhuang dishes are recognized as one of the New Eight Cuisines of China. Famous dishes include Camel Hoof on the Silk Road, Stir-fried Hump with Five Shredding, Quick-frying Hump, Three Treasure of Anxi, Fry Oil Cake and Yellow Noodles.
>> Related reading: 15 Signature Dishes of Authentic Chinese Food
Famous Food in Dunhuang: Signature Dishes & Street Food
Exploring the local food in Dunhuang is one of the highlights during any Dunhuang tour. This city’s culinary scene is incredibly diverse, offering everything from exquisite banquet cuisine to simple yet delicious street food, catering to travelers from all corners of the world.
Dunhuang Noodles & Street Food
What is Yangguan Pass famous for? Except it was a crucial frontier pass and strategic gateway on the ancient Silk Road during the Han Dynasty; no travel to Dunhuang is complete without diving into the local street food here. Dunhuang noodles are a category unto themselves.
Dunhuang Yellow Noodles (驴肉黄面)
Yellow noodles with donkey meat is an unmissable specialty in Dunhuang, which is available in almost every restaurant. Those hand-pulled yellow noodles are thin but chewy. The brown sauce atop the noodles is stewed mushrooms and juicy donkey meat, as well as some bean curd cubes. The juicy sauce with the hot noodles gives off an appealing smell.
Lamb Dishes of Northwest China
Since China’s Muslim population is predominantly concentrated in Northwest China, the Chinese halal food in Dunhuang is definitely worth trying. The most famous of these dishes are Dunhuang’s lamb dishes.
Roasted lamb skewers (烤羊肉串)
Dunhuang’s lamb skewers can be regarded as a representative of Northwest barbecue. Sizzling with cumin and chili, this kind of food is ubiquitous and perfect for a quick, flavorful bite.
Braised Mutton with Wide Noodles (胡羊焖饼)
The braised mutton with wide noodles is a typical northwest Chinese food. The braised mutton is soft and juicy with the fragrance of a lot of seasonings. The hand-stretched wide noodles were put atop the mutton and stewed together for about 10 minutes. After it is done, the noodles taste chewy and tasty, and the mutton also gets completely braised and soaked in yummy broth.
Apricot Rind Tea (杏皮水)
This apricot product is made of the local apricots in Dunhuang. It tastes sour and sweet with the fragrance of the apricots. This is a popular local beverage, and almost every household there can make the drink. You can easily get one in the streets, supermarkets, scenic areas, and Shazhou Market in Dunhuang.
Where to Eat: Top Restaurants in Dunhuang
Traditional Chinese Restaurants
When you come to Dunhuang, you might try exploring some restaurants favored by locals. Shunzhang Yellow Noodle House (顺张黄面馆) and Fanji Jingyuan Lamb Restaurant (范记靖远羔羊肉馆) are both good choices, allowing you to taste the most authentic Northwest Chinese cuisine.
Halal & Vegetarian Restaurants in Dunhuang
As one of the gathering places for Muslims in northwest China, Dunhuang has a large number of delicious and affordable halal restaurants. Directly opposite the Dunhuang Museum, Axiya Restaurant (阿西娅餐厅) is your top choice. The environment, dishes, and service quality will all satisfy you.
If you prefer lamb over beef, you must not miss Pengxin Lamb Restaurant (鹏鑫羊羔肉店). The restaurant’s “Lamb Feast” set allows you to taste a variety of lamb flavors all at once.
If you are a vegetarian, you might want to try Qinglian Vegetarian Restaurant (清莲素食餐馆). The noodles and soy products in the restaurant are refreshing and delicious, making your visit worthwhile.
Dunhuang Food Streets & Local Markets
Shazhou Night Market (沙洲夜市)
Shazhou Night Market, also known as the Dunhuang Food Street, is the center of the city’s culinary scene and the best restaurants in Dunhuang all seem to have a presence here.
This night market is the perfect place to sample a bit of everything: roasted lamb skewers, donkey meat sandwiches, stuffed bread, and a variety of freshly made noodles. The market is divided into sections for snacks, handicrafts, and local produce, making it a fantastic destination for both food and souvenirs.
Dunhuang Local Markets
In addition to night markets, you can also find local delicacies at Dunhuang’s local markets.
Every Saturday and Sunday afternoon, in Dunhuang Park, you will see many local vendors pushing tricycles selling specialties. You can find fresh-baked naan, dried fruits like the famous Hami melons and grapes, and local snacks to fuel your adventures.
Explore the Flavors and Sights with Easy Tour China
Experiencing the diverse flavors of Dunhuang is an integral part of understanding its rich culture and history. A culinary adventure will combine its bustling night markets and traditional eateries perfectly with a visit to its world-famous landmarks like the Mogao Caves and the Crescent Lake and the Singing Sand Moutains. Just let Easy Tour China handle the details while you immerse yourself in this magnificent city. Here are some recommended Dunhuang Silk Road itineraries.