Dear Steemian Foodies,
What a food journey we've had in China. As with most great things, it must end. This entry will be split into three parts, for the three wonderful Xinjiang locals who showed us hospitality through food.
Kinder Surprise
While cycling the Yizhao Rd (between the town of Yining and Zhaosu) we met a hotel manager who offered us a room, and breakfast and lunch the next day. We felt so lucky to be offered such hospitality. For lunch the next day he took us to a friend's restaurant. All the dishes appeared on the table, and we politely waited until everyone sat down.
①② Pulled roast chicken (one chicken lays egg, the other does not) ③ 锡伯族馍馍 soft doughy lightly grilled bread
We asked how the chicken was cooked, as the meat was so moist and delicious. The restaurant owner explained that the chicken is first wrapped up in lotus leaves. Then wrapped in paper for extra protection before being covered in dirt completely. Into the oven it goes for 2 hours at 200°C. The cooked chicken will stay warm for the next 6 hours.
Opening up the special kinder surprise chicken
More Noodles
We stayed with a Kazakh family one night after failing to find a hidden camping spot. We ended up sleeping inside their home and they made a big dish of "cut up" noodles for us.
Fresh strips of noodle dough were cut up, then flattened and stretched out to 30 cm. As the noodle dough is being added to the pot, the dough is pinched into 2cm length piece at a time and dropped in. Eventually the pot is filled with small pieces of noodles, giving the name to the dish 切面 (qiēmiàn, cut up noodle).
Beautiful people, Beautiful food
Again on the same Yizhao Road, we met a friendly local from Yining that wanted to get to know us over a meal. We gratefully accepted the offer.
He took us to an amazing restaurant. Every detail of the place was spot on. We knew the place won't be cheap as the diners were better dressed, their hair done up and they spoke softly – using their inside voice.
He ordered many nice dishes, and by a mistake of the waitress, we got ice cream first!
Quiet Birthday Celebration
The night before Matt's birthday we had a quiet celebration over beer and chips. We couldn't be too loud because we had been moved once already by a policeman that evening. Typical of them, even the last day we can't camp in peace.
Chinese snacks generally consist of chips and highly processed sausages
