Dunhuang is situated at the crossroads of the Silk Road, where the culinary culture has blended the best of Han, Hui, Uyghur, and other ethnic food traditions, creating the distinctive northwest Silk Road cuisine. When traveling to Dunhuang, these delicacies are a must-try.
Donkey Meat with Yellow Noodles — Dunhuang's signature dish. As the saying goes,""Dragon meat in the sky, donkey meat on earth""The yellow noodles are hand-pulled alkaline noodles with a golden color and chewy, smooth texture, topped with richly sauced donkey meat and finished with a splash of hot oil that fills the air with fragrance.
Apricot Peel Water — Dunhuang's most distinctive beverage, made by simmering the peels of local apricots. It's sweet and tangy, served chilled, and especially refreshing in the hot desert climate.
Whole Roast Lamb — At desert camping bases or night markets, a whole roasted lamb with crispy exterior and tender, fragrant interior is the absolute star of any gathering. Dunhuang's roast lamb uses local Tan sheep, known for their tender, mild-flavored meat.
Shazhou Night Market Delicacies — Shazhou Night Market is Dunhuang's liveliest food street. Beyond the three dishes above, you can also enjoy: Poplar Stewed Pancakes, Saozi Noodles,Cuoyuzi (hand-rolled fish-shaped noodles), Niangpizi (stuffed noodle rolls), grilled lamb chops, lamb vermicelli soup, and various melons and fruits.
Hand-Eaten Lamb — The classic way to enjoy lamb in northwest China. Large pieces of lamb are boiled in plain water and dipped in pepper salt and cumin. The meat is tender and preserves the most authentic, natural flavor of lamb.
Practical Information
Shazhou Night Market is located on Shazhou South Road in downtown Dunhuang, open every evening from 18:00 to 24:00, with per-person spending of 50-100 CNY. Restaurant prices in Dunhuang are moderate to suit all budgets.
Recommended by Tuodada Travel
Every Tuodada Travel Dunhuang itinerary includes free time at Shazhou Night Market, and our guides will recommend authentic restaurants and must-try dishes. Hotline: 0937-8839685 / 133-0937-2188 / 133-0937-3667.
