Yinchuan, as a main cultural center for the Hui people in China, offers a variety of unique Muslim food as well as traditional Chinese fare. Visitors can not only sample authentic Islamic dishes but also taste some of the unique Hui cuisine.

The dishes most representative of Yinchuan are Qingzheng Yanggaorou (steamed lamb), Shouzhua Yangrou (mutton eaten with hands), Yangrou Paomo (shredded cake in mutton and beef soup), and Xiangsuji (spiced crisp chicken).

The traditional Gaiwancha (a kind of tea beverage), which is said to have originated during the Tang Dynasty (618-907), is also of Hui origin. This tea comes in a variety of flavors due to the different ingredients added such as brown sugar, white sugar, crystal sugar, five-savory (tea leaf, crystal sugar, longan, raisin, and dried apricot), and eight-treasure ( Chinese date, Barbary wolfberry fruit, walnut kernel, longan, gingili, raisin, white sugar and tea leaf).

In addition, various kinds of fish including cyprinoids, silver carp, and crucians produced around the Sand Lake Scenic Resort (Sha Hu) will surely satisfy your appetite.

Other famous Yinchuan snacks are Facai, Youxiang and Naiyougao. In addition to the variety of local food, some restaurants offer Western food as well.

Recommended restaurants:
Huanghelou Islamic Restaurant
Address: No. 55, Xinhua Dongjie
This restaurant is mainly focused on the traditional local diet including breakfast, dinner, evening snacks, and quick meals.

Laomao Shouzhua Meishi Lou
Address: No.497, Changcheng Donglu, Xingqing District
You can not only enjoy the authentic Shouzhua Yangrou but also experience the culture of the Hui people.

Sha Hu Restaurant
Address: No. 58, Wenhua Xijie
This is a comprehensive restaurant that combines dinning with accommodation, entertainment, shopping, and tourist services.

Wanbao Lou
Address: Wenhua Dongjie
Various kinds of famous local food can be found here, especially dishes served in earthenware pots.

Chenyi Paomoguan
Address: Jinning Nanjie
This restaurant specializes in Yangrou Paomo.

Shuiluobu (Water Radish) Vegetarian Restaurant
Address: No. 212, Wenhua Dongjie
More than 200 vegetarian dishes are provided here, which will satisfy the appetites of vegetarian tourists.

KFC
Address: Xinhua Dongjie, Xingqing District

Discos
Address: Gulou Nanjie, Xingqing District