16 Dongsi Liu Tiao
10/6400-5281
HOURS: Daily 10 a.m.-11:30 p.m.
COST: Entrées less than ¥100
METRO: Zhangsizhanglu (Line 5)
Xinjiang food is one of the most interesting and unusual Chinese cuisines thanks to the Turkish influence of the region’s Uighur ethnic group, and an emphasis on lamb dishes.
Cresecent Moon is among Beijing’s finest Uighur restaurants and is less rowdy and touristy than the popular Red Rose in Sanlitun. The welcome lack of belly dancers and gimmicky music lets the quality of the food speak for itself.
Tasty Xinjiang dishes include lamb with Uighur-style flatbread, lamb with noodles, and lamb with pretty much any adornment and accompaniment. Crescent Moon’s hutong location and green decor add to its charms.
Don’t miss the Sinkiang black beer and homemade yogurt.