Crescent Moon

To the far northwest of China lies the province of Xinjiang, which is home to the country’s Turkic speaking Uighur Muslim minority. Crescent Moon, located in a quiet hutong in the old town, is one of the most authentic Xinjiang cuisine restaurants in Beijing. Here, the hearty food and cheap prices more than make up for the basic décor and service. Huge portions include home made yogurt, juicy lamb kebabs (known as chuan’r), baked flatbread, and hand-pulled noodles. Unlike many Xinjiang restaurants in the city Crescent Moon is not a rough and ready hole in the wall; nor is it gaudy. There are no fake garish touches catering to tourists here, such as performances. Instead, most of the staff are Uighur, and the clientele is largely local.