WHY For the little-known Muslim fare of Xinjiang, China’s autonomous far western region.

WHAT The food at this homey café, a mesh of Chinese elements and central Asian nomad cooking, likely bears little resemblance to anything you’ve eaten in L.A. Sure, Xinjiang lamb kebabs are well known, but owner Munire Omar brings out zhuafan, a rice creation reminiscent of an Afghan pilaf with caramelized julienne carrots and slivers of cumin-laced lamb. The strangely named Xinjiang meatloaf sandwich is actually a juicy meat pie with a crackly potato-chip-thin crust. Omar hand pulls her thick, chewy noodles, which are wonderful with the braised dish called big-plate chicken.

WHO Taiwanese and Hong Kong ex-pats who fell in love with this cuisine at home, where it’s popular.

View Larger Map