Northwest Chinese cuisine is defined by its honesty and depth. Unadorned yet robust, its layers have bold, sour, and spicy notes over a savory, saline foundation. Time-honored techniques such as braising, simmering, steaming, and quick-frying have been passed down through generations, carrying with them the resilience of peoples shaped by wind and sand.

There is no need to travel far to encounter these flavors. In Shanghai's Putuo district, four restaurants bring the authentic taste of China's northwest to the table, inviting diners to experience its rustic charm through warm, fragrant dishes.

Yixiang Dunhuang Lou

When it comes to Northwest Chinese cuisine in Putuo, Yixiang Dunhuang Lou is a name that frequently comes up. Start with the classic Lanzhou hand-pulled beef noodles, where springy, chewy noodles soak up a rich, savory bone broth. The large plate chicken is another crowd favorite, featuring tender cuts of chicken enveloped in a rich, robust sauce that clings to every bite.

Don't miss the red willow barbecue skewers, where succulent pieces of lamb, alternating between lean and fatty, are grilled over charcoal on red willow branches, imparting a distinctive smokiness and an aroma that culminates in a perfectly balanced, deeply satisfying bite.

Round out your meal with Tianshui malatang (spicy hot pot) and flavorful fried naan bread, crispy and packed with savory goodness.

If you go: No 2150-8 North Zhongshan Road

Long Long Ago

Lamb skewer lovers should head straight to Long Long Ago at Joy City. This well-established barbecue chain has built a loyal following for a good reason. Their signature Hulunbuir lamb skewer is prepared with carefully selected grassland lamb, prized for its tenderness and clean, natural flavor.

Each skewer combines rib meat with alternating fatty and lean cuts, creating nuanced layers of flavor and texture. The lamb is supple and remarkably free of any gamey aftertaste. Grilled with restraint, it requires little embellishment, relying instead on its own natural juices to deliver a pure expression of grassland richness.

Beyond lamb, the menu also offers grilled chicken gizzards, fish-flavored bean curd, and bacon-wrapped enoki mushrooms, catering to a variety of tastes.

If you go: 2nd Floor, Outer Street, Joy City, No 56 Alley 168, Daduhe Road

Wasabi Roast

Tucked away in Putuo's Uni-Park Max mall, Wasabi Roast offers another take on Inner Mongolian barbecue. The restaurant prides itself on using high-quality meat sourced directly from Inner Mongolian pastures, paired with fresh wasabi flown in from Yunnan province.

This combination breaks the mold of traditional barbecue, blending the rich flavors of the grassland with the refreshing kick of wasabi for a unique Northwest-style grilling experience.

If you go: 4th Floor, Uni-Park Max, Alley 699 Tongchuan Road

Eerdun Traditional Shabu

At Eerdun Traditional Shabu, the freshly sliced Xiliin Gol League lamb leg from the Inner Mongolia autonomous region is a standout. Sliced to order, the meat is so firm it stays upright on the plate. A quick 10-second dip in the hot pot is all it needs, after which it melts in your mouth, leaving behind a subtle milky aroma.

The restaurant's signature dish is its roasted whole lamb. Marinated for 12 hours and slow-roasted over charcoal for three hours, it emerges with a crackling, golden skin and tender meat. Whether you're dipping hot pot meats or enjoying the roasted lamb, the secret sesame sauce is the perfect companion.

The rich nuttiness of the sesame enhances the natural sweetness of the lamb, creating a flawless combination that captures the unbridled spirit of the grasslands. It's an ideal spot for a gathering with friends and family.

If you go: 5th Floor, Global Harbor, No 3300 North Zhongshan Road

Note: Business hours and opening dates are subject to change. Please confirm directly with the respective restaurants prior to visiting.

Sources: WeChat account of Shanghai Putuo district media center at "shputuo", restaurants mentioned above