Xinjiang cuisine with a modern touch

The notion of eating authentic Xinjiang cuisine probably brings to mind an image of an exotic, ethnic restaurant. However, a new eatery in the Beijing Economic Technological Development Area in the city's southeast suburbs offers authentic Xinjiang cuisine in a modern and elegant atmosphere.

Designed by Shuhei Aoyama, a Japanese architect based in Beijing, Zoe's Restaurant looks like a stylish cafe rather than a typical Xinjiang restaurant. The interior adopts a modern minimalistic design, finished in warm tones, and the bright space is highlighted by floor-to-ceiling glass windows that bring in substantial natural light. Zoe's restaurant is owned by a young couple, the husband from Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, and his wife from Beijing. They met and fell in love in Australia and then spent six years together in Xinjiang. Now they have opened a restaurant in Beijing.

The menu of Zoe's Restaurant features traditional and authentic Xinjiang cuisine along with some creative twists. Some signature dishes include a baked stuffed bun that wraps the lamb filling with puff pastry; Uygur pilaf, a hearty, and healthy rice meal with lamb, Xinjiang black raisins, dried apricot, yellow turnip and carrot; Xinjiang style barbecue, and nang, a kind of crusty baked pancake.

If you go

Zoe's Restaurant, 1-002, Block B, Zhonghang Technology Plaza, Ronghua South Road, Yizhuang Development Zone, Beijing; Monday to Saturday, Lunch 11:30 am to 3 pm; afternoon tea 3 to 5 pm; dinner 6 to 9 pm. Tel: 139-1010-2678.