XINJIANG cuisine is a good choice in winter: Sizzling kebabs, roasted mutton and warm tandoor bread.

Signature dishes like dapanji (big plate chicken) and lamb kebabs have stronger flavors and use various spices like cumin and red pepper flakes while staples like handmade noodles and Uygur pilaf are very good.

Xinjiang restaurants are becoming more popular in Shanghai due to the hearty portions and distinct flavors.

Here are several restaurants serving good Xinjiang cuisine in Shanghai.

Yershari Restaurant

This restaurant franchise has nine branches in Shanghai and is highly recommended. The quality is consistently good and its menu offers all the usual Xinjiang favorites.

Lamb skewers are the best appetizer. Hot off the grill, the kebabs are 3.5 yuan (US$0.6) per skewer. The tender and juicy lamb chunks topped with cumin seeds have a tempting smell to warm up any appetite.

The dapanji is also excellent as the potatoes are soaked in chicken gravy. The portion is large with the thick noodles soaking up the gravy — great for sharing.

The Uygur mutton pilaf is a steamed rice dish with shredded carrots, mutton and raisins. Meat lovers will likely love the grilled lamb chop.

Atmosphere: Uygur style, great service, there are also traditional Uygur singing and dancing performances in the evening.

Recommended: Dapanji, lamb skewer, mutton pilaf, yoghurt, lamb pies, chopped noodles with diced lamb and vegetables.

Average per person: 90 yuan (US$15)

Address: 106 East Nandan Rd; 918 Dongfang Rd;

7/F, Bailian Shimao, 819 East Nanjing Rd and 6 other locations

Spice Bazaar

This restaurant on Dongping Road is different than most Xinjiang restaurants. It looks more like a Western restaurant with modern decor and a few traces of Uygur culture.

The mint leaves and almond salad is a creative cold side dish. Mint is often used to freshen up other dishes, but as a main ingredient it is surprisingly tasty. The almonds are also lightly roasted to give them a crunchy texture.

The charcoal grill and kebab menu includes lamb chops, along with lamb, prawn and eggplant skewers.

Sauteed lamb and onion with Uygur bread is a signature dish and the mutton pilaf has a hint of sweetness.

The yoghurt with honey and raisins is thick and rich in flavor.

Atmosphere: Casual, good service, the restaurant also has a bar.

Recommended: Sauteed lamb and onion with Uygur bread, yoghurt, mint leaves and almond salad, lamb chops

Average per person: 110 yuan (US$18)

Address: 29 Dongping Rd

Miss Ali

This grill and bar on Dagu Road has a similar atmosphere to Spice Bazaar and serves good stewed lamb and pepper chicken salad.

Atmosphere: Cozy, casual, Western

Recommended: Stewed lamb, dapanji, pepper chicken salad, lamb skewer

Average per person: 120 yuan (US$19)

Address: 380-1 Dagu Rd

Yining Yuanzheng Restaurant

This small eatery bakes good Uygur bread and also has an outdoor grill. The restaurant serves authentic Xinjiang dishes and is run by Xinjiang people.

Atmosphere: Uygur decor, casual

Recommended: Uygur bread, lamb skewer, dapanji

Average per person: 70 yuan (US$11)

Address: 20 Yuyuan Branch Rd

Yakexi Restaurant

This restaurant has live music and dance performances during dinner.

Atmosphere: Uygur style, delivery service available.

Recommended: Roast lamb ribs, roast lamb leg

Average per person: 90 yuan (US$15)

Address: 379 Xikang Rd