Taste of urumqi 乌鲁木齐味道

- 147-48 Northern Blvd, Flushing, NY 11354

For New York food enthusiasts constantly searching for the next authentic culinary experience, Flushing, Queens, continues to be a treasure trove of global flavors. Among its diverse offerings, the area hosts a true gem that transports diners thousands of miles to the Silk Road—the Taste of Urumqi 乌鲁木齐味道. This is not your typical neighborhood Mandarin restaurant; it is a dedicated purveyor of Xinjiang cuisine, also known as Uyghur food, which originates from the far western region of China. Urumqi is the capital of Xinjiang, and this restaurant brings the region's hearty, spice-forward, and deeply satisfying culinary traditions right to Northern Boulevard.

Xinjiang cuisine is a rich, flavorful fusion of Central Asian, Middle Eastern, and Chinese influences, characterized by its reliance on lamb and beef, hand-pulled noodles, and signature spices like cumin, pepper, and chili. The food is distinctly Halal, a central feature of the Uyghur culture. For locals seeking genuine flavors, generous portions, and food with a deeply rooted history, the Taste of Urumqi offers an unforgettable dining adventure right here in the five boroughs.

Introduction / Overview

The Taste of Urumqi in Flushing, NY, is a unique and essential stop for New Yorkers interested in exploring the lesser-known, yet incredibly vibrant, regional cuisines of China. Specializing in Uyghur (Xinjiang) fare, the restaurant focuses on comfort food with robust, rustic flavors. The menu is heavily meat-centric, featuring high-quality lamb and beef that is fresh and Halal, catering to diners who prefer or require this preparation. The overall dining experience is designed to be family-friendly, welcoming, and casual.

Unlike the familiar Cantonese or Szechuan styles, this cuisine emphasizes staples like hand-pulled noodles (Laghman), savory rice dishes (Pilaf), and signature grilled meats (Kebabs) seasoned with a bold mix of spices. Patrons consistently praise the authenticity of the food and the exceptional quality of the lamb, often noting the warmth of the service. However, as one customer mentioned, while the service is welcoming and attentive, the dishes are prepared with care and tradition, which sometimes means a slightly longer wait—a worthwhile exchange for the rich, flavorful results.

The core of the restaurant’s appeal is its commitment to serving dishes known for their large portion sizes, a common characteristic of Xinjiang dining, making it ideal for sharing among friends and family.

Location and Accessibility

Located at 147-48 Northern Blvd, Flushing, NY 11354, USA, Taste of Urumqi is situated in a convenient and bustling part of Queens. Northern Boulevard is easily navigated, making the restaurant accessible to New Yorkers traveling by car or public transportation.

The location offers excellent accessibility features that contribute to a comfortable dining experience.

• For drivers, the restaurant provides both a free parking lot and on-site parking, a significant convenience in busy Flushing. Paid street parking is also available nearby.
• The restaurant is near the Murray Hill Station, making it accessible via public transit.
• The operating hours cater to various dining times throughout the week: Tuesday through Sunday, the restaurant is open from approximately 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM, covering all major dining periods including brunch, lunch, and dinner. The restaurant is closed on Mondays.

Services Offered

Taste of Urumqi offers a comprehensive array of services to accommodate all dining preferences of the NYC community:

• Dine-in Seating: Comfortable seating is available for a full-service meal.
• Takeout: Quick and easy option for customers on the go.
• Delivery: Convenient delivery service, including no-contact delivery options.
• Curbside Pickup: For maximum convenience, offering a quick way to retrieve online or phone orders.
• Reservations: Accepts reservations, allowing customers to plan their visit without worry.
• Catering: The large portion sizes and hearty menu make it excellent for large group orders and events (implied by menu size and nature of cuisine).
• Payment Options: Accepts major credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.

Features / Highlights

Several key features distinguish Taste of Urumqi as a premier Flushing dining spot:

• Authentic Uyghur/Xinjiang Cuisine: A rare find in New York, offering a unique culinary perspective known for its rich flavors and Central Asian influence.
• Halal Food Focus: All meat is confirmed to be freshly slaughtered and guaranteed fresh, providing high-quality Halal offerings.
• Large Portion Sizes: The menu explicitly notes that most dishes are large in size, ensuring excellent value and making them perfect for family or group dining.
• Family-Friendly Environment: The restaurant is noted as being good for kids and family-friendly, offering high chairs for convenience.
• Extensive Menu of Comfort Food: The offerings focus on hearty, satisfying meals like various styles of hand-pulled noodles, lamb-based main dishes, and comforting soups.
• On-site and Free Parking: A major amenity in a crowded area like Flushing, simplifying the logistics of a visit.
• Pet-Friendly Options: Allows dogs outside, and in some areas, inside.
• Amenities: Provides modern comforts such as a gender-neutral restroom, a general restroom, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Contact Information

To plan your visit or place an order for the authentic flavors of Urumqi, here is the essential contact information:

Address: 147-48 Northern Blvd, Flushing, NY 11354, USA

Phone: (718) 799-0415

What is Worth Choosing

For New Yorkers ready to dive into the savory world of Xinjiang cuisine, the menu at Taste of Urumqi provides many incredible options. The richness of the food is rooted in the quality of the Halal lamb and the signature spice blend of cumin and chili.

The Must-Try Signature Dishes:

• Big Plate Of Chicken (大盘鸡 - Da Pan Ji): Arguably the most famous dish of the region. While not strictly Uyghur, it's a staple of Xinjiang cuisine. This large, communal dish features chicken pieces stewed with potatoes, bell peppers, and various spices, often served over a bed of flat, chewy, hand-pulled noodles that soak up the rich, spicy, and savory sauce. It is an incredible cuisine in Xinjiang, and a perfect choice for sharing.
• Special Leghmen Noodle (过油肉拌面): The quintessential Uyghur noodle dish, Laghman consists of thick, hand-pulled noodles topped with a stir-fried sauce (säy) of mutton (or beef), onions, tomatoes, and other vegetables. This is a must-order for noodle aficionados. The Chili Fried Noodle (滚辣皮子拌面) is an excellent alternative for those who prefer a spicy kick.
• Uyghur Pilaf (抓饭 - Polo): This is the ultimate comfort food from the region, a hearty rice dish slow-cooked with tender lamb, carrots, and sometimes raisins, giving it a subtle sweetness. It is traditionally eaten with the hands, and the Braised Rice Cooked With Lamb is another version of this savory rice favorite.
• Lamb Kebabs (羊肉串): No Xinjiang experience is complete without these smoky, succulent skewers. Made with chunks of seasoned lamb (often alternating meat and fat) and grilled over charcoal, they are heavily dusted with cumin, chili powder, and salt. They are crispy outside and tender inside, delivering a powerful burst of flavor. Be sure to try the Lamb Meat Tendons and Liver Shish Kebab for variety.
• Lamb Samsa (烤包子): These are savory, baked buns or pastries filled with seasoned ground lamb and onion. With a thin, flaky crust and a juicy, meaty interior, they are an addictive snack or side dish.

If you crave rich flavors, tender meat, and the unique history of the Silk Road brought to life on a plate, the Taste of Urumqi in Flushing is a culinary destination that should be high on your list. It offers an authentic, high-quality, and satisfying dining experience that truly stands out in New York City’s diverse food landscape.

Taste of urumqi 乌鲁木齐味道

147-48 Northern Blvd, Flushing, NY 11354, USA