Mojia

The Culinary Heart of the Plateau

1.Located in the Chengdong District of: Xining, Qinghai Province, Mojia Street Night Market (Mojia Jie) is widely revered as the "City that Never Sleeps for Food on the Plateau". Situated at an altitude of approximately 2,260 meters near the famous Dongguan Grand Mosque, this 800-meter-long street transforms into a bustling cauldron of aromas and activity as night falls. It is the most famous foodie destination in Xining, acting as a vibrant melting pot where tourists and locals alike gather to enjoy the authentic "fire and smoke" of Northwest China's street life. Unlike the solemn religious atmosphere of the nearby mosque, Mojia Street offers a grounded, energetic experience of daily life in the "Summer Capital" of China.

A Feast of Halal Flavors

2.The primary allure of Mojia: Street is its concentration of authentic Northwest Halal cuisine. It is often called a "Paradise for Tastebuds," offering a dazzling array of local delicacies.

• 3.Finger Mutton (Hand-Grabbed Mutton): This is the star of the show. Fresh lamb ribs are boiled and served without heavy seasoning to highlight the natural flavor. The meat is tender, fatty but not greasy, and melts in the mouth, usually eaten with garlic and spicy sauce.
• 4.Niangpi: One of the "Three Treasures of Qinghai," this dish consists of cold, brewed flour skin noodles. It is known for being spicy, sour, and refreshing, making it the perfect way to cool down in the plateau summer.
• 5.Qinghai Yogurt: Unlike commercial yogurt, the yogurt here is sold in large barrels. It is thick, creamy, and topped with a yellow layer of cream, offering a unique blend of Tibetan and Hui flavors.
• 6.Sweet Fermented Grains (Tianpeizi): A local dessert made from fermented oats or barley, often served fried or with sugar, providing a sweet finish to a savory meal.

History and Culture

7.The history of Mojia: Street dates back to the Ming and Qing dynasties. Its name is derived from the "Mo" family, a prominent Hui clan that settled here as Xining developed into a key intersection of the Silk Road and the Tang-Tubo Ancient Road. For over 600 years, this area has been a distribution center for Halal food. Historically, the custom of eating mutton without knives (finger mutton) evolved from the convenient eating habits of Hui riders. Today, the market serves as a living museum of Hui culture, where ingredients are strictly Halal and the spirit of Islamic hospitality is palpable.

The Night Market Experience

8.Walking through Mojia: Street is a sensory overload. The air is filled with the sizzling sound of roasting sheep ribs and the fragrant steam of mutton soup. Stalls are tightly packed, with Hui uncles flipping meat on grills and Tibetan sisters selling yogurt, creating a lively picture of ethnic unity. It maintains the authenticity of an open-air market, resisting over-commercialization to preserve the raw, bustling atmosphere of a traditional bazaar.