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More than daily bread

Updated: 2026-01-30 07:11 ( CHINA DAILY )
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The daily bread comes in various shapes and sizes at the Naan House in Urumqi, capital of the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. Other signature dishes in Xinjiang include big plate chicken (above left), kebabs (above center) and lamb noodles (above right). ERIK NILSSON/CHINA DAILY/DONG XUE/LI LINRONG/DING JUNHAO/FOR CHINA DAILY

They exhibit a taxonomy of naan's evolution, displaying dozens of species that have adapted to diverse shapes, sizes and textures. They're rendered as rings, rods and rectangles. Quirkier breeds appear as bunches of grapes or bouquets of roses.

Even classical circular loaves imprinted with intricate geometric patterns are works of art. Traditionally, these designs are punched into the surface using chicken quills bundled into ornate shapes, often concentric loops. They perforate the dough, so it heats evenly, while conferring a visual zing.

It's appetizing and aesthetic.

The museum shows that naan is more than just plain old foodstuff — it can be a creative canvas that fuses form and function to allow for artistic expression.

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