4. Turpan, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region

Probably the most exotic food market in China, Turpan's bazaar has a strong central Asian influence

Lying on the northern Silk Road en route to the trading hub of Kashgar, the laidback town of Turpan has the best Uyghur food in Xinjiang. Dozens of open-air restaurants serve halal fare next to the main bazaar.

Browse the stalls for central Asian specialties like lamb kawop and crispy rounds of nang bread, served alongside less well-known local favorites like banshi (mutton wontons served in a light tomato broth topped with black-eyed beans and cilantro) or lamb, which is marinated in saffron and yoghurt and cooked until it falls tenderly apart in the tonur oven.

Finish with a bowl of fresh set yoghurt.

The extremely dry county grows China’s sweetest grapes with the harvest spectacle taking place in early to mid-September.

More on CNN: 31 dishes: A guide to China's regional specialties

Turpan Bazaar (吐鲁番市场), Laocheng Lu, opposite the bus station, Turpan 吐鲁番老城路, open daily 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

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