(Photo: theAlmanac)

Halal Street Xinjiang Cuisine & BBQ, located in Mountain View, is a culinary gem that brings the rich flavors of Uyghur and Chinese dishes to the forefront. This restaurant is the brainchild of husband-and-wife duo Isaming Deng and Sudai Ma, who have created a welcoming space that feels like home.

A Warm and Inviting Atmosphere

Upon entering Halal Street, guests are greeted by a cozy ambiance that combines comfort with a touch of cultural authenticity. The spacious restaurant can accommodate up to 180 diners, yet it maintains an intimate feel. To the left, traditional tatami seating adorned with colorful pillows invites guests to relax, while a private dining area equipped with karaoke lies straight ahead. The bustling dining room to the right adds to the lively atmosphere. Plans are underway to transform the outdoor patio into a backyard barbecue area, complete with additional seating and grills, enhancing the dining experience even further.

A Menu Inspired by Home

(Photo: Mountain View Voice)

The menu at Halal Street is a labor of love, crafted by Sudai Ma, who draws inspiration from her hometown of Xinjiang. This autonomous region in northwest China boasts a unique culinary heritage influenced by Persian, Turkish, Mongolian, and Chinese flavors. Before Halal Street opened, the only local restaurant specializing in Uyghur cuisine was Mrs. Khan in Menlo Park, making this new establishment a welcome addition to the Peninsula.

Ma, a home cook trained by her grandmother, ensures that her dishes are free from MSG and adhere to halal standards. Guests can enjoy a meal without the worry of pork or alcohol, as all meat and poultry are sourced humanely and prepared according to specific guidelines.

A Commitment to Inclusivity

For Ma, eating halal is not just a dietary choice; it is a significant aspect of her Islamic faith. She envisions Halal Street as a place of inclusivity, where individuals from diverse backgrounds, religions, and dietary practices can come together to share a meal. “My goal is to let all of the community sit at the same table and eat together,” she expressed through her general manager, Ali Omer, who translated her words from Mandarin.

The Journey to Opening a Restaurant

(Photo: Mountain View Voice)

Sudai Ma and Isaming Deng immigrated from Xinjiang to the East Bay six years ago, but the idea of opening a restaurant emerged during the pandemic. While on a road trip to Orlando with their young son, they realized how challenging it was to find halal dining options. “I think many people like me face the same situation when they travel out of town,” Deng noted.

Even in the Bay Area, where they chose to settle due to its larger Muslim community, halal Chinese food is scarce. To address this gap, Ma started a catering business targeting a group chat of about 500 people seeking halal Chinese cuisine. One of the members of that chat, Omer, is now the general manager of Halal Street, and Zufar Osman, the head chef, also hails from Xinjiang.

Expanding Culinary Offerings

In June 2023, Ma and Deng opened their first brick-and-mortar restaurant, Halal Street Hot Pot & Cuisine in Newark, featuring an all you can eat halal hot pot, sushi, boba tea, and Xinjiang specialties. Following this success, they launched Halal Street Xinjiang Cuisine & BBQ in January 2025, taking over the former Amarin space in Mountain View. Fans of Amarin need not worry, as its second location remains open across the street.

While the new location does not offer hot pot, it introduces unique dishes not available at the original restaurant, including elaborate whole grilled fish options priced at $59.98. These fish are marinated for eight to ten hours and served in a flavorful beef bone broth alongside pickled cabbage and tofu. Diners can also add sides like naan to enhance their meal.

Signature Dishes to Try

In addition to the grilled fish, Omer recommends trying the dapanji and laghman, priced between $19.99 and $28.98. Dapanji, or “big plate chicken,” is a spicy chicken stew served over hand-pulled noodles and potatoes, a dish that has gained popularity since the 1990s. Laghman, a traditional Uyghur dish, features hand-pulled noodles tossed with vegetables, beef, and savory gravy. “Most people from Xinjiang eat this throughout their lives,” Omer shared. “It’s a favorite not just in Xinjiang, but across Central Asia, including Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.”

A Diverse Menu for All Tastes

Other notable dishes include samsa (small lamb pies), lamb polo (a type of lamb pilaf), and roasted lamb rack. Appetizers range from $6.98 to $12.99, while chef’s specialties are priced between $9.98 and $88. Vegetable dishes are available for $12.98 to $ 14.98, and kebabs range from $38 to $88, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

Refreshing Beverages and Unique Desserts

(Photo: Mountain View Voice)

To complement the meal, Halal Street offers a selection of drinks priced between $5.98 and $12.98, including homemade yogurt, hot mint tea, and a unique concoction they call “kawasaki,” a refreshing nonalcoholic drink made from fermented rye bread. This beverage, popular in Xinjiang, comes in various flavors such as honey, pomegranate, and honeydew, making it a perfect pairing for the barbecue.

Dessert lovers will be delighted by the offerings, which include cheese-baked sweet potato, glutinous rice cake, and the standout yogurt zongzi priced between $8.98 and $9.98. The yogurt zongzi is a delightful creation exclusive to the Mountain View location, featuring sticky rice, tangy housemade yogurt, and a sweet blackberry sauce.

Cultural Experience Beyond Cuisine

Beyond the culinary delights, Ma is passionate about sharing the richness of Uyghur culture with her guests. The restaurant features four tatami seating areas, allowing diners to experience traditional dining as it’s done in Xinjiang, where guests sit cross-legged or on their knees. Ma is also considering having the staff wear doppas, traditional Uyghur hats, to further immerse diners in the cultural experience.

Conclusion: A Culinary Destination for All

Halal Street Xinjiang Cuisine & BBQ is more than just a restaurant; it’s a celebration of culture, community, and the joy of sharing a meal. Ma and Deng’s vision of creating a space where everyone can enjoy halal food while learning about Uyghur traditions is coming to life, making it a must-visit destination for food lovers in the Bay Area. Whether you’re a fan of spicy stews, hand-pulled noodles, or simply looking to explore new flavors, Halal Street promises a memorable dining experience that brings people together.

Original Article:

Huang, M. (2025, April 10). A taste of Xinjiang: Inside a new halal restaurant serving Uyghur and Chinese dishes. Almanac News. https://www.almanacnews.com/food/feature-food/2025/03/11/a-taste-of-xinjiang-inside-a-new-halal-restaurant-serving-uyghur-and-chinese-dishes/