XINJIANG BBQ

A Chinese Restaurant From Monterey Park Is Expanding to Linda Vista | Eater San Diego

"Named after Xinjiang, a region in northwestern China with a large Muslim Uyghur population, the new Xinjiang BBQ is opening in Linda Vista in late January in the old Saigon Restaurant location adjacent to Thuan Phat supermarket; it's the second branch of Xinjiang BBQ, which launched in Monterey Park in 2017. I learned the menu emphasizes lamb—lamb soup, lamb chops, lamb kidneys, and lamb testicles—and features popular barbecue skewers that can be ordered spicy or mild, including beef kabobs, Taiwanese sausage, and chicken gizzards, with additional items like seafood snacks, eggplant with garlic, grilled buns, and fried tofu. Owner Xun Tong told Eater he’s bringing some kitchen staff from Monterey Park to ensure this outpost offers the same quality, and the larger kitchen and dining area will give him flexibility to expand the menu as he tests the San Diego market; he also plans to serve a wide selection of beer and soju once the restaurant receives its liquor license. Known for keeping late-night hours in Monterey Park, Xinjiang BBQ will likewise stay open late in Linda Vista—until 3 a.m. on weekdays and 4 a.m. on weekends—and Tong says he may open another San Diego restaurant in the future, either another barbecue place or a noodle house or dumpling spot depending on local diners’ tastes." - Helen I. Hwang