"Uyghurs originated chuan’r, the Chinese equivalent of yakitori and kushiyaki, consisting of morsels of cumin-spiced lamb skewered and roasted over an open flame. It’s since become a popular street item, not just in Xinjiang but all over China and especially in Beijing. Chat Bar claims to be the first restaurant in the GTA to offer it, and the Markham outpost does so in an organically woodsy and inviting space. Think local izakaya but with an emphasis on lamb skewers, including lamb ribs, kidneys, and tripe. There are a number of other proteins, too, including beef heart, chicken skin, pork knuckle, and grilled Fanny Bay oysters with garlic. And fear not vegetarians: There are more than 20 options from which to choose, most notably the meaty-looking grilled cabbage. [$]" - Faiyaz Kara