This family-run gem in Midtown serves up authentic Uyghur delights like hand-pulled noodles and tender lamb dishes in a cozy, homey atmosphere.
"The location may come as a surprise — a full-blown, sit-down Uyghur restaurant only a dumpling’s throw from Macy’s in Midtown — but all the Uyghur classics are here, from steaming plates of dumplings, a wide variety of noodles, a plethora of lamb, and the classic big tray chicken (da pan ji), a spicy stew of chicken and potatoes served with wide noodles." - Robert Sietsema
"Tengri Tagh, located four blocks from MSG, is one of the few Uyghur restaurants in NYC. Grab a seat in the long narrow dining room and get a filling meal by ordering a couple of our favorite dishes: a lamb and cumin bun, and the chili oil-infused pearl noodles. The chopped pearl noodles look like little kernels of corn, and come with peppers, onions, and tingly lamb. This spot stands out in a sea of chain restaurants and forgettable delis, so start memorizing the menu if you work nearby." - bryan kim, willa moore, kenny yang, neha talreja, molly fitzpatrick
"The location may come as a surprise — a full-blown, sit-down Uyghur restaurant only a dumpling’s throw from Macy’s in Midtown — but all the Uyghur classics are here, from steaming plates of dumplings, a wide variety of noodles, a plethora of lamb, and the classic big tray chicken (da pan ji), a spicy stew of chicken and potatoes served with wide noodles." - Robert Sietsema
"Diminutive pita stuffed with lamb flavored with Asian cumin — which has a sharper flavor than the Mexican and Spanish spice. This version ($8) adds to the meaty flavors with sweet peppers and scallions sautéed in lamb fat." - Robert Sietsema
"This Herald Square restaurant is run by a Uyghur couple: Ruxianguli Balati, who is the owner, and her husband, Chef Kudusi Simayi. This place is very serene and dark, which makes it a great place to escape in one of the noisiest neighborhoods in the city. But the other main reason to come here is the rice noodles, which are chewier and fluffier than the hand-pulled noodles you’ll find at other Uyghur spots, and are doused in a tangy tomato sauce and your choice of meat. We also really like their traditional lamb meat pie, which is a circular fried pie filled with minced lamb meat that’s perfect for sharing (or not). Pair any of these with one of their baked buns or lamb and cumin buns, and you’ll have a filling meal for under $20." - jiniya azad, tahirah baksh, sameen choudhry
