<strong>Inside Beijing's government-run restaurant:</strong> Surprisingly, some of the best restaurants in Beijing are run by bureaucrats.
Inside Beijing's government-run restaurant: Surprisingly, some of the best restaurants in Beijing are run by bureaucrats.
James Griffiths/CNN
<strong>Xinjiang Islam Restaurant: </strong>Wheels of nan and other breads are on offer at the Xinjiang Islam Restaurant in Beijing.
Xinjiang Islam Restaurant: Wheels of nan and other breads are on offer at the Xinjiang Islam Restaurant in Beijing.
James Griffiths/CNN
<strong>Secure dining: </strong>To visit the Xinjiang Islam Restaurant, operated by the Xinjiang provincial government, diners have to go past a security gate in the provincial government's compound in Beijing.
Secure dining: To visit the Xinjiang Islam Restaurant, operated by the Xinjiang provincial government, diners have to go past a security gate in the provincial government's compound in Beijing.
James Griffiths/CNN
<strong>Cumin beef and fried bread: </strong>Beef and fried bread, cooked in cumin and other spices, are served at the Xinjiang Islam Restaurant in Beijing.
Cumin beef and fried bread: Beef and fried bread, cooked in cumin and other spices, are served at the Xinjiang Islam Restaurant in Beijing.
James Griffiths/CNN
<strong>Feitian Dasha: </strong>Crispy lamb belly is on the menu at Feitian Dasha, a restaurant run by the Gansu provincial government.
Feitian Dasha: Crispy lamb belly is on the menu at Feitian Dasha, a restaurant run by the Gansu provincial government.
James Griffiths/CNN
<strong>Hand-pulled </strong><strong>Lanzhou </strong><strong>noodles: </strong>Lanzhou lamian, or pulled noodles, are a staple of northwestern Gansu province.
Hand-pulled Lanzhou noodles: Lanzhou lamian, or pulled noodles, are a staple of northwestern Gansu province.
James Griffiths/CNN
<strong>Chuan Ban:</strong> Chuan Ban, a restaurant originally run by the Sichuan government, was one of the first provincial eateries to become popular with the public.
Chuan Ban: Chuan Ban, a restaurant originally run by the Sichuan government, was one of the first provincial eateries to become popular with the public.
James Griffiths/CNN
<strong>Gaining popularity: </strong>Many Sichuanese visit for a taste of home, though they increasingly have to compete for tables with tourists as the restaurant's profile has grown. It's now featured on many best-of lists.
Gaining popularity: Many Sichuanese visit for a taste of home, though they increasingly have to compete for tables with tourists as the restaurant's profile has grown. It's now featured on many best-of lists.
James Griffiths/CNN
<strong>Hot to trot: </strong>La zi ji, chicken dry fried with chillies, is a popular Sichuan dish with a fiery taste.
Hot to trot: La zi ji, chicken dry fried with chillies, is a popular Sichuan dish with a fiery taste.
James Griffiths/CNN