Silk Road Uyghur Cuisine

NOT TO BE MISSED! Try the dry noodles, cumin lamb, stuffed naan. The Uyghur pilaf is perfect for little kids who don't like spicy food. The noodle soup is also really good for people who don't like spicy food. They're opening a new location in Brookline. Simply amazing food.

Very small, nice, family-owned and run place. (When I say small, they unfortunately did not have a bathroom available so this is just something to keep in mind. There are several tables but if you are coming with a larger party, you may need to call ahead and make a reservation.) This is very authentic and delicious food. I felt as though I was visiting their house and eating what they would eat on a day to day basis. We ordered dumplings, dry fried noodles, Uyghur pilaf, spicy chicken, and wonton soup. If you\'ve ever had good mantoo, the dumplings and the wonton soup are similar and very filling. We ended up ordering more dumplings before we left. The Ugyhur pilaf, which was made with lamb, was also delicious. The dry fried noodles should not be missed BUT if you are sensitive to spice, make sure to emphasize that you want it as mild as possible. We were asked and said to make it a \"little spicy\" and it still was a very eye-opening experience and we kept reaching for our glasses of water. The spicy chicken was the only mixed bag experience for us. It is hard to explain but there\'s a lot of flavor combination in it that feels like it may be an acquired taste (underlying notes of vinegar and seafood were something that had me taking bite after bite to be able to describe it). I\'m not sure I would order that again but if you are adventurous and like trying new dishes from other Muslim cultures that not everyone is willing to take on, that may be up your alley. As mentioned before, this is a family-owned business and they are very kind and welcoming but also have their hands full. Food can take a little while to come out so the key is to be prepared to wait. I personally feel it is worth the wait and the experience. If you are passing through Boston and want to take a few-minute detour to Cambridge, I would definitely recommend a visit and if heading back again, I\'d make a stop.

Anonymous

Yelp

Jun 17, 2024

3

I've never tried Uyghur food so I was anticipating this meal however I think my expectations were too high. To start off, they opened late so we were standing in the cold for a bit. There is no bathroom for customers. The food was tasty and comforting and the signature noodle dish had a unique spice profile. The lamb soup was good and simple, nothing too crazy. If I lived closer I would probably enjoy coming here more regularly for simple yummy noodles and casual vibe, but the service (order on an app, minimal interaction with staff) and experience just slightly missed the mark to make the journey worth it again.

Anonymous

Yelp

Nov 15, 2023

5

Extremely delicious and the food came out very quickly. Seating is limited but worth waiting for if you want to eat at the restaurant. After our first time there we ordered takeout from them the next night, that’s how good it was! Loved the chicken stir fried noodle and the samosa appetizer, as well as the cucumber garlic dish.

Anonymous

Yelp

Jul 9, 2023

5

Can’t remember what these noodles are called but DAMN were they good!! Hand made noodles so flavorful and the veggies were crunchy but also so tender? Can’t explain it but please give it a try, I would eat the noodle dish a million times over

Anonymous

Yelp

May 5, 2023

5

Best Uyghur restaurant in United States! I am from Urumqi and this owner was from my city a decade ago! Lagman is exactly the same flavor! So does lamb kabab! Highly recommend this two dish. The yogurt is heavenly! Unfortunately the second time when I visited, the honey was sold out and the flavor isn’t the same food? but i won’t hesitate to recommend this restaurant to any of my homies!

Anonymous

Yelp

Feb 27, 2023

5

Food Review: Silk Road Uyghur Cuisine, Cambridge, MA ? *645 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02141* For those unfamiliar, Uyghur cuisine originates from the Uyghur people, a Turkic ethnic group primarily residing in the Xinjiang region of China. ?? The Uyghur people have faced significant challenges, particularly in recent years. Reports of political and cultural repression have forced many Uyghurs to flee their homeland in search of safety and the ability to preserve their culture. In doing so, Uyghurs have brought their rich traditions, including their incredible cuisine, to communities like Cambridge. ? Restaurants like Silk Road Uyghur Cuisine play an essential role in sharing Uyghur culture and keeping its flavors alive while offering a window into the resilience of this minority group. ?✨ Here's what I had on my visit: Bean Jelly This cold dish of bean starch, dressed in a spicy, tangy sauce, was an intriguing start to the meal. ??️ While the texture and spice level were unique, it wasn't quite my personal favorite. However, it’s worth trying for its bold flavors and uniqueness. **6/10** Samosa These Uyghur-style meat pies, stuffed with beef and onion, were absolutely delicious. ?? The flaky crust and savory filling were so satisfying that I could have easily devoured several more. A must-try! **8/10** Chili Uyghur Laghmen The star of the meal! ⭐? These hand-pulled noodles, served with stir-fried beef and veggies, were cooked to perfection. The spice level was just right, enhancing the dish without overpowering the flavors. At $15.99, this dish is a steal for the quality and portion size. **8/10** Uyghur Pilaf This traditional braised rice dish, cooked with carrots, onions, and beef, was hearty and flavorful. ?? While it wasn’t as standout as the Laghmen, it’s still a solid choice, especially if you enjoy comforting, rice-based dishes. **7/10** Stir Fried Chicken This dish was a showstopper! ?? The chicken was perfectly cooked, with a crispy texture and a savory, spicy flavor that made it addictive. It's also great for sharing, though I happily could’ve eaten it all myself. At $21.95, it’s slightly pricier but absolutely worth it. **9/10** Overall Experience Food: *8/10* ? The dishes were flavorful and unique, with several standouts that I’d come back for. Affordability: *7/10* ? The prices are reasonable for the portion sizes and quality, though a few dishes lean on the pricier side. Ambiance: *5/10* ? Silk Road is more of a takeout spot, but they do have a few tables with cozy velvet chairs. However, the lack of a restroom is a downside. Final Thoughts: Silk Road Uyghur Cuisine offers an authentic taste of Uyghur culture and is a fantastic spot to support a local business while expanding your palate. ? Whether you’re craving hand-pulled noodles, savory meat pies, or addictively spiced chicken, this spot delivers. While it’s not ideal for a formal sit-down meal, it’s perfect for a quick bite or takeout. ⭐ Highly recommend stopping by to try something new and delicious! ???

Anonymous

Yelp

Feb 24, 2023

5

This place is an absolute gem! We make the trip from New Hampshire frequently just to enjoy their amazing food. The flavors are authentic and unforgettable—true Chinese Uyghur cuisine that stands out with its rich spices and diverse dishes. The dishes are perfectly seasoned, the hand-pulled noodles are fresh and flavorful, and the dumplings are always a delight. Despite its small size, Silk Road Uyghur offers a cozy, inviting atmosphere where you always feel welcome. The staff is friendly and attentive, making each visit a pleasure.

Anonymous

Yelp

Nov 26, 2022

5

Came here twice, never disappointed. Must order: Diced Noodle丁丁炒面, small/medium/big plate chicken大盘鸡. The hand-pulled flat noodle tastes really good! Be aware that almost everything here is spicy!!!

Anonymous

Yelp

Oct 27, 2022

5

We got samosas, laghman, and cold noodles. The food was very flavorful and the portions were big and I'll definitely go back! The service was also good and we got our food quickly. One thing to keep in mind, though, is that it's a small space and there isn't much seating inside, so if you want to dine in then make sure to get there early to get a spot.