My Uyghur Dinner

Hetian, August 23rd 2012

Because of the hassle about the room without key, I had no more time to explore the city. Jinsanjiao Hotel was surrounded by building material and house utensil shops. But even browsing the shops was pointless, because they were closed. I walked further and met a crossroad which seemed to head further into downtown. Interesting does it look, but damn you both, Jinsanjiao and Ctrip, it's too late now. It's 9:00 PM already now. Aaargh, I still felt upset and wished to return to the front desk and command them turn the clock back for me. I just didn't know that a bigger frustration presented by Old Road Tours a.k.a. Abdul Wahab Tours, was lying await for me.

Near that crossroad I found a restaurant that was still very busy, and served rice. The restaurant was so busy that there was no table for me to sit by myself. I stared around seeking whether there were any guest about to leave. None. On the contrary, most of them seemed to be waiting for their order. The kind Uyghur old man who took my order looked at me with a look of 'Why don't you take a seat? Aren't there many empty seats?'

The best choice was a table where only one guy was sitting there. The other tables were crowded with a group of friends or families. I stood in front of this guy's table hesitantly. He looked up at me with a confused look. Hah... it seemed that these people had been wondering, what's wrong with me.

So I laid my butt and sat across this guy. The kind Uyghur old man returned to his desk relieved.

My order didn't come for quite awhile. Luckily I also bought one stick of mutton kebab which was ready to be served. Yummy, yummyyy. Ooops, no picture. I forgot.

The Uyghur old man walked back and forth the kitchen and began to serve guests also. I could tell from his face that he was earnestly concern about my meal and the other guests'. Thus, I patiently waited. I cannot be mad with someone who acknowledges the situation and sincerely does his best to make up for it.

Voila! Here comes my order! Rice and beef stew. Yummy, yummyyy. The smell was good, the meat was tender, the vegetables were of my kind. I also liked the way the rice was cooked. Aha, yes! That's the tea bowl. Not as huge as the one in Opal Village, though. The tea was also good. Uyghur tea is different from the Chinese version, I tell you. I know now why people here drink tea in a bowl. Because the tea is so good that a cup or even two wouldn't be enough.

With a satisfied tummy, I walked back to Jinsanjiao Hotel and decided I like Hetian.