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Xinduqiao is the first town on the Sichuan-Tibet Highway that reaches a higher altitude. It's also a purely Tibetan town, so the cuisine here is primarily Sichuan and Tibetan. Tibetan specialties like tsampa, flour, highland barley, butter tea, and beef are common, but vegetables are entirely imported from mainland China, making them more expensive, around 15-17 yuan per plate. Mutton is also relatively rare and must be imported from other regions. Sichuan specialties like twice-cooked pork, cured meats, and stewed chicken soup are more homely yet satisfy the craving for meat in the highlands.
Restaurants are primarily concentrated in the center of Xinduqiao Town, offering a wide variety of establishments. A simple noodle dish typically costs 10 yuan per portion, vegetarian dishes 15-17 yuan per portion, and non-vegetarian dishes start at 25 yuan per portion. Additionally, most hotels offer simple dining options, combining food and accommodation.
However, because it is a high-altitude area, the cooked rice is often undercooked and the food is not very good. In addition, you will spend a lot of time on the road and there are few restaurants along the way. If you are not used to eating Tibetan food, it is recommended that you bring more dry food and water with you.
The restaurant may not look impressive from the outside, but most travellers are quite impressed with its dishes: braised beef with radish, spare ribs, pork knuckle, yak sausage, etc., all of which are generous in size and delicious.
Address: Waze Road Intersection, 318 Road, Xinduqiao Town, Kangding County
Getting there: Self-drive or chartered car: 10 km from Xinduqiao, down the mountain from Zheduo Mountain, next to the public toilet at the intersection of Wajiu Road
This is a well-known restaurant in Xinduqiao Town, especially with long lines at mealtimes. They specialize in traditional, home-style Sichuan cuisine, which is delicious, affordable, and generously portioned. I recommend the free-range chicken and matsutake soup, which is delicious and filling. For those who don't like rice, the beef noodles are also great. The clean environment also adds to its appeal.
Address: Xinduqiao Town, Kangding County
Reference price: Vegetarian dishes are generally 10-15 yuan, and meat dishes are 25-60 yuan.
Kham No. 1 Tibetan Village is generally recognized as a very good hotel. The restaurant inside offers a variety of food, including Tibetan and Sichuan cuisine.
Address: Yingguan Village, Xinduqiao Town, Kangding County
Contact: 0836-2866256/13990485959
Reference price: Vegetarian dishes are about 15 yuan each, and meat dishes are 25-30 yuan each.