Skip the tourist restaurants. What do Dunhuang locals eat for breakfast? Who makes the most authentic Donkey Meat? This list of 10 eateries covers breakfast to midnight snacks — the real flavors of Dunhuang.
Breakfast: Donkey Meat is Dunhuang locals' soul food. Try the old spots near 市区, 15-30 RMB/person. Lunch: Local restaurants — order Donkey Meat and seasonal vegetables, 50-80 RMB/person. Dinner: Donkey Meat veteran near 月牙泉, 80-150 RMB/person. Late night: BBQ stalls near 莫高窟, 30-50 RMB/person.
10 recommended spots: ① 市区 old Donkey Meat (20-year veteran); ② 月牙泉 trendy Donkey Meat (good ambiance); ③ 莫高窟 hole-in-the-wall (most authentic); ④ Farmhouse near 莫高窟; ⑤ Seafood/river fish near 鸣沙山; ⑥ 丝路文化-themed restaurant; ⑦ Local breakfast joint; ⑧ Night market BBQ; ⑨ Dessert old shop; ⑩ Souvenir shop. Budget: a full day of eating ~200-400 RMB/person.