The Engleson Files

Here’s a little secret for all of you who live in China, or are considering coming over here sometime soon to visit. If you happen to be in a place where the Uighurs hang out (which is pretty much everywhere), get down to their restaurant(s) early in the morning (8-8:30′ish) and go and watch the guys make the naan bread: a) it’s quite interesting, and b) you will be able to enjoy some fresh naan bread right out of the tandori oven, which is worth its weight in gold! (see out of focus picture below of tandori oven). For the longest time here in Kaifaqu, naan bread was the only good bread you can buy (1 naan = 2 RMB, or $.28 CDN). Now, things have changed, but naan is still king around this household. You can dress it up for Uighur pizza, or dress it down for hummus dip, garlic bread, whatever - you name it and the naan is always there.