Northern Chinese Lamb Skewers (Yang Rou Chuan) — Street Grill Tradition
Xinjiang origin; now national street food
Yang rou chuan (羊肉串) — lamb skewers — are the most ubiquitous Chinese street food, originating in Xinjiang and spreading throughout China. Chunks of lamb (fat and lean alternating on the skewer) are grilled over charcoal, basted with oil, and seasoned repeatedly with cumin, chili flakes, and salt during grilling. The alternating fat-lean arrangement is essential — fat bastes the lean as it renders.