Tarim Uyghur Halal Restaurant

We decided to come here mainly because on Zomato, there was a reference of this being Chinese Halal... which for me was intriguing enough. Upon closer inspection of their menu, I've found another example of Xinjiang food... and so close to home. Located close to Auburn station, you'll find yourself on the quieter and more residential side of Auburn... in saying that the area is quite dark and deserted so take extra precaution.

We started off with their Sour shredded Potatoes - stir fry of thinly shredded potato chips with a touch of oil in a wok, soured with vinegar, soy sauce and garlic, and spiced with a touch of homemade chilli oil. Our initial impression, as the dish arrived, was that these hand-made noodles looked funny but to our surprise it was crunchy thin slices of potato. The texture felt like I was eating a more hearty papaya salad. The sauce made the dish for me... a combination of sour and chilli sensations that left a delicious burning sensation... and not one you would need to see a doctor about. The dish was quite basic but the execution was perfect... I could have polished off another dish.

We then had their Dry Fried Noodles (Ramen) - super dry, spicy, fried, hand-made long and thin Ramen noodles served with lamb and beef, coloured with chives, flavoured by various types of spices in soy sauce (medium chilli levels). The nice al dente noodles was the only highlight for me... I hated that there was some ginger element in the dish as it's probably one of my least favourite additions to food. The chilli level was no where near the first dish but overall a decent plate of noodles to share.

We also had their Sumanta / Dumplings - 14 balls of dough wrapped around diced lamb and beef, chipped celery, Chinese cabbage, green shallots and flavoured with peppers. This was the let down dish of the night... yes the dumplings tasted quite decent BUT they had no sauce pairing. The restaurant was about to close and we couldn't be bothered to ask for some... if they were to be accompanied by any... it should have been brought out with the dish.

My favourite had to Kawap / Lamb Skewers - pre-marinated diced shoulder lamb meat char-grilled to perfection on five skewers. The lamb was a bit on the chewy side but I love that we got more skewers and the seasoning was done to perfection. Amazing flavours and definitely the highlight of the night.

The service here was quick and efficient but I could have done with a smile or two. Sure, you're about to close, but friendliness goes a long way. What I did love about the food was it's authenticity...surrounded by a simplistic and humble layout with dated furniture and a fridge at the back storing drinks... This restaurant has everything it needs to run, without the frills.

Tarim Uyghur offers authentic food at fair prices... I'd recommend at least giving it a try if you're semi-curious.