Neighboring Ace Hardware in downtown Menlo Park, Mrs Khan Uyghur Cuisine stands out with its purple exterior. The warm interior features bronze columns, flower-covered walls, cultural paintings, and dancing on the television. Upon entering late on a Friday night, the restaurant was still packed. The owner and co-founder, Kalbi, can be found waiting tables and conversing with customers in Chinese.
The Uyghur people are an ethnic minority group originating from Central Asia. Since the Uyghur population is predominantly Muslim, the food at Mrs Khan is entirely halal. The cuisine features a balance of traditional Asian flavors and unique dishes, making it a great option for adventurous diners looking to expand their palate while also enjoying the safety of familiar foods.
Mapo Tofu: 9/10 ($16)
As one of the stronger dishes offered, this spicy tofu checks all the boxes. The tofu is silky and soft but holds its shape well. The thick sauce complements the tofu nicely and sticks to it. It’s salty, well-seasoned, and surprisingly mild despite having two peppers next to its title. Black beans and chili are mixed in along with green onion, completing the dish with a bit of crunch and freshness. While the dish is simple, everything is done right with the exception of the black beans, which seem a bit out of place. This dish sticks to traditional flavors, so it’s a safe option for those not looking to test their boundaries.
Uyghur Pilaf: 4/10 ($20)
Mrs Khan’s pilaf isn’t the typical rice and meat dish. The steamed rice is oily with strong hints of lamb, and its thickness can be smelt prior to tasting. The lamb is well cooked but disappointingly unseasoned and lacking salt, while the onions are difficult to notice. However, the vinegar-soaked carrots are tasty and make up for the lack of flavor. The yogurt’s sour aftertaste also helps counteract the meaty taste of the oil. Unfortunately, the portions of carrots and yogurt are far too small to accommodate the whole plate, so getting through the dish without extra sides is challenging. This plate could benefit from less oil and more lamb seasoning.
Uyghur Dogh: 9/10 ($10)
This cool, sweet yogurt dessert pairs nicely with the spicy dishes. It features tiny ice pieces and has the perfect texture—creamy enough to be eaten with a spoon but thin enough to double as a drink. With just the right amount of sweet and a slightly sour aftertaste, the hidden raisins almost seem unnecessary. Though it’s big enough to share with friends, there may be fights about who gets the lacking portion of crushed oreos on top. Traditionally, the dessert is served with walnuts, almonds, and honey, but oreos are substituted to make it more widely accessible.
Hand-pulled Stir Fried Noodle*: 10/10 ($20)
The stir fried noodles are a must-try. They’re thick and chewy with a strong taste of wheat and fresh dough. The seasoning isn’t spicy, wet, or too strong, allowing the noodles to be fully appreciated. Long strips of celery, red peppers, and onions, along with scallions, chives, and sesame seeds make the dish feel much more complete compared to some of the more simplistic menu options. It’s rare to find hand made noodles, not to mention noodles that aren’t excessively seasoned. They are undoubtedly the standout dish.
*This dish was ordered without beef, which is usually included.
