
Inside Beijing's government-run restaurant: Surprisingly, some of the best restaurants in Beijing are run by bureaucrats.

Xinjiang Islam Restaurant: Wheels of nan and other breads are on offer at the Xinjiang Islam Restaurant in Beijing.

Secure dining: To visit the Xinjiang Islam Restaurant, operated by the Xinjiang provincial government, diners have to go past a security gate in the provincial government's compound in Beijing.

Cumin beef and fried bread: Beef and fried bread, cooked in cumin and other spices, are served at the Xinjiang Islam Restaurant in Beijing.

Feitian Dasha: Crispy lamb belly is on the menu at Feitian Dasha, a restaurant run by the Gansu provincial government.

Hand-pulled Lanzhou noodles: Lanzhou lamian, or pulled noodles, are a staple of northwestern Gansu province.

Chuan Ban: Chuan Ban, a restaurant originally run by the Sichuan government, was one of the first provincial eateries to become popular with the public.

Gaining popularity: Many Sichuanese visit for a taste of home, though they increasingly have to compete for tables with tourists as the restaurant's profile has grown. It's now featured on many best-of lists.

Hot to trot: La zi ji, chicken dry fried with chillies, is a popular Sichuan dish with a fiery taste.