Tucked away on the rooftop of VivoCity, Alijiang is one of those restaurants that has been quietly building a following. It specialises in Xinjiang cuisine, a regional style still relatively underrepresented in Singapore. Alijiang promises bold flavours, hearty dishes, and a cultural dining experience that transports you, at least momentarily, out of the city.
I arrived with a mix of curiosity and tempered expectations. Xinjiang cuisine, after all, is known for its robust use of spices, cumin-laced meats, and comforting carb-heavy dishes — not exactly the most forgiving cuisine for someone like me, who has a low tolerance for spice and an aversion to vegetables.
The menu is extensive, covering everything from skewers and grills to hearty stews, noodles, and cold dishes. It’s the kind of place best visited in a group so you can sample a wide variety of offerings.
We began with a selection of starters, including the Cold Beef with Parmesan Cheese (S$29.80) and a UAE Salad (S$29.80). The cold beef was tender and well-executed, though the addition of parmesan felt slightly incongruous against the otherwise distinctly Central Asian flavour profile. It wasn’t unpleasant, just unexpected. A fellow dining companion, though, felt that the parmesan was too little to be noticeable. The UAE Salad felt rather similar to the Cold Beef with Parmesan Cheese, just that the latter comes with the addition of beef and sprinkling of parmesan. I would suggest to just order one or the other.
Cold Beef with Parmesan Cheese.
UAE Salad.
The skewers soon followed, a staple of Xinjiang cuisine. The Alijiang Lamb Skewers (S$3.90 for one; minimum two) and Grilled Chicken Skewers (S$3.20 for one; minimum two) were smoky and aromatic, carrying that signature cumin fragrance. They were done well, setting the stage for the mains I was highly anticipating.
Then came one of the stars of the evening — the Alijiang Grilled Lamb in Cage (S$24). Served with fire, the dish immediately commands attention. More importantly, it delivers where it matters. The lamb was beautifully tender, juicy, and richly flavoured without being gamey. The spices enhanced rather than masked the natural taste of the meat, striking a balance that I truly appreciated. This was a dish I kept going back to, and easily one of the highlights of the meal.
Grilled Lamb in Cage.
Another standout for me was the Braised Beef Brisket with Tomato (S$38 for small, S$58 for large). In contrast to the bolder, spice-forward dishes on the menu, this offered a more comforting, familiar profile. The beef was slow-cooked to tenderness, soaking up the tangy, slightly sweet tomato-based sauce. It was hearty, warming, and deeply satisfying with the accompanying puff pastry. For diners who may not be accustomed to Xinjiang spices, this is a safe yet rewarding choice and my second favourite dish of the evening.
Braised Beef Brisket with Tomato.
We also tried the signature Xinjiang Dapanji (S$28.80) – translated as ‘Big Plate Chicken’ – a dish typically known for its bold, spicy flavours and generous portions. The dish also comes with potatoes and flat white noodles. While I could appreciate the depth of flavour and the tender chicken, the spice level made it less enjoyable for me personally as I don’t take chilli.
Xinjiang Dapanji.
For those who need carbs, try the Xinjiang Specialty Rice (S$32.80 for small, S$38.80 for large). This dish requires 30 minutes for the kitchen to prepare. It comes in an earthen pot with lamb bits, raisins and Xinjiang carrots, which are said to be sweeter than normal carrots due to the unique environment they are cultivated in.
To round off the meal, we had a selection of desserts, including Homemade Vrum Yogurt (S$4.80) and Homemade Yogurt Glutinous Rice with Apricot (S$7.80). The Vrum Yogurt was not exactly homemade as it arrived commercially prepared in a paper cup, but it did not taste too bad. TheHomemade Yogurt Glutinous Rice with Apricot was simply glutinous rice cake drizzled with an apricot sauce.
My experience was shaped very much by personal preference. The dishes I enjoyed — particularly the Lamb in Cage and the Braised Beef with Tomato — were excellent and memorable. The rest of the menu, while well-executed, simply leaned towards a flavour profile that doesn’t align with what I typically gravitate towards.
And that, perhaps, is the fairest way to view Alijiang. It is not trying to be everything to everyone, and it shouldn’t. If you’re someone who appreciates bold spices, hearty portions, and a cuisine that tells a story of its region, Alijiang is well worth a visit. Come with a group, order widely, and lean into the experience.
Alijiang
1 HarbourFront Walk
#03-11 VivoCity
Singapore 098585
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 3pm and 5.30pm to 9pm
