Afunti Restaurant, Beijing

This raucous Xinjiang (the Muslim/Uighur region in northwest China) restaurant attracts both local and foreign gourmands looking for hearty food and even heartier entertainment. Even the classic Xinjiang dishes, such as roasted mutton joints, barbecued beef and meat kebabs struggle to keep diners' attention from the dazzling spectacle of central-Asian musicians and dancers. The belly dancers are particularly distracting. Most evenings end with everyone dancing on the heavy wooden tables to this mad musical accompaniment. The experience is unforgettable, but is very popular with large corporate groups, so be sure to book several days in advance. Call to check for timings.