The main influence on Ningxia's cuisine comes from the Hui people who make the Autonomous Region their home. The Hui culture incorporates a variety of Muslim flavors, providing a distinct flavor of cuisine in this region. In Yinchuan, there is a good mix of Muslim food and traditional Han Chinese cuisine.

Steamed lamb and sweet and sour Yellow River carp are two of the specialty dishes that Yinchuan offers. There are a variety of other lamb, mutton and seafood dishes available in typical Hui flavor here. The people here make good use of the nearby Yellow River and Sand Lake for fresh fish and shellfish. Yinchuan is also known for snacks, like crispy chicken and braised sweetbread. There is some Western food available here.