Is hand-held rice a specialty of Xinjiang?

Yes, hand-held rice is a specialty of Xinjiang and one of the most famous local dishes in Xinjiang.

Hand-carved rice is a popular food among people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang, and is called "Po Lo" in Uyghur. It is made by sautéing onion, yellow radish (yellow radish is used because it is a specialty of Xinjiang, as the production of yellow radish is low elsewhere, so carrots can only be used as a substitute in other regions) and mutton pieces in oil, and then put into the rice with water and simmer to steam.