Xi’an is a thousand-year-old capital, shining through history for its large number of historical landmarks and also its unique food culture kept in Xi’an halal restaurants.
Among all of the city’s popular food destinations, the Muslim Quarter (Huimin Street) is certainly a must-visit place for travelers. Home to a large Hui Muslim community, this district is lined with authentic halal restaurants.
There are century-old shops that serve handmade beef pancakes and lamb paomo, and traditional pastries that blend spices from the Silk Road with local flour, offering authentic Silk Road flavors of this ancient capital.
To help you find the best flavors, this article will introduce 8 halal restaurants in Xi’an that are loved by both tourists and locals.
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- Why Does Xi’an Have Such a Strong Halal Food Culture?
- Top 8 Famous Halal Restaurants in Xi’an
- FAQ About Halal Food in Xi’an
- Explore Xi’an’s Traditional Halal Food with China Xian Tour
Why Does Xi’an Have Such a Strong Halal Food Culture?
When planning your Xi’an trip, you may wonder if any of Xi’an’s famous foods are halal. In fact, this city boasts a rich halal food culture that originates from the ancient Silk Road, dating back more than 1,000 years.
Xi’an was the eastern starting point of this historic trade route. Over centuries, a lot of merchants from Central Asia, Persia, and the Middle East came and eventually settled here. While many of them were Muslim, their food culture naturally took root in Xi’an.
Today, the Hui people in Xi’an still preserve their halal culinary traditions.
Dive into 3,000 years of history on this 3-day Xian group tour combining the legendary Terracotta Warriors with the city's vibrant Muslim Quarter food scene.
Top 8 Famous Halal Restaurants in Xi’an
If you’re wondering where to eat halal food in Xi’an, here are some top recommendations.
1. Qingzhen Lao Lan Jia (Xingshansi West Street Main Branch) 清真·老兰家（兴善寺西街总店）
Qingzhen Lao Lan Jia has always been a famous halal restaurant in Xi’an. It was founded in 1983 and has long been a local favorite. Many locals say it occupies a special place in their childhood memories.
The restaurant serves authentic Muslim cuisine and traditional Xi’an food. The incredible Northwest Chinese flavors have attracted many celebrities, and it has become a great choice for travelers looking to experience local halal food in Xi’an.
- Cuisine: Traditional Muslim food
- Average Cost: CNY 60 / USD 9 per person
- Opening Hours: 11:00–02:00
- Address: No.101, Xingshanxi West Street, Yanta District, Xi’an
- Tel: 029-85223351
2. New Delhi Indian Restaurant 新德里印度餐厅
New Delhi Indian Restaurant is a popular halal restaurant in Xi’an specializing in Indian cuisine. It is highly rated for the authenticity of its flavors, and that’s because the owner and chefs are from India, and many ingredients, including rice and spices, are imported from India.
The restaurant features a strong Indian atmosphere, which is not solely brought by the cuisine. The shop’s decoration, such as the fabric lamps, red patterned wallpaper, wooden lattice windows, and green curtains, together complete the exotic dining environment.
Indian music and dance videos are often played inside, making guests feel like they are traveling to South Asia while enjoying their meal. And as a halal restaurant, it is a reliable choice for Muslim travelers.
- Cuisine: Indian cuisine
- Average Cost: CNY 80 / USD 12 per person
- Opening Hours: 10:30–23:00
- Address: 3, Tongyifang East Entrance, Yanta West Road, Yanta District, Xi’an
- Tel: 029-85255157
3. Sandelong Restaurant 三德隆饭庄
Sandelong is a well-known halal spot in Xi’an, it serves customers with amazing Northwest Chinese flavors. It is located near the Bell Tower and the famous Muslim Quarter, which allows people to enjoy authentic Muslim-friendly food after exploring in the heart of Xi’an.
The restaurant features traditional Chinese décor with ethnic elements, designed to give visitors a warm dining atmosphere. Its signature Iron Plate Chicken with Black Bean Sauce is a customer favorite. The tender, juicy chicken is served sizzling in foil, giving a rich, savory flavor.
- Cuisine: Traditional Muslim Cuisine
- Average Cost: CNY 60 / USD 9 per person
- Opening Hours: 11:00–14:30, 17:00–21:00
- Address: 219, West Street, Lianhu District, Xi’an
- Tel: +86 29-87288816
Feast on Xian's legendary street food while exploring Terracotta Warriors, the ancient City Wall, and vibrant night markets.
4. Axia Northwest Mom’s Signature Dishes 阿西娅西北妈妈拿手菜
Axia Northwest Mom’s Signature Dishes is a well-known Northwest Chinese restaurant brand. It comes from Lanzhou, Gansu Province, and has more than 30 years of history. After opening in Xi’an, both travelers and locals have made it one of the top choices for seeking authentic halal cuisine with Northwest flavors.
Lamb dishes are the specialties. The restaurant uses traditional cooking methods to create rich regional flavors. It offers a great opportunity to experience the hearty and distinctive Muslim food culture.
- Cuisine: Traditional Muslim Cuisine, Northwest Chinese Food
- Average Cost: CNY 95 / USD 14 per person
- Opening Hours: 10:00–21:30
- Address: 3F, Oriental Market, Sihai Chinatown, Weiyang District, Xi’an
- Tel: +86 29-81703313
5. Jinxiang Qiangguo Fish 锦翔炝锅鱼
Jinxiang Qiangguo Fish is a halal restaurant in Xi’an with more than 30 years of history. Its signature Qiangguo Fish can serve as a highlight of your food tour in Xi’an.
This dish is made with boneless basa fish or black fish and cooked with fresh vegetables, chili peppers, and Sichuan-style spices in hot oil. The fish is tender, flavorful, and slightly spicy, and the fragrant aroma is absolutely attractive.
A unique feature of this dish is the “two ways of eating” style. Guests can enjoy the fresh fish first and then cook vegetables and other ingredients in the remaining soup base.
It has several branches across Xi’an, so it’ll be easy for you to explore the attractive flavors during your trip.
- Cuisine: Halal Fish Hot Pot
- Average Cost: CNY 50 / USD 8 per person
- Opening Hours: 10:00–22:30
- Address: Inside Shaanxi Textile Building, No.59 Dongwu Road, Xincheng District, Xi’an
- Tel: +86 29-87683960
6. Ningxia Guoqiang Hand-Pulled Lamb Halal Restaurant 宁夏国强手抓羊肉清真菜
Ningxia Guoqiang Hand-Pulled Lamb is a famous halal restaurant brand from Ningxia. Its unique cooking technique has never lost in hundreds of years.
It’s also recognized as a “China Time-Honored Brand” and national intangible cultural heritage, representing the rich halal food culture of Ningxia.
- Cuisine: Traditional Muslim Cuisine
- Average Cost: CNY 95 / USD 14 per person
- Opening Hours: 11:00–21:30
- Address: 4F, Duhuili, Gaoxin Daduhui Plaza, Gaoxin 4th Road, Xi’an
- Tel: +86 29-89639869
7. Turkish Kebab Halal Restaurant 土耳其卡巴布清真餐厅
Turkish Kebab Halal Restaurant is a long-established halal restaurant. It specializes in Turkish-style grilled meat (Kebab). One of the most appealing features of this restaurant is its generous portions and affordable prices.
It has gained a good reputation among local diners and visitors looking for international halal cuisine.
- Cuisine: Turkish Cuisine
- Average Cost: CNY 70 / USD 10 per person
- Opening Hours: 11:30–23:00
- Address: Next to Xiaozhai Park Office, Chang’an South Road, Yanta District, Xi’an
- Tel: 13022953419
8. Ma Youyu Nang Pit Roasted Whole Fish 马有鱼馕坑烤全鱼
Ma Youyu Nang Pit Roasted Whole Fish is a restaurant chain originating in Xinjiang that combines traditional Xinjiang nang pit roasting techniques with grilled fish. It stands out from Xi’an’s various restaurants for the unique roasting method and authentic Xinjiang flavors. Now it has opened several branches across the city.
The restaurant sticks to only using the freshly prepared fish and will roast it at high temperatures in a traditional nang pit. Usually, the dish is made with sea bass and the taste features crispy skin, tender meat, and a rich smoky aroma.
- Cuisine: Roasted Fish
- Average Cost: CNY 70 / USD 10 per person
- Opening Hours: 11:00–22:00
- Address: 4F, Longshou Incity Shopping Mall, No.33 Weiyang Road, Weiyang District, Xi’an
- Tel: +86 29-86358050
FAQ About Halal Food in Xi’an
Is there halal food in Xi’an?
Yes. Xi’an is one of the best places to try halal food in China. There are many halal restaurants, especially around the famous Muslim Quarter (Huimin Street).
Are there Muslims in Xi’an?
Yes. Xi’an has a large Hui Muslim community, and places like the Muslim Quarter has the strongest cultural atmosphere.
What are the famous halal foods in Xi’an?
Popular halal foods include Yangrou Paomo (lamb paomo), halal Roujiamo, beef noodles (especially Lanzhou beef noodles), and other traditional Northwest Chinese dishes.
Where can I eat halal food in Xi’an?
The Muslim Quarter is the best-known area for halal food. You’ll also encounter many traditional Xi’an street foods in this bustling area.
Savor Xi'an's legendary food scene from Hai Di Lao Hot Pot to dumpling-making lessons, combined with Terracotta Warriors and Big Wild Goose Pagoda visits.
Explore Xi’an’s Traditional Halal Food with China Xian Tour
Xi’an is one of the most rewarding places to visit in China, and the highlights of this city not only lie in its historical sites, but also in its halal food culture. In addition to the amazing flavors, tasting them is an ideal way to get closer to the city’s soul.
As a local travel agency, China Xian Tour knows the best of Xi’an’s famous halal restaurants, as well as how to visit its attractions. We offer customized service, and our professional guides will be there for you throughout the whole journey, ensuring every moment of your Xi’an tour is enjoyable.
