Roujiamo, also known as Chinese Hamburger or Rougamo bread, is one of the traditional local snacks that originated in Shaanxi Province, with Xi’an being the most representative one.
Literally meaning “meat stuffed in a bun”, Roujiamo features toasted buns with a crispy crust but a soft inside as well as tender and juicy meat, just like a Western hamburger. With a cost of only CNY 10 – 15/USD 1 – 2, it has always been a must-try for a Xi’an tour and can be easily found in most roadside restaurants in the city.
In this guide, find out different types of roujiamo and their tastes, recommended restaurants and order tips.
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- Famous Restaurants
- Different Kinds of Roujiamo
- How to Order Like a Local
- FAQs
- Travel with China Xian Tour
Famous Restaurants to Eat Roujiamo in Xi’an
1. Ziwu Lu Zhang Ji 子午路张记
With more than 30 years of history, Ziwu Lu Zhang Ji is famous for its Lazhi Roujiamo. It is beloved by both locals and tourists because of the braised pork in traditional braising broth and the freshly baked baiji bun. Take a bite, its crispy bun and tender, juicy pork will amaze you.
The restaurant also serves other Shaanxi snacks like cold noodles, meatball soups, wonton, etc.
- Location:
Fenxiang Alley Branch (粉巷分店): No.46, South Street, Beilin District (400m south of the Bell Tower)
Cuihua Road Branch (翠华路分店): No.227, Cuihua Road, Yanta District
Your day of exploration kicks off with a warm welcome from your knowledgeable tour guide and skilled driver, who will pick you up at 8:30 AM from the lobby of your downtown hotel.
2. Lao Tongguan 老潼关肉夹馍
Originated in Tongguan County, Weinan City, Lao Tongguan Roujiamo is another representative roujiamo in Shaanxi.
Its difference with Lazhi Roujiamo is that the freshly baked hot bun is sandwiched with cooled braised meat, ensuring the bun absorbs the meat juices without going soggy. So, it is more crispy.
Besides Roujiamo, you can also taste cold noodles, minced pork noodles, eight-treasure porridge in the restaurant.
- Location:
Shangde Road Branch (尚德路分店): No. 1, 5th West Road, Xincheng District (near Exit A of Wu Lu Kou Metro Station)
Zhuque Street Branch (朱雀大街分店): No. 168, Zhuque Street, Yanta District
3. Fan Ji 樊记肉夹馍
Dating back to 1904, Fan Ji Roujiamo is a time-honored brand in China. It is also famous for the Lazhi Roujiamo.
When cooking the meat, over 20 kinds of spices are added to ensure the fat is not greasy and the lean meat is not stringy. A spoonful of hot sauce will be poured over the meat to enrich its flavor.
Pairing it with a bowl of egg and rice wine soup or yellow osmanthus wine will balance the fatness. Give it a try.
- Location:
Zhubashi Branch (竹笆市分店): No. 48, West Street, Beilin District
West Juyuan Alley Branch (西举院巷分店): No. 69, West Juyuan Alley, Lianhu District (200m to the northeast of Anding Gate)
4. Qin Yu 秦豫肉夹馍
Qin Yu Roujiamo is one of the representative long-standing brands of Lazhi Roujiamo established in 1983. Without lettuce and green peppers, it offers authentic Roujiamo featuring tender and juicy pork with a mix of fatty and lean meat and a crispy and layered bun.
Please note that some stores are open for half a day and close at about 13:00 – 14:00, so arrive before 11:00.
- Location:
Dongmutoushi Branch (东木头市分店): No. 19, Dongmutoushi Alley, Beilin District
Dongyangshi Branch (东羊市分店): No. 5, Dongyangshi Alley, Beilin District
5. Zhao Jia 赵家肉夹馍
Zhao Jia Roujiamo specializes in old-style braised pork and Baiji bun, offering a mixed aroma of meat and wheat. It is popular to order a bowl of quick-boiled pork meatball soup and spicy vermicelli soup with lamb blood curd.
- Location:
Xiaozhai Branch (小寨分店): F1, Block A, Jinshang Cultural Plaza, Xingshansi West Street, Yanta District
Dayanta Branch (大雁塔店): No. 1, Tadong Road, Yanta District
6. Wang Kui 王魁肉夹馍
Some locals prefer Wang Kui Roujiamo more because its bun tastes better, which is crispy outside and soft inside. The meat is fat but not greasy. Want to eat like locals? Order a fat and lean meat roujiamo for a more fragrant taste.
- Location:
Dongguan South Street Branch (东关南街分店): No. 8, South Section of Dongguan South Street, Beilin Street
Shiyuan Road Branch (柿园路分店): No. 92, Middle Section of Shiyuan Road, Beilin District
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.
Different Kinds of Roujiamo in Shaanxi
Roujiamo |
Bun and Filling |
Flavor |
Best For |
Lazhi Roujiamo |
Baiji bun, slow-stewed streaky pork in traditional broth |
Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with abundant juice |
First timers, tourists who seek the authentic flavor |
Tongguan Roujiamo |
Crispy layered bun, cool braised streaky pork |
Extremely flaky and crispy, salty and fragrant |
Visitors who prefer a crispy texture, children and the elderly |
Saozi Roujiamo |
Baiji bun, stir-fried diced pork with Qishan vinegar, Qin pepper and spices |
Sour, spicy, salty and fragrant, slightly oily, with a prominent vinegar flavor |
Tourists who love strong flavors |
Halal Roujiamo |
Baiji bun or tuotuo bun, cured beef or mutton |
Tender, fall-apart soft and flavorful |
Muslim travelers |
Lazhi Roujiamo
Lazhi Roujiamo is one of the traditional snacks that originated in the city of Xi’an. It perfectly combines the unique tastes of Lazhi Rou and a kind of bun named Baijimo.
Lazhi Rou is made with pork slow-braised for hours in a complex, aromatic broth of spices and traditional Chinese herbs. Baijimo is featured with a mixed taste of crisp on the outside and soft inside. When the two meet, the crispy bun and thick flavor of the meat make every mouthful tastier.
Tongguan Roujiamo
As its name indicates, this kind of Rougamo bread is a specialty of Tongguan – a county in Weinan, Shaanxi – and has spread throughout the whole province. What’s unique about Tongguan Roujiamo is the bun. Local people named it Qiancengbing which means “pancake with a thousand layers”.
You will be amazed by its special texture with every bite when multiple layers of crusts softly break apart in your mouth. Besides, the carefully selected pork bellies are stewed in a unique way to make the lean tender and the fat not greasy.
Saozi Roujiamo
If you enjoy sour food the most, Saozi Rougamo Bread – originated in Baoji, Shaanxi – will perfectly match your taste. Saozi is a kind of fried sauce made of chopped pork. The soul of Saozi lies in the addition of locally-made vinegar, which can neutralize the greasy taste of the meat. For those who are not accustomed to the flavor of rich food, Saozi Rougamo Bread is definitely worth trying.
Halal Roujiamo
Unlike other roujiamo, Halal roujiamo is made of beef or lamb rather than pork. From slaughtering to processing, every step complies with halal requirements, making it popular among Muslims. After being marinated with spices for 1 to 2 days, the meat is slowly brined for several hours, giving it a soft and tender texture.
About the bun, it also uses Tuotuo bun, a traditional hui food unique to Muslims in Xi’an. To enjoy it, Muslim Quarter is the most recommended area.
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How to Order Roujiamo Like a Local
When ordering Roujiamo, the frequently asked question is “which kind of meat would you like?” The most recommended by locals is a mixed roujiamo with both fat and lean pork.
Meat Options |
Features |
Fatty & Lean (Mixed) |
The most fragrant and classic choice, suitable for first-timers and tourists who prefer the authentic roujiamo |
Lean Meat |
With only lean meat, it is less greasy but may be drier, thus more recommended for diners who do not like greasy food |
Premium Fatty & Lean |
Though slightly pricier, higher-quality pork belly is used and more meat is added. Meat lovers can not miss it. |
Pork skin with fat |
Add pork skin with fat for a more gelatinous texture. Foodies prefer it more. |
FAQs about Roujiamo
When was Rou Jia Mo invented?
It can date back to the cured meat before the Tang Dynasty and the modern style Roujiamo was formed in the Ming and Qing Dynasties.
Why is Rou Jia Mo called ‘Chinese hamburger’?
Its structure resembles a western hamburger, which is a bun filled with meat. But its history is longer than the Western hamburger.
Best way to enjoy it?
Usually, locals hold the Roujiamo horizontally and bite from the sides. In this way, the meat juices are fully absorbed without spilling out.
Is the bread flaky or dense?
It depends on the type of bun. The common Roujiamo is thin and crispy outside and soft and fluffy inside. While the bun for the Tongguan Roujiamo is completely crispy.
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Follow China Xian Tour to Discover the Best Food in Xi’an
Besides plenty of tourist attractions, Xi’an is also famous for its delicious food, such as roujiamo. If you want to try the authentic local food, China Xian Tour can arrange a trip to cover not only the delicious local food, but also the major tourist attractions. So you can feel the city charm from all aspects. And we can plan the itinerary based on your preferences to satisfy your needs. Do not hesitate to contact us now.
