Xi’an’s famous foods are an essential part of any visit to the city, offering another way to explore Xi’an beyond the Terracotta Army and the ancient city wall.
From a freshly made roujiamo to a steaming bowl of beef or lamb paomo, local dishes reflect Xi’an’s long culinary traditions, with noodles, flatbreads, and rich, hearty flavors at the heart of the local cuisine.
If you are wondering what to eat in Xi’an, no need to look further. This guide picks 10 must-try dishes, with reference prices, local ways to enjoy them, and suggestions on where to find them. It will also help you fit food exploration naturally into your Xi’an itinerary.
Xi’an Food at a Glance
The prices below are for reference only.
Food |
Best Time |
Price |
Roujiamo 肉夹馍 |
Breakfast / Lunch |
CNY 10–25 / USD 1.5–3.7 |
Beef & Lamb Paomo 牛羊肉泡馍 |
Lunch / Dinner |
CNY 30–50 / USD 4.5–7.5 |
Liangpi 凉皮 |
Lunch / Snack |
CNY 8–15 / USD 1–2.2 |
Biangbiang Mian Biangbiang面 |
Lunch / Dinner |
CNY 15–30 / USD 2.2–4.5 |
Beef & Lamb Skewers 牛羊肉烤串 |
Dinner / Late Night |
CNY 3–5 / USD 0.4–0.7 |
Rou Wan Hu La Tang 肉丸胡辣汤 |
Breakfast |
CNY 10–20 / USD 1.5–3 |
Guantang Bao 灌汤包 |
Breakfast / Lunch |
CNY 20–40 / USD 3–6 |
Zenggao 甑糕 |
Breakfast / Snack |
CNY 5–15 / USD 0.7–2.2 |
Persimmon Cake 柿子饼 |
Snack |
CNY 5–10 / USD 0.7–1.5 |
Hulu Ji 葫芦鸡 |
Lunch / Dinner |
CNY 60–100 / USD 9–15 |
A 2-hour evening walking food tour through Xi'an's lively Muslim Quarter, tasting local delicacies from lamb skewers to Biang Biang noodles with an expert guide.
Content Preview
- Top 10 Must-Try Xi’an Foods
- What to Eat in 2–3 Days?
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Where to Eat
- Tips for International Travelers
- How to Fit Xi’an Food to Your Itinerary
- Embark on Your Xi’an Food Adventure with China Xian Tour
Top 10 Must-Try Xi’an Foods
1. Roujiamo (肉夹馍): Xi’an’s Iconic Chinese Burger
Roujiamo is likely the first name that pops up when mentioning famous Xi’an foods. With meat stuffed inside a round flatbread, it is often called a “Chinese burger” by international travelers.
Traditional pork roujiamo (lazhìròu roujiamo) is made with slow-braised pork, chopped and tucked into a freshly baked round flatbread. The bread is slightly crisp on the outside, while the meat inside stays juicy and rich.
For the best flavor, choose a filling with a little fat rather than lean meat only. Also, try to eat it hot for the best taste. For halal diners, beef or lamb versions are available around the Muslim Quarter; look for the “清真” sign (in English, it means halal).
- Reference Price: CNY 10–25 / USD 1.5–3.7 per piece
- Good to Know: Roujiamo+ Liangpi + Bingfeng Soda is a classic combination often associated with Xi’an. It is simple, filling, and an easy choice for lunch.
Feast on Xi'an's legendary street food while exploring Terracotta Warriors, the ancient City Wall, and vibrant night markets.
2. Beef & Lamb Paomo (牛羊肉泡馍): A Hearty Taste of Xi’an Tradition
Beef and lamb paomo is another of the best-known Xi’an foods. While visitors often go for lamb, many locals eat beef paomo more regularly.
To enjoy it in a traditional way, tear the flatbread into small pieces yourself before it is cooked with beef or lamb, glass noodles, and broth. If that sounds like too much work, you can simply order the bread pre-cut instead.
You will usually see paomo and “xiaochao paomo” on menus. Simply think of them as two versions of the dish. Paomo has more broth, while xiaochao paomo is stir-fried and tastes richer, tangier, and spicier with vinegar and chili. For a traditional taste, put Yi Zhen Lou (一真楼) on your list.
- Reference Price: CNY 30–50 / USD 4.5–7.5 per bowl
- Good to Know: One bowl usually comes with two pieces of bread. If you have a smaller appetite, ask for one, especially if you plan to try other Xi’an foods.
3. Liangpi (凉皮): A Quick and Refreshing Local Favorite
You can find food stalls or restaurants serving Liangpi everywhere in Xi’an. It’s an ideal option no matter if you’re looking for a quick lunch or a snack while exploring the city.
The noodles are smooth and pleasantly chewy, usually tossed with vinegar, garlic water, chili oil, gluten, and cucumber or bean sprouts. This combination gives it a tangy, savory flavor that is usually more refreshing than overwhelmingly spicy.
Xue Changli Mipi (薛昌利米皮) is a popular local spot for liangpi if you want to give it a try. For those who cannot handle spicy food, simply say “少辣 (shǎo là)” or “不辣 (bú là),” which mean mild and non-spicy, respectively.
- Reference Price: CNY 8–15 / USD 1–2.2 per serving
4. Biangbiang Mian (Biangbiang Noodles): Xi’an’s Famous Belt-Like Noodles
As one of the most recognizable Xi’an noodles, visitors are often impressed by Biangbiang Mian’s wide, belt-like noodles. They are one of the most recognizable Xi’an noodles. The famously complicated “Biang” character is also a familiar sight on noodle-shop signs and menus around Xi’an.
Generally, the noodles are thick and chewy, served with chili, vinegar, garlic, vegetables, and a variety of toppings. The seasonings vary from one shop to another, with some bowls leaning spicy while others feature tomato or other flavors.
- Reference Price: CNY 15–30 / USD 2.2–4.5 per bowl
5. Xi’an Beef and Lamb Skewers (西安烤肉): A Muslim Quarter Street-Food Favorite
Beef and lamb skewers are a simple but satisfying Xi’an food. You’ll find plenty of beef and lamb skewers around the Muslim Quarter, where they are a popular snack during an evening stroll.
The meat is grilled and finished with cumin, chili, and salt, giving it a smoky, savory flavor.
Start with a few skewers and order more while walking along the food street if you want. This leaves room for other Xi’an foods, such as paomo and guantang bao. If you do not eat spicy food, simply say “不要辣 (bú yào là).”
- Reference Price: CNY 3–5 / USD 0.4–0.7 per skewer
6. Rou Wan Hu La Tang (肉丸胡辣汤): A Hearty Xi’an Breakfast
Many locals start their day with a bowl of Rou Wan Hu La Tang (a thick and peppery meatball soup). It is one of Xi’an’s most famous breakfast foods. Unlike the Henan-style hu la tang, the Xi’an version is a thick soup with beef meatballs, potatoes, carrots, and cabbage.
Despite the name, the “spicy” kick mainly comes from pepper rather than a bowlful of chili oil, so it is usually not overwhelmingly spicy. Locals often enjoy it with flatbread, and you can pair it with a beef roujiamo to make it a more filling breakfast.
- Reference Price: CNY 10–20 / USD 1.5–3 per bowl
- Good to Know: It’s better to go early, as some traditional breakfast shops sell out before noon. Liu Laohu Hu La Tang (刘老虎胡辣汤) is a well-known local choice.
7. Guantang Bao (灌汤包): Soup-Filled Buns with a Xi’an Twist
Guantang bao is easy to find in and around Xi’an’s Muslim Quarter, where beef and lamb are the most common fillings.
The buns have thin wrappers with savory meat filling and hot broth inside. It’s best to avoid biting straight into the bun. Gently make a small opening to let the steam escape, then eat slowly. For extra flavor, dip the bun in a little vinegar before eating.
Guantang bao is not unique to Xi’an, but the beef and lamb versions found around the Muslim Quarter give this familiar snack a local character.
- Reference Price: CNY 20–40 / USD 3–6 per basket
- Good to Know: If you plan to keep exploring the Muslim Quarter, consider sharing.
8. Zenggao (甑糕): Xi’an’s Sweet Glutinous Rice Cake
Zenggao is a famous Xi’an snack you may spot in the old city early in the morning, often sold at breakfast stalls from large steaming pots.
Although it can be enjoyed as a snack, it’s actually filling enough as a breakfast. It is made mainly from glutinous rice, red dates, and beans, then steamed for a long time until it becomes soft and chewy. Most of its sweetness comes from the red dates, so it is not overly sweet.
- Reference Price: CNY 5–15 / USD 0.7–2.2 per serving
9. Persimmon Cake (柿子饼): A Sweet Snack for Exploring Xi’an
Persimmon cake is a familiar sight in Xi’an’s old city and around the Muslim Quarter. It is usually made with persimmon and flour, filled with sesame, walnuts, or red bean paste, then pan-fried until lightly crisp on the outside and soft inside.
Fillings and sweetness vary from stall to stall, so there is no need to hunt down one specific shop, just pick a flavor that looks good and give it a try. It makes an easy snack while exploring the Bell Tower, Drum Tower, or Muslim Quarter.
- Reference Price: CNY 5–10 / USD 0.7–1.5 per piece
10. Hulu Ji (葫芦鸡): A Crispy Shaanxi Classic
After all the snacks, breakfasts, and noodles, Hulu Ji (Hulu Chicken) is a good choice when you want to sit down for a proper Shaanxi meal. This classic dish goes through several cooking steps, resulting in crisp, fragrant skin and tender meat inside.
With a relatively large portion, it is best shared by two or more people. One Hulu chicken with a few vegetable dishes makes up a perfect Xi’an-style dinner.
If you have already tried noodles, bread, and beef or lamb for a few days during your Xi’an trip, it is also a welcome change in taste.
- Reference Price: CNY 60–100 / USD 9–15 per serving
Recommended Tour 5-Day Xi’an Food & Culture Tour: Local Flavors & Ancient History
What to Eat in Xi’an If You Only Have 2–3 Days?
- Liangpi and Roujiamo— Easy to find at local shops and a great combination for your first taste of Xi’an food.
- Beef Paomo or Xiaochao Paomo— Choose paomo for a more traditional local dining experience, or go for xiaochaopaomo if you prefer tangy and spicy flavors.
- Biangbiang Mian — Shaanxi is known for its noodles, so it is worth saving at least one meal for this wide, chewy classic.
If your itinerary allows, try beef and lamb skewers, rou wan hu la tang, or zenggao.
It is better to spread these foods over two or three days, choosing one main dish and adding one or two smaller snacks when you still have room.
What to Eat for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner in Xi’an
Breakfast: Try Rou Wan Hu La Tang, zenggao, or beef and lamb roujiamo. These are common choices for a local-style start to the day.
Lunch: Roujiamo and liangpi make a classic combination. If you want a proper noodle meal, go for Biangbiang noodles.
Dinner: With more time to sit down and eat, try beef paomo or xiaochao paomo, beef and lamb skewers, or visit a Shaanxi restaurant for Hulu Chicken with a few local dishes.
This way, you can enjoy more of Xi’an’s local flavors without having noodles and bread for several meals in a row.
Where to Eat Local Food in Xi’an
Muslim Quarter (回民街及周边): Best for First-Time Visitors
The “Muslim Quarter” actually refers to a large Muslim neighbourhood around the Beiyuanmen Street behind the Drum Tower.
Beiyuanmen is the liveliest part and a great place to explore on your first visit. You will find beef and lamb paomo, skewers, guantang bun, persimmon cake, zenggao, and other halal snacks clustered around the area.
But you do not have to only stop at Beiyuanmen. After visiting the Bell Tower and Drum Tower, continue to explore nearby streets such as Xiyangshi and Dapiyuan for more local flavors.
Sajinqiao (洒金桥): For a More Local Feel
Sajinqiao feels less touristy than Beiyuanmen, and it offers a particularly rewarding breakfast experience.
In the morning, there will be stalls serving rou wan hu la tang or zenggao. Later, you can find paomo, beef and lamb skewers, and other local eateries.
If you only have one day in Xi’an, it may be easier to focus on more central food areas. With two or three days, save Sajinqiao for a more local food experience.
Bell & Drum Tower Area (钟楼、鼓楼周边): A Convenient Food Stop While Sightseeing
The Bell and Drum Tower Area may not offer the most authentic flavor, but it’s definitely one of the most convenient places to hunt for Xi’an cuisine.
If your day includes the Xi’an City Wall, Bell Tower, and Drum Tower, eating nearby for lunch or dinner saves time and unnecessary detours.
For first-time visitors with a tight schedule, this is often more practical than traveling far just to find a popular food spot.
Yongxingfang (永兴坊): Good for Sampling Different Shaanxi Foods
Yongxingfang brings together many snacks from different parts of Shaanxi, making it convenient for travelers who want to sample more regional foods in one place.
It may not be where Xi’an locals would go dining every day, but it is ideal when time is limited and you want a broader taste of Xi’an cuisine without visiting several areas.
Xi’an Food Tips for International Travelers
Not All Xi’an Food Is Spicy.
Chili oil is commonly used in Xi’an food, particularly in some noodles, but the flavors are different from the numbing and spicy flavors often associated with Sichuan or Chongqing food.
If you cannot handle spicy food, simply say “少辣 (shǎo là),” “不辣 (bú là),” or “不要辣 (bú yào là).” “少辣 (shǎo là)” means less spicy, and the latter two mean non-spicy.
Halal Food Is Easy to Find.
Xi’an is one of the best cities to find halal food in China. There are many renowned halal restaurants in and around the Muslim Quarter.
Vegetarians Should Double-Check the Ingredients.
Some dishes, such as liangpi and noodles, may look vegetarian, as you won’t directly spot any because they contain no obvious pieces of meat.
However, the sauce, toppings, or soup base may still contain animal-based ingredients. If you are a strict vegetarian, make sure to explain your dietary needs before ordering.
Go Early for a Traditional Breakfast.
If you want to try what locals eat for breakfast, it is better to head out early. Hu la tang and zenggao are often sold in the morning, and some traditional breakfast shops may close once they sell out for the day.
Keep Chinese Dish Names on Your Phone.
Some small local restaurants may not have English menus. Saving the Chinese names of dishes such as 肉夹馍, 牛肉泡馍, 小炒, 凉皮, and Biangbiang面 on your phone can make ordering much easier, especially when exploring local Xi’an street food spots.
How to Fit Xi’an Food to Your Itinerary
Experiencing Xi’an food is easy to combine with a day of sightseeing, so you do not need to set aside extra time just to search for a specific place to eat. In the old city area, a simple route works well:
Xi’an City Wall → Bell Tower → Drum Tower → Muslim Quarter and Surrounding Streets
For lunch, try roujiamo, liangpi, or Biangbiang mian. In the evening, continue to the Muslim Quarter and stop for beef and lamb skewers, guantang bao, or other local snacks.
If you want to save more time but still try some of Xi’an’s best-known local dishes, China Xian Tour can also plan convenient food stops along your sightseeing route, so you can try local dishes while such as the Terracotta Warriors and Xi’an City Wall.
There is no need to chase every “must-try” spot. Slow down your pace, grab something good along the way, take your time exploring, and you are more likely to discover the you may get a better sense of how locals actually eat in Xi’an.
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.
Embark on Your Xi’an Food Adventure with China Xian Tour
We are a Xi’an-based company that knows all the ins and outs of this city, from history to culture and all its best food spots. Besides visiting the Terracotta Warriors and the Ancient City Wall, we will take you to try authentic local dishes.
With China Xian Tour, you can enjoy a well-organized itinerary, local guidance, and reliable transportation. Let our professional local guides and drivers share with you the most authentic and flavorful side of Xi’an.
