Xian not only has a rich historical and cultural heritage, but its cuisine is also famous throughout the country. After visiting the Terracotta Warriors, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, City Wall and other scenic spots during Xian tours, don’t forget to taste food in the well-known Muslim Quarter, Yongxingfang, Sajin Bridge and local restaurants to enjoy a unique gourmet feast.Let’s check out some famous Xian foods, which are delicious and inexpensive. From meat burgers and pita bread soaked in lamb soup to a wide selection of noodles, there is bound to be one that fits your taste.
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Top 10 Must-try Foods in Xian
1. Roujiamo (Chinese Hamburger )
- Estimated Cost: CNY 8 – 20/USD 1 – 3
- Recommended restaurants: Laofanjia (老樊家肉夹馍), Qinyu (秦豫肉夹馍), and Ziwulu Zhangji (子午路张记肉夹馍)
As a famous Xian food, Roujiamo originated in the Warring States period and is known as the “Chinese Hamburger”. In 2016, it was included in the fifth batch of the intangible cultural heritage list of Shaanxi Province.
Roujiamo is mainly composed of stewed pork with moderate fat and lean meat, and Baiji bread or Old Tongguan puff pastry with half-leavened dough. Its characteristic is that the hot bread sandwiches are filled with brightly colored, soft and mellow chopped pork meat. When eaten together, they leave a rich, savory flavor that lingers after every bite.
2. Cold Noodles (Liangpi)
- Estimated Cost: CNY 8 – 15/USD 1 – 2
- Recommended restaurants: Weijia Liangpi (魏家凉皮), Xue Changli rice noodles (薛昌利大米面皮), Sheng Zhiwang Majiang Liangpi (盛志望麻酱酿皮)
Steamed Cold Noodles (Liangpi) is a traditional famous food in Xian, which is mainly made of wheat flour, rice noodles or other starches. It tastes sour, spicy and delicious, and is very appetizing. Especially in the hot summer, Liangpi attracts many diners with its unique taste.
A wide variety of liangpi can be found, all of which feature different production methods, and different mixing styles and tastes. Here are the common types:
- Majiang Liangpi: uses sesame paste as the main seasoning, with a strong aroma
- Qinzhen Rice Liangpi: a smooth and refreshing taste, drizzled with fragrant but not spicy chili oil
- Hanzhong Hot Mianpi: served warm, soft and tender
- Qishan Rolling Mianpi: firm, dense, and extra chewy
Feast on Xian's legendary street food while exploring Terracotta Warriors, the ancient City Wall, and vibrant night markets.
3. Pita Bread Soaked in Beef/Lamb Soup
- Estimated Cost: CNY 25- 40/USD 4 – 6
- Recommended restaurants: Laosunjia (老孙家泡馍), Laomijia (老米家泡馍), or Tongshengxiang (同盛祥)
Pita Bread Soaked in Beef/Lamb Soup (牛羊肉泡馍) has a long-standing reputation and is undoubtedly one of the most representative delicacies in Xian. Due to its stomach-warming and hunger-satisfying properties, it is always loved by people in Xian and northwest China.
Once seated in the restaurant, you’ll be presented with a white flour flatbread. The ritual begins as you slowly tear the bread into the size of a fingernail. Then, the chef takes over. He will add some cooked beef or mutton, pour the soup stock over it, and pair it with fungus, vermicelli, scallions, etc. When eating, add some spicy sauce, sweet garlic, and occasionally take a sip of “Ice Peak”, a popular local orange-flavored soda. It’s really unique and delicious!
4. Biangbiang Noodles
- Estimated Cost: CNY 15- 30/USD 2 – 4
- Recommended restaurants: Ai Hua Ku Dai Mian Guan (爱骅裤带面馆), Lao Li Jia Biangbiang Mian (老李家 biangbiang 面)
Biangbiang noodles is a famous Xian food, named after the “biáng” sound produced during preparation. This type of noodles is as wide and long as waist belts, and a basin-like bowl usually contains only two or three extra-wide noodles.
Before consumption, soy sauce, vinegar and other seasonings are added as sauce. Hot oil is poured over chili powder, chopped scallions, and minced garlic; and with a sizzling sound, it immediately boils. After stirring, the bowl is filled with redness, making the noodles chewy and spicy, with a perfect flavor of northwest China. It is enjoyable to pair it with a bowl of noodle soup.
5. Meatball Hulatang
- Estimated Cost: CNY 5- 15/USD 1 – 2
- Recommended restaurants: Xing Laosan (邢老三胡辣汤), Liu Laohu (刘老虎肉丸胡辣汤)
Meatball Hulatang (肉丸胡辣汤) is a special breakfast in Xian. Another elegant name for it is Eight-Treasure Soup, meaning it has a great many ingredients.
The soup is made with beef and mutton bones, which is rich and delicious. Freshly-made round and bouncy beef balls are added. Besides, there are also potato chunks, cabbage, carrot chunks, beans, fungus, peanuts and other ingredients. It is seasoned with a large amount of pepper and then thickened. Locals prefer to enjoy it with pancakes or roujiamo.
6. Hulu Chicken
- Estimated Cost: CNY 68- 100 /USD 10 – 17
- Recommended restaurants:Zui Chang’an (醉长安), Chang’an Large Food Stall (长安大排档), Xian Restaurant (西安饭庄)
Hulu Chicken (Gourd-shaped Chicken) is a traditional, famous Xian food of the Han Chinese. It originated in the Tang Dynasty and is known as the “First Flavor of Chang’an”.
The characteristics of this dish are golden color, crispy skin, tender meat, fragrant and mellow taste, and the bones can be easily removed with just a poke of a chopstick. Its production process includes three steps: boiling, steaming, and frying. When served, a small plate of pepper salt is offered on the side.
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.
7. Soup Dumplings
- Estimated Cost: CNY10- 25/USD 1 – 4
- Recommended restaurants: Jiasan Soup Dumplings (贾三灌汤包), Masan Soup Dumplings (马三汤包)
Soup dumplings (灌汤包) are a famous snack in China. In addition to its beautiful and glossy surface, its filling is also exquisite and unique. You can expect halal-style fillings of either beef or mutton. With a gentle bite, the hot soup overflows into your mouth, and the fragrance lingers on the tip of your tongue. When eating soup dumplings, take a small bite first to taste the flavorful broth inside.
9. Hot and Sour Soup Dumplings
- Estimated Cost: CNY 15- 25/USD 2 – 4
- Recommended restaurants: Ma’er Hot and Sour Soup Dumplings (马二酸汤水饺)
Dumplings can be found all over China, but the hot and sour soup dumplings (酸汤水饺) is a famous Xian food. Pork filling, lamb filling, and seafood filling are all available, with lamb filling being the most popular. The dumplings are generally handmade and feature a large filling, thin skin, and more meat. It is freshly prepared as ordered. The soup is fiery red, glistening with chili oil. Taking a sip, you’ll find it is sour, spicy, steaming hot, and has a strong aroma.
In addition, the Xian Dumpling Banquet has a variety of ingredients, different flavors, and beautiful shapes, which has been highly appreciated by Chinese and foreign guests. Recommended Restaurant: Defachang (德发长)
9. Minced Pork Noodles
- Estimated Cost: CNY 12- 18/USD 2 – 3
- Recommended restaurants: Yong Ming Qi Shan Mian (永明岐山面), Yong Feng Qi Shan Mia (永丰岐山面)
Minced noodles (臊子面) are a traditional famous Xian food, unique to the Guanzhong region of Shaanxi. Saozi (toppings) is made by stir-frying pork, eggs, fungus, tofu, carrots and other ingredients, with rich colors and balanced nutrition. The soup is rich and mellow, good-looking and tasty.
Qishan Minced Noodles is the most famous, which is characterized by its long and thin noodles, uniform thickness, fresh and fragrant flavor, and sour and spicy soup taste.
10. Desserts
Persimmon Cake
- Estimated Cost: CNY 2- 10/USD 1
- Recommended restaurants: Yi Gu Zhai Huang Gui Shi Zi Bing (伊古斋黄桂柿子饼), Lao Xu Jia Shi Zi Bing (老徐家柿子饼)
Crystal Persimmon Cake (黄桂柿饼) is a “Chinese Famous Snack”. It uses persimmons and flour as the skin, and is filled with different fillings such as five kernels, walnut, osmanthus, rose, etc. The surface is golden and the taste is sweet and fragrant. Remember to eat while it’s hot for the best flavor. Reminder: A little high in calories~
Glutinous Rice Cake (Zeng Gao)
- Estimated Cost: CNY 5- 15/USD 1 – 2
- Where to eat: street stalls in the Muslim Quarter
Cake Caldron (甑糕) is a traditional famous Xian food/snack, made by steaming glutinous rice, red dates or honey dates, and red beans in an iron steamer. Zeng Gao has a long history, with excellent shape and color, moderate softness and hardness, sweetness and stickiness, and a rich and mellow taste. As a breakfast or dessert, especially in the cold winter, a serving of Cake Caldron can bring warmth to you.
Apart from the above famous Xian food, there are also Jello Stew with Rice Noodles, Steamed Pork with Rice Flour, Buckwheat Noodles (Qiaomian Heluo), Basin Mutton, Mille Feuille, Lamb Kebab, Guokui, Crispy Fried Noodles, Youcha Mahua, Honey Glutinous Rice, etc.
In Xian, the air is filled with the strong aroma of various delicious foods, and every bite is a taste of history and cultural heritage, making you feel the authentic flavor of Xian. Welcome to start a Xian food tour to explore this food paradise!
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.
Where to Eat in Xian
If you want to taste authentic Xi’an food, here are some of the best food streets to go:
Muslim Quarter – This is the most famous food street in Xi’an, and no matter what knid of Xi’an snack you’re looking for, her you can find all of them: Roujiamo, Liangpi, and lamb skewers. It’s will bring you into the most lively and colorful moment if Xi’an and perfect for street food lovers.
Yongxingfang -History leaves its ever-lasting traces on this “ancient-style” design, while local delicacies has added a new sense to its soul. Just going inside Zhongshan Gate of Xi’an City Wall, Yongxingfang, you’ll find yourself standing in a lively food and culture street, where Shaanxi snacks, folk arts, and performances like Qin Opera and shadow puppetry will all come on stage in order.
Sajin Bridge – Sajin Bridge is one of the most lively night markets you can find in Xi’an, and it’s lined with food stalls serving Muslim-style and Shaanxi snacks. If you want to enjoy your night and your food in a more local, authentic vibe, Sajin Bridge will then be the perfect destination for you ,and the best thing is it is conveniently close to Sajin Bridge Metro Station.
Dongxin Street – Located just east of Xincheng Square, Dongxin Street Street is one of Xi’an’s oldest night market clusters, the number of stalls and the range of food choices will go beyond your imagination.
Embark on Your Xian Food Adventure with China Xian Tour
Planning a Xian food and history tour? Then you’ve come to the right place. We are a Xian-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 real local dishes.
With China Xian Tour, you will be guaranteed a well-organized itinerary and reliable service. Let our professional local guides and drivers share with you the most authentic and flavorful side of Xian.
Wander Xian's hidden alleys hunting for Biangbiang noodles and Yangrou Paomo, then overnight in a 200-year-old traditional cave dwelling in the Shaanxi countryside.
FAQs about Xi’an Food
How does the food in Xi’an reflect Silk Road cultural influences?
Xi’an, once the country’s capital and also the starting point of the Silk Road, it has greatly absorbed flavors and cooking techniques from Central Asia and the Middle East. And that’s why dishes like lamb soup, kebabs, and cumin-seasoned foods can have such a unique and unshakable place in Xi’an’s menu, and all of them can show a blend of Chinese and Islamic culinary traditions.
What beverages are traditionally paired with Xi’an street foods?
One of most iconic and famous local food paring is spicy liangpi, roujiamo and Ice Peak (a local brand of orange soda). Tea, especially jasmine tea, is also commonly served to balance the heavy and rich flavors brought by dishes like kebabs.
Are Xi’an foods mostly eaten as street food or in restaurants?
Both! Many specialties like Roujiamo, Liangpi, and skewers are best enjoyed as street food, but dishes like Hulu Chicken or dumpling banquets are usually eaten in restaurants.
How do Muslim Quarter specialties differ from other parts of Xi’an’s food scene?
Muslim Quarter cuisine typically follows halal traditions, so that you can only find beef and lamb dishes instead of those based on pork. Also, they will usually have stronger flavors, with more use of cumin, chili, and fragrant spices, creating a distinct taste compared with other Xi’an neighborhoods.
