Xian Famous Foods: A List of Must-Try Delicacies in Xian

Written by Catherine | Updated September 03,2025

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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• Chinese Hamburger with Meat (Rougamo)
• Pita Bread Soaked in Beef/Lamb Soup
• Cold Noodles (Liangpi)
• Biangbiang Noodles
• Meatball Hulatang
• Hulu Chicken
• Soup Dumplings
• Hot and Sour Soup Dumplings
• Minced Noodles
• Desserts
• Where to Eat in Xian
• FAQs about Xi’an Food
• Embark on Your Xian Food Adventure with China Xian Tour

Chinese Hamburger with Meat (Rougamo)

Roujiamo (Shaanxi Sandwich) is a famous Xian food/snack, originating in the Warring States period and known as the “Chinese Hamburger”. In 2016, it was included in the fifth batch of 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 brightly colored, soft and mellow chopped pork meat. When eaten together, the meat aroma and bread crispiness have an endless aftertaste.

As a famous Xian food, Roujiamo was once selected for the documentary “A Bite of China”. Laofanjia, Qinyu, and Ziwulu Zhangji Roujiamo are all highly-respected old restaurants in Xian with an average consumption of about RMB 20 per person.

Pita Bread Soaked in Beef/Lamb Soup

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 tolerance effect, it is always loved by people in Xian and northwest China. Pita Bread Soaked in Beef/Lamb Soup originated in the Western Zhou Dynasty, which is not only a unique Xian cuisine, but also an important part of Xian food culture.

During your Xian travel, choose a time-honored restaurant, such as Laosunjia, Laomijia, or Tongshengxiang, pick up a white flour flatbread and slowly break the bread into the size of a fingernail. The chef 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 inhale a sip of drink “Ice Peak”. It’s really unique and delicious!

There is another type of paomo called Hulutou – Pita Bread with gourd-shaped chitterlings. It is also a traditional Xian food and has been named one of the “Top 10 Famous Snacks in Shaanxi”. Its characteristics are tender meat and fresh soup, fat but not greasy, suitable for people of all ages.

Cold Noodles (Liangpi)

Steamed Cold Noodles (Liangpi) is a traditional famous food in Xian, which is mainly made of wheat flour, or rice noodles or other starches. Liangpi has a wide range of varieties, different production methods, and different mixing features and tastes. Common types include Secret Liangpi, Majiang Liangpi, Qinzhen Rice Liangpi, Hanzhong Hot Mianpi, Qishan Rolling Mianpi, Gluten Liangpi, etc. Majiang Liangpi takes sesame paste as the main seasoning, with strong aroma; Qinzhen Rice Liangpi has a smooth and refreshing taste, while the chili oil is fragrant but not spicy; Hanzhong Hot Mianpi is hot food.

As a famous Xian street food, Liangpi is made of excellent materials, rigorous technology and exquisite seasoning. It is famous throughout the country for its “white, thin, smooth, soft, gluten and fragrance”. Cold Noodles taste sour, hot and delicious, and are very appetizing. Especially in the hot summer, Liangpi attracts many diners with its unique taste.

Recommended Restaurant: Weijia Liangpi

Biangbiang Noodles

Biangbiang noodles is a famous Xian food, named after the “biáng” sound produced during its production process. There is an old saying: “Chilli Oil Sauce Biangbiang Noodles”. Noodles are like waist belts, and chili is the main dish. With just a few words, it showcases the eating habits of the people in Guanzhong, Shaanxi who love to eat noodles. When you travel to Xian, you should try authentic Biangbiang noodles.

This type of noodles is as wide and long as waist belts, and a few noodles make up a bowl of noodles, and the bowl looks like a basin. Before consumption, soy sauce, vinegar, monosodium 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 strong and spicy, with a perfect flavor of northwest China. Some Xian restaurants also offer noodle soup. After finishing the noodles, you can drink a bowl of noodle soup, which is very enjoyable.

Meatball Hulatang

Meatball Hulatang (肉丸胡辣汤) is a special breakfast in Xian. The soup is made with beef and mutton bones, which is rich and delicious. Add freshly-made round and bouncy beef balls, and there are also potato chunks, cabbage, carrot chunks, beans, fungus, peanuts and other ingredients, seasoned with a large amount of pepper, and then thicken. When you come to Xian, don’t miss a bowl of steaming hot and spicy Meatball Hulatang in the morning, accompanied by pancakes or roujiamo. This is the favorite of Xian people, full of energy, to drive away all fatigue and start a new day!

Another elegant name of Meatball Hulatang is Eight-Treasure Soup, meaning it has a great many “contents”. Recommended Restaurants: Xing Laosan, Liu Laohu and Ma Kui Meatball Hulatang are all good choices.

Hulu Chicken

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 shed with just poking a chopstick. Its production process includes three steps: boiling, steaming, and frying. When served, a small plate of pepper salt will be included as a side dish.

Legend has it that from early on, Hulu Chicken was famous throughout Xian, and its unique production process left people amazed. In 2018, Hulu Chicken was named one of the top 10 classic dishes in Shaanxi Province, among “Chinese Cuisine”.

Hulu Chicken can be tasted in authentic Shaanxi restaurants such as Zui Chang’an (South Gate), Chang’an Large Food Stall, Xian Restaurant, Chef’s Restaurant, etc.

Soup Dumplings

Soup dumplings (灌汤包) are a famous snack in China. In addition to its beautiful and glossy surface, its content is also exquisite and unique. With a gentle bite, the hot soup overflows into your mouth, and the fragrance lingers on the tip of your tongue.

On the Xian food street, Jiasan Soup Dumplings enjoys a high reputation. It is a traditional Xian famous food, praised as the true Xian snack. This cuisine is usually filled with beef and mutton. Now Jiasan Soup Dumplings also offers three fresh fillings and vegetarian fillings to meet the tastes of more people. When eating soup dumplings, don’t rush to swallow them, but savor the deliciousness of the dumplings and the soup.

Jiasan Soup Dumplings is a time-honored Chinese brand and there are no empty seats at noon every day.

Hot and Sour Soup Dumplings

Dumplings can be found all over China, but 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. Generally handmade, freshly prepared as ordered. It features a large filling, thin skin, and more meat. When making, close both hands and squeeze the two thumbs inside to make the dumplings into a lace-like lump shape.

The hot and sour soup dumplings at the Xian night market have a unique taste. The soup in the bowl is red, and taking a sip, it is sour, spicy, steaming hot, and has a strong aroma. Recommended Restaurant: Ma’er Hot and Sour Soup Dumplings at the north entrance of Sajin Bridge

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)

Minced Noodles

Minced noodles (臊子面) are a traditional famous Xian food, unique to the Guanzhong region of Shaanxi. It originated in the Zhou Dynasty and has a history of over three thousand years. This type of noodles not only follows the custom of “longevity noodles” in the Tang Dynasty, but also plays a role in entertaining guests in various important occasions such as weddings, funerals, and festivals. Especially Qishan Noodles with Ground Pork is known for its long and thin noodles, uniform thickness, fresh and fragrant flavor, and sour and spicy soup taste.

Minced noodles is one of the most famous noodle types in Shaanxi Province. Saozi 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.

Desserts

After tasting the delicious food in Xian, what to eat when it comes to desserts?

Persimmon Cake

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~

Cake Caldron (Zeng Gao)

Cake Caldron (甑糕) is a traditional famous Xian food/snack, made by steaming glutinous rice, red dates or honey dates, and red beans on 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.

Recommended Dessert Restaurant: Shaanxi Shisan, known as the “Häagen-Dazs of Shaanxi”

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!

Where to Eat in Xian

If you want to taste authentic Xi’an food, here are some of the best places 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.

Defachang Restaurant

Defachang is one of Xi’an’s most famous dumpling restaurants, located adjacent to the Bell Tower. It has the most renowned and elaborate dumpling banquets, where you can find all shapes and colors dumpling with all types of fillings. It’s a popular destination for both tourists and locals seeking a more formal (and delicious) dining experience

Local Time-honored Restaurants

• Laosunjia (老孙家)，Tongshengxiang (同盛祥) -both have established for decades, and they are two of Xi’an’s most iconic names for beef and lamb Paomo (bread soaked in meat soup), a food that’s most iconic in Xi’an and it’s recognized as a “China Time-Honored Brand.” Its unique cooking techniques are included in the national intangible cultural heritage list.
• Ziwulu Zhangji (子午路张记) -A hugely popular modern chain best known for the typical snack Roujiamo (Chinese-style meat sandwiches). Though not a “time-honored” brand, its good taste, affordable price and many branches across Xi’an have made it a staple for both locals and visitors.

FAQs about Xi’an Food

What is the best place to have an authentic dumplings banquet in Xi’an?

If you’re looking for a Xi’an dumpling banquet, then you must go to the Defachang Restaurant. You may be actually shocked by how people can create this many types of dumplings with all different shapes, colors and fillings. And this is definitely a must-try cultural dining experience when traveling to Xi’an.

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.

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 Xian based company who knows all the ins and outs of this city, from history to culture and all its best food spots. Besides visiting Terracotta Warriors and Ancient City Wall, we will take you to try real local dishes. With China Xian Tour, you will be gauranteed a well-organized itinerary and reliable service. Let our professional local guides and drivers to share you the most authentic and flavorful side of Xian.