Zeng Gao, An Unique Xian Local Food

Written by Clementine | Updated March 03,2026

Zeng Gao is a unique and traditional snack in Xi’an City. Besides Liangpi (cold skin noodles), Yangrou Paomo (Crumbled Flatbread in Mutton Stew) and Rou Jia Mo (Chinese Hamburger), it’s definitely another star on the list of Xi’an Food or What-to-eat-in-Xi’an. Numerous tourists would like to have a try when they travel in Xi’an.

Zeng Gao is more like a dessert, which uses glutinous rice and red jujube as raw materials, sometimes also adding red kidney beans, azuki beans, honey-preserved dates and raisins to enrich the flavor.

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• History of Zeng Gao
• Where to Get the Authentic Zeng Gao in Xian?
• What Does Zeng Gao Taste Like?
• Cultural Context: Why Locals Love Zeng Gao
• How to Make Zeng Gao at Home
• Explore More of Xian Flavors with China Xian Tour

History of Zeng Gao

Zeng Gao has a long history that can be traced back to the Tang Dynasty (618–907), when Xi’an (then Chang’an) was the capital of China. Its name comes from the ancient steaming vessel called a “Zeng”, a perforated container used for steaming grains as early as the Neolithic period.

The snack evolved from earlier rice cakes such as fen ci in the pre-Qin period and gradually took its modern form during the Tang Dynasty, when jujube and glutinous rice were steamed together. Historical records suggest that dishes served at imperial banquets, such as the Tang-era Crystal Dragon and Phoenix Cake, shared similarities with today’s Zeng Gao.

Traditionally, Zeng Gao was steamed for several hours in ceramic or iron zengs, requiring careful control of water and heat. While modern households now use steamers or rice cookers, many vendors in Shaanxi still believe ceramic zengs produce the best texture and aroma.

Where to Get the Authentic Zeng Gao in Xian?

1. Dongnanya (Southeast Asia) Zeng Gao 东南亚甑糕

The store can be found in the prosperous Muslim Quarter, more specifically, at the crossroad of Xiyangshi Street and North Guangji Street. Although not very large, it is always crowded with customers.

Tips: Muslim Quarter is rich in restaurants selling authentic Xi’an cuisines. After tasting Zeng Gao, you can also feast yourself with other snacks to make your Xi’an food tour more enjoyable.

2. Ma Wenzhang Pangzi (Fatty) Zeng Gao 马文章胖子甑糕

The owner learnt the craft from his elder generation. He doesn’t open a store, only selling Zeng Gao on a mobile stall setting up on his tricycle. People always find him at the crossroad of Sajinqiao Road and Laowu Alley, also a part of Muslim Quarter.

However, if you want to sample Pangzi Zeng Gao, you need to get there in the early morning because his Zeng Gao is so popular a staple for breakfast that all of it will be sold out before 9 a.m.

Most Street Stalls Are Actually Very Good

You don’t need to chase only “famous” names. Many roadside Zeng Gao stalls are excellent, especially those surrounded by local customers. These versions may be slightly firmer, less sweet, and easier to eat on the go.

Food Streets Where Zeng Gao Is Easy to Find

• Sajinqiao Area (near Sajinqiao Metro Station)
• Muslim Quarter side streets (not just the main avenue)
• Residential lanes near city walls
• If locals are lining up in the early morning, it’s usually a safe bet.

What Does Zeng Gao Taste Like?

Zeng Gao is typically soft and sticky in texture, and it tastes gently sweet without being too sugary. Since it will go through a long steaming process, the glutinous rice can eventually become extremely tender—almost melting in the mouth—while the red dates add natural sweetness and fragrance.

Different stalls offer slightly different textures:

• Some versions are ultra-soft and creamy.
• Others have more bite. They would have firmer rice and beans to hold their shape.
• Good Zeng Gao remains pleasant and not greasyeven when cooled.

Cultural Context: Why Locals Love Zeng Gao

Zeng Gao has long been a classic breakfast option in Xi’an and the Guanzhong region. In the past, vendors usually prepared it overnight, then headed out before dawn to sell it. And people can easily find them on the streets cause they sell Zeng Gao in carts or small stalls. Office workers, market goers, and students would buy a portion on the way to start their day.

Today, Zeng Gao is less of a daily staple and more of a traditional snack or dessert, especially popular with visitors who want a typical Xi’an taste. Still, in local neighborhoods, you’ll see residents buying it early in the morning, especially in winter and spring when warm, sticky foods are most comforting. Such culture just never change.

Because it’s made from rice and dates—both considered nourishing ingredients—Zeng Gao has long been viewed as warming, filling, and suitable for all ages.

How to Make Zeng Gao at Home

1. Soak glutinous rice and kidney beans overnight;
2. Steam jujube for about 20 minutes so that the cores can be easily removed;
3. Put all the ingredients into the steam pot following a certain order:

• bottom layer: glutinous rice
• the 2^nd layer: jujube
• the 3^rd layer: glutinous rice
• the 4^th layer: kidney beans
• the 5^th layer: glutinous rice
• top layer: jujube, sugar

4. Add water to cover the top layer, and then steam it for 4-5 hours to get the perfect Zeng Gao.

Explore More of Xian Flavors with China Xian Tour

Xi’an’s grand history and cultural heritage has attracted millions of visitors every year, but beyond that, it’s incredible local foods are also one of the major highlights that can leave people with a great impression. Except for Zeng Gao, the famous Pita Bread Soaked in Beef/Lamb Soup or Biangbiang noodle and more are all typical Xi’an flavors that you cannot miss. Traveling with  China Xian Tour allows you to try all these incredible local food while also explore Xi’an’s historical and cultural wonders. We provide all kinds of services you may expect, such as customized itineraries and professional local guides. Let us take care of all the arrangements, so you can simply enjoy the journey and focus on discovering the true charm of Xian.