Xi'an Food Guide
Xi’an is not only a thousand-year-old ancient capital but also a paradise for carb lovers.
Xi’an food is characterized by its sour and spicy flavors, which are influenced by the local climate. Dishes with this flavor profile help people cool off, quench their thirst, and boost their appetite, making them very popular in Xi’an. Notable dishes include sour soup dumplings, spicy sour noodles, and sour pork intestines.
The food scene in Xian also incorporates culinary traditions from nearby regions. For instance, the Muslim snacks on Huimin Street combine Han and Hui elements, featuring dishes like beef and lamb paomo and grilled meat. Xi’an cuisine emphasizes fresh ingredients and rich textures, using plenty of spices and seasonings such as scallions, ginger, garlic, Sichuan peppercorns, and star anise to create bold and aromatic flavors. Representative dishes include lamb paomo, gourd head, and spicy hot pot.
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Xi'an Specialties
Biangbiang Noodles (Biangbiang面)
Biangbiang noodles get their name from the sound “biang, biang” made during their preparation. They have a unique texture, with chewy and elastic noodles complemented by a spicy, flavorful broth. Each bite offers a rich taste of Shaanxi cuisine. In Xi’an, Biangbiang noodles are not just a dish; they are a cultural symbol. Many locals have grown up eating them, forming a deep emotional connection to this noodle dish.
Biangbiang noodles are also highly nutritious, containing abundant protein, dietary fiber, and carbohydrates. These nutrients help boost immunity, promote digestion, and regulate metabolism.
Roujiamo (Meat Sandwich) (肉夹馍)
Roujiamo is one of Xi’an’s most famous street snacks, often called the “Chinese hamburger.” This dish dates back to the Qin and Han dynasties, boasting a history of over a thousand years. Roujiamo consists of two main components: braised meat and a type of flatbread called “bai ji mo.” These two ingredients complement each other perfectly, enhancing their flavors to the fullest.
Saazi Noodles (臊子面)
Saazi noodles have a long history, with “saazi” referring to diced meat. The dish is known for its vibrant colors. It features ingredients like yellow egg crepes, black wood ear mushrooms, red carrots, green garlic sprouts, and white tofu, making it both visually appealing and delicious. Saazi noodles are not only a local specialty in Xi’an but also come in many varieties, with Qishan saazi noodles being the most authentic.
Gourd Chicken (葫芦鸡)
Gourd chicken originated in the Tang dynasty and has a history of over a thousand years. It is characterized by its golden-red color, crispy skin, tender meat, and rich flavors, making it a representative dish of Xi’an cuisine. Often referred to as “the number one dish of Chang’an,” it also has a place at state banquets in China.
Lamb Paomo (羊肉泡馍)
Lamb paomo is a traditional dish from Xi’an, often hailed as “the top food of Xi’an.” Its warming and filling qualities make it a favorite among locals. The preparation process is meticulous, involving steps like baking the flatbread, boiling the meat, slicing it, and cooking the bread in the broth. Before eating, customers tear the bread into small pieces, allowing the flavors to soak in beautifully.
Beef Pancake (牛肉饼)
Beef pancakes are known for their golden color, crispy exterior, tender interior, and rich yet not greasy flavor. The preparation process is visually appealing, showcasing skill and attention to detail at every step, from kneading the dough to pan-frying. The result is a dish that is both beautiful and delicious.
Persimmon Cake (柿子饼)
Persimmon cake is one of the top ten famous snacks in Xi’an, with its main ingredient being persimmons. It has a history of over 300 years, and visitors who try it often rave about its delightful flavor.
Grilled Skewers (烤肉串)
Grilled skewers in Xi’an originated from Xinjiang and were later refined by the locals, resulting in a unique flavor. In Xi’an, you can find a variety of grilled skewers, ranging from traditional family-style barbecues to modern commercial grilling spots, each with its own charm. Enjoying grilled skewers is also a social activity, where friends and family gather to grill and eat together.
Cold Noodles (Liangpi) (凉皮)
Cold noodles, or liangpi, are not only a refreshing summer dish for locals in Xi’an but also a must-try for visitors. Said to date back over 2,000 years to the Qin dynasty, liangpi is often served with toppings like shredded cucumber, bean sprouts, and gluten. It’s a cool and tasty treat perfect for hot summer days.
Steamed Rice Cake (Zenggao) (甑糕)
Steamed rice cake, or zenggao, is made from glutinous rice and either red dates or honey dates. It is known for its rich date flavor and soft, sticky sweetness, making it a favorite among local residents.
Xi'an Food Destinations
The Muslim Quarter (Hui Min Street) (Chinese name: 回民街)
Huimin Street is a famous food culture district in Xi’an. Its history dates back to the late Northern Song to early Southern Song dynasties when it became a hub for the Hui people. This area is not only a hotspot for local snacks like roujiamo, lamb paomo, liangpi, and Qishan noodles, but it also features several mosques, such as the Huajue Alley Mosque and the Guangji Street Mosque, preserving the original religious traditions and lifestyles.
Yongxingfang (永兴坊)
Yongxingfang brings together the unique flavors of Shaanxi province. In addition to the diverse food options, Yongxingfang also showcases many traditional handicrafts, such as horse ladle masks, paper-cutting, wheat straw art, and shadow puppetry.
Sa Jin Qiao (洒金桥)
Sa Jin Qiao is home to a variety of authentic Xi’an snacks, such as lamb paomo and liangpi. The buildings along the street are mostly traditional residences and shops, preserving the architectural style of the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Qiulin Food Street (秋林美食街)
Qiulin Food Street is located in Xi’an’s Qiulin Company, a historic department store famous for its food court on the first floor. As you enter the food street, you’re surrounded by enticing aromas from all directions, with vendors busy preparing a variety of special dishes. Here, you’ll find traditional bone soup paomo, roujiamo, stir-fried liangpi, grilled cold noodles, gourd chicken, and saazi noodles, among other local specialties. Whether you prefer bold flavors or lighter tastes, there’s something to satisfy everyone.
Xi'an Time-Honored Restaurants
Enjoying authentic Xi’an cuisine during your travel in Xi’an.
Xi'an Restaurant · Intangible Cultural Heritage (Bell Tower Branch) 西安饭庄·非遗(钟楼店)
Founded in 1929, Xi’an Restaurant is one of the first hotels to receive the prestigious “Chinese Time-Honored Brand” title. Over nearly a century of development, it has witnessed many significant historical events and has hosted prominent Chinese leaders such as Zhou Enlai and Ye Jianying. Additionally, international dignitaries, including former North Korean leader Kim Il-sung and Czech President Václav Klaus, have also dined here.
Address:
1st Floor, Xi’an Bell Tower Hotel, 110 South Street
南大街110号西安钟楼饭店1楼
Hours:
Monday to Sunday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Average Spend:
116 CNY (≈ $16) per person
Lao Sun Jia Restaurant (Dongguan Branch) 老孙家饭庄(东关店)
Founded in 1898, Lao Sun Jia Restaurant has a history of over 120 years. Its specialty is halal cuisine, featuring dishes like lamb paomo, spicy grilled beef, red oil tripe, pearl fish balls, and braised oxtail. These dishes are not only delicious but have also won national gold awards in China.
Address:
3rd Floor, 78 Dongguan Zheng Street
东关正街78号老孙家3层
Hours:
Monday to Sunday: 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Average Spend:
56 CNY (≈ $8) per person
Defachang Dumpling Restaurant (Bell Tower Branch) 德发长饺子(钟楼店)
Defachang is a long-established Chinese time-honored brand, founded in 1936. It is renowned for offering the largest variety, scale, and highest quality of special dumpling banquets. In 2010, Defachang set a Guinness World Record by showcasing 318 different types of dumplings, becoming the restaurant with the most varieties of dumplings in the world.
Address:
Defachang Hotel, 3 West Street
西大街3号德发长酒店
Hours:
Monday to Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Average Spend:
90 CNY (≈ $12) per person
Chun Fa Sheng Restaurant (Nanyuanmen Branch) 春发生饭店(南院门店)
Chun Fa Sheng is a time-honored restaurant in Xi’an, established in 1920. It is famous for its local specialty, “gourd head paomo,” and is the only state-owned restaurant in Xi’an. Here, you can enjoy the most authentic dishes, including noodle soup with lamb’s blood, Five Elements health dishes, and Han-Tang wellness banquets.
Address:
25 Nanyuanmen
南院门25号
Hours:
Monday to Thursday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Friday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Average Spend:
64 CNY (≈ $9) per person
Tong Sheng Xiang · Intangible Cultural Heritage (Bell Tower Branch) 同盛祥·非遗(钟楼店)
Founded in 1920, Tong Sheng Xiang has a history of over 100 years. It specializes in lamb and beef paomo, stir-fried dishes, and hot pot, and is particularly renowned for its paomo. The restaurant uses high-quality cuts of lamb and beef, freshly prepared to ensure tender and flavorful meat. Additionally, the bread is made from premium flour, resulting in a chewy and satisfying texture.
Address:
5 West Street (near the Bell Tower)
西大街5号（近钟楼）
Hours:
Monday to Sunday: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Average Spend:
55 CNY (≈ $8) per person
Chang'an Dapaidang Shaanxi History Museum Cultural Restaurant (Saige Flagship Store) 长安大牌档之陕历博文化餐厅(赛格旗舰店)
Chang’an Dapaidang is a famous restaurant located in Xi’an. It not only offers delicious food but also immerses customers in the charm of Shaanxi culture through its ambiance and performances. The restaurant’s design is inspired by famous local attractions and the street culture of Xi’an, creating a warm and uniquely regional atmosphere.
Daily performances from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM feature beautiful dancers and guzheng music. The menu includes specialties like gourd chicken, maobi pastry, the Six Small Bowls of Guanzhong, Feizi Xiao, and oil towers.
Address:
9th Area, Parking Lot, 10th Floor, Saige International Shopping Center, Xiaozhai East Road
小寨东路赛格国际购物中心10层停车场9区
Hours:
Monday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Average Spend:
50 CNY (≈ $7) per person
Zui Chang'an (Bell Tower Flagship Store) 醉长安(钟楼旗舰店)
Zui Chang’an is renowned for its rustic decor and unique Tang dynasty ambiance, making it one of the most down-to-earth dining spots in the area. The restaurant offers authentic Shaanxi cuisine while emphasizing originality in its dishes and affordability in its prices.
Address:
7 Zhuba City (next to Meihua Lize Hotel)
竹笆市7号（美豪丽致酒店旁）
Hours:
Monday to Friday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Saturday and Sunday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Average Spend:
77 CNY (≈ $11) per person
Wuyi Restaurant (Yisu Street Branch) 五一饭店(易俗街区店)
Founded in 1938, Wuyi Restaurant is a time-honored Chinese establishment known for its Huaiyang cuisine. It boasts ten signature dishes, including braised pork with jujube and pine nut stuffed pork. The restaurant welcomes over 2 million domestic and international guests each year.
Address:
26 Anban Street (from the Bell Tower Circular Road, walk straight for 100 meters on the left)
案板街26号（钟楼盘道6号口出直走100米左手旁）
Hours:
Monday to Sunday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Average Spend:
24 CNY (≈ $3) per person
