🇨🇳 Xi'an Food Guide — Dishes, Street Food & Dining

When visiting Xi'an, be sure to try the local specialties, including Liuxiang Yangrou (Lamb in a Pit) and Roujiamo (Chinese Hamburger), which showcase the city's unique blend of Chinese and Middle Eastern flavors.

Food Culture Overview

Xi'an's cuisine is a unique blend of Chinese and Middle Eastern flavors, reflecting the city's strategic location at the eastern end of the Silk Road. The city's culinary traditions have been shaped by the interactions between Chinese, Muslim, and other ethnic groups, resulting in a distinctive flavor profile that is both spicy and savory. Xi'an's cuisine is also known for its use of cumin, coriander, and chili peppers, which add depth and warmth to many dishes. Regional variations within Shaanxi province, where Xi'an is located, also contribute to the city's rich culinary diversity.

The history of Xi'an's cuisine dates back to the Tang Dynasty, when the city was a major center of trade and cultural exchange. The city's cooks developed a range of dishes that incorporated ingredients and spices from other parts of Asia, including mutton, lamb, and noodles. Today, Xi'an's cuisine remains deeply rooted in its history and cultural heritage, with many traditional dishes still made using time-honored techniques and ingredients.

Xi'an's food culture is also closely tied to its street food scene, which offers a wide range of delicious and affordable options. From Roujiamo (Chinese Hamburger) to Liuxiang Yangrou (Lamb in a Pit), the city's street food vendors serve up a variety of tasty dishes that showcase the city's culinary diversity. Whether you're in the mood for something spicy, savory, or sweet, Xi'an's street food scene has something to offer.

Must-Try Dishes

Street Food & Snacks

• Roujiamo: Chinese hamburger made with braised pork and served in a crispy bun (approximately $1.50 USD)
• Liuxiang Yangrou: Lamb cooked in a pit with cumin and coriander (approximately $3.00 USD)
• Biangbiang Noodles: Hand-pulled noodles served with spicy sauce and vegetables (approximately $2.00 USD)
• Huaxi Beef: Braised beef dish made with soy sauce, sugar, and spices (approximately $5.00 USD)
• Qishan Minced Meat Pie: Savory pastry filled with minced meat and spices (approximately $1.00 USD)
• Youpo Cheese: Traditional Shaanxi dessert made with cheese, honey, and nuts (approximately $2.00 USD)
• Fried Dough Sticks: Crispy fried dough sticks sprinkled with sugar (approximately $0.50 USD)
• Sweet Potato Cakes: Sweet potato cakes made with mashed sweet potatoes and spices (approximately $1.00 USD)

Drinks

• Xi'an Tea: Local tea made with green tea leaves and spices (approximately $1.00 USD)
• Chinese Beer: Local beer made with rice, barley, and hops (approximately $2.00 USD)
• Rice Wine: Traditional Chinese wine made with fermented rice (approximately $5.00 USD)
• Fresh Juice: Freshly squeezed juice made with local fruits such as orange, apple, and grape (approximately $2.00 USD)
• Soy Milk: Traditional Chinese beverage made with soybeans and water (approximately $1.00 USD)
• Ginseng Tea: Herbal tea made with ginseng roots and spices (approximately $2.00 USD)

Dining Customs

• Table Manners: Wait for the host to invite you to sit down, and do not start eating until the host has begun
• Chopstick Etiquette: Hold chopsticks correctly, with the top chopstick between your thumb and index finger, and the bottom chopstick between your middle finger and ring finger
• Tipping: Not expected, but 5-10% is appreciated for good service
• Dress Code: Casual dress is acceptable, but dress modestly when visiting temples or mosques
• Reservation: Reservations are recommended for popular restaurants, especially during peak travel seasons
• Eating with Locals: Be prepared to try new foods and drinks, and show respect for local customs and traditions

Where to Eat

• Muslim Quarter: A historic neighborhood with a wide range of restaurants and street food stalls serving traditional Xi'an cuisine
• Local Restaurants: Family-run restaurants serving traditional Shaanxi dishes, such as Liuxiang Yangrou and Roujiamo
• Food Courts: Modern food courts with a variety of vendors serving different types of cuisine, including Chinese, Korean, and Japanese
• Street Food Stalls: Informal vendors serving street food, such as Roujiamo and Fried Dough Sticks
• Night Markets: Evening markets with a wide range of food vendors, including Barbecue and Fresh Fruit

Food Markets & Food Experiences

• Muslim Quarter Night Market: A bustling night market with a wide range of food vendors, including Barbecue and Fresh Fruit (located in the Muslim Quarter)
• Xi'an Food Street: A dedicated food street with a variety of restaurants and street food stalls serving traditional Xi'an cuisine (located in the city center)
• Shaanxi Provincial Museum Food Court: A modern food court with a variety of vendors serving traditional Shaanxi dishes, including Liuxiang Yangrou and Roujiamo (located in the Shaanxi Provincial Museum)
• Xi'an Grand Mosque Market: A historic market with a wide range of food vendors, including Halal options and traditional Shaanxi dishes (located in the Xi'an Grand Mosque)
• Tang Dynasty Food Experience: A themed restaurant with a range of traditional Tang Dynasty dishes, including Pita Bread Soaked in Mutton Soup and Biangbiang Noodles (located in the city center)