Xi'an Food Trip Idea
Xi'an Food FAQs
Absolutely. Xi’an has a large Muslim Hui population, and many dishes in the Muslim Quarter are halal. Popular options include beef/lamb roujiamo, beef noodles, and a variety of skewers and soups that follow Islamic dietary practices.
While traditional Shaanxi dishes are meat-heavy, vegetarians can enjoy options like liangpi (cold noodles), spicy tofu, vegetable dumplings, and stir-fried greens. Vegan options are more limited, but certain noodle shops and Buddhist vegetarian restaurants cater to plant-based diets.
A 3–4 day visit is ideal for a food-focused itinerary. This allows time to explore key culinary areas like the Muslim Quarter, take a cooking class, try traditional breakfasts and snacks, and pair your meals with cultural attractions like the Terracotta Army or City Wall.
Xi’an cuisine is flavour-forward and often uses chilli oil, garlic, vinegar, and cumin — but it’s not as tongue-numbingly spicy as Sichuan food. Many dishes are customisable, so you can ask for “bu la” (不辣 – not spicy) or “shao la” (少辣 – less spicy) if you prefer a milder taste.
In tourist-heavy areas like the Muslim Quarter or near the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, many vendors have picture menus or basic English signage. However, smaller neighbourhood stalls may not — bringing photos, translation apps, or joining a guided food tour can be helpful.
Xi'an Foods
Authentic China: Pure Experiences, No Shopping Stops.
Xian: A City Steeped in Noodles, Bread, and Spices
Xi’an, once the eastern terminus of the Silk Road and capital of 13 imperial dynasties, is not only rich in historical grandeur but also a true gastronomic paradise.
For food lovers, this city offers an intoxicating blend of flavours influenced by centuries of trade, migration, and cultural fusion. the city was a hub where Middle Eastern spices met Chinese cooking traditions. The result is a cuisine known for bold flavours, generous use of garlic, vinegar, cumin, and chilli, and a strong emphasis on dough-based dishes — perfect for those who enjoy savoury, satisfying meals.
From hearty street snacks to delicately spiced hand-pulled noodles, Xi’an’s cuisine is an unmissable highlight of any China tour.
1
Must-Try Xi’an Specialties
Biang Biang Noodles (油泼扯面)
Wide, hand-pulled noodles tossed with chilli oil, vinegar, garlic, and seasonal greens.
Named after the “biang” sound made when slapping the dough on the counter.
Roujiamo (肉夹馍)
Often dubbed the “Chinese hamburger”, this features shredded, slow-cooked pork (or beef/lamb in halal versions) in a crispy flatbread. A street food staple.
Yangrou Paomo (羊肉泡馍)
A hearty lamb soup with hand-torn flatbread chunks soaked in the broth. Expect deep, comforting flavours. Traditionally eaten with pickled garlic and chilli paste.
Liangpi (凉皮)
Cold, slippery wheat or rice noodles served with a tangy, spicy sauce and often topped with julienned vegetables and gluten chunks.
Qishan Saozi Mian (岐山臊子面)
A thin, sour-spicy noodle soup made with finely diced pork, potatoes, carrots, and tofu, often enjoyed for breakfast.
Persimmon Cakes (柿子饼)
Sweet, pan-fried pastries made from glutinous rice and mashed persimmon, filled with black sesame paste or red bean.
Lamb Skewers (羊肉串)
Sweet, pan-fried pastries made from glutinous rice and mashed persimmon, filled with black sesame paste or red bean.
More about Xi'an
Exploring the Muslim Quarter
No Xi’an food trip is complete without a visit to the bustling Muslim Quarter (回民街), located just behind the Drum Tower.
This historic district is home to the Hui ethnic minority, whose Islamic faith and centuries of culinary heritage have shaped much of Xi’an’s food scene.
Here you’ll find sizzling lamb skewers (kebabs), nut-stuffed pastries, hand-pulled noodles, and fragrant cumin-infused delicacies — all cooked before your eyes.
The area comes alive at night with food stalls and neon lights, offering one of the best street food experiences in all of China.
Local Dining Habits in Xi’an
Locals typically eat hearty breakfasts — like warm soy milk with buns or a bowl of noodles.
Lunch is the main meal of the day, with rice or noodles accompanied by multiple side dishes.
Evening meals are lighter, often consisting of street snacks or shared dishes at a small eatery.
Xi’an residents love to gather for meals, and dining is a social affair, especially in the cooler months.
4
Food Safety Tips in Xi’an
While street food in Xi’an is generally safe, here are some helpful precautions:
Choose stalls and restaurants that are busy with locals — high turnover means fresher ingredients.
Avoid raw or undercooked meats, especially from less-trafficked vendors.
Only drink bottled or boiled water; avoid tap water.
Watch spice levels if you’re not accustomed to heat — dishes can be fiery!
5
Extra Recommendations
6
Is Xi'an Food worth the hype?
Xi'an Trip Idea
Discover top Xi'an trip ideas, from Terracotta Warriors to street food in the Muslim Quarter. History, culture & flavour in one unforgettable journey!
Xinjiang Trip Idea
Discover bold flavours, vibrant markets, and authentic local cuisine with this ultimate Xinjiang food trip idea—perfect for adventurous food lovers!
Let's co-create your adventure along the Silk Road.
Tell us your vision for a Silk Road tour, and we'll make it a reality this year.
Let your Silk Road tour tell a thousand-year-old story.
Top Destination
Information
Copyright © 2009-2025 AsiaSilkRoadTours. All Rights Reserved.
