Written by Sarah Chen, Licensed Xi’an Tour Guide (License #XA2019-0847) | 8 years guiding experience | Updated August 2025
In the early morning streets of Xi’an, this thousand-year-old ancient capital, nothing awakens your taste buds quite like a piping hot roujiamo. As Xi’an’s most iconic street food, roujiamo isn’t just locals’ favorite breakfast choice—it’s hailed as the “Chinese hamburger” and draws food enthusiasts from around the globe.
What is Roujiamo?
Roujiamo is a traditional specialty snack from Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, made with crispy baijimo bread and tender braised pork. This simple yet extraordinary dish captures ancient culinary wisdom in a small flatbread, with each bite packed with rich Northwestern Chinese flavors.
Why is it Called the “Chinese Hamburger”?
Roujiamo’s structure is remarkably similar to a Western hamburger—bread on the outside, meat filling on the inside. This combination makes it easy for international visitors to understand and appreciate. However, unlike hamburgers, roujiamo boasts over 2,000 years of history, making it the hamburger’s “ancient ancestor.”
Authentic Xi’an Roujiamo Features
Premium Ingredients
- Baijimo bread: Made with high-quality flour, crispy outside and soft inside with distinct layers
- Braised pork: Select pork marinated and slow-cooked with over 30 spices
- Seasonings: Traditional recipe includes premium spices like star anise, cinnamon, and cloves
Complex Flavors
Authentic Xi’an roujiamo offers rich textures: the crispy baijimo contrasts perfectly with the tender braised pork, while the meat juices soak into the bread, combining the hearty aroma of bread with the savory richness of meat—perfectly seasoned and incredibly satisfying.
Affordable Pricing
An authentic Xi’an roujiamo typically costs 8-15 RMB (about $1.20-$2.20), making it an incredibly budget-friendly food choice.
Historical Heritage
Roujiamo’s history dates back to the Warring States period, when it was called “hanju.” By the Han Dynasty, this food was already quite popular. After over two thousand years of tradition and development, it evolved into the Xi’an roujiamo we know today.
Taste Xi’an Roujiamo
My best friend Xinxin and I decided to grab a casual lunch, and we ended up choosing Fanji Lazhi Rou Roujiamo Shop—mainly because it’s just a 5 – minute walk from our apartment, super convenient when we didn’t feel like traveling far.
The total cost was pretty budget – friendly. Each classic pork roujiamo was around 12 yuan, and we later added a plate of cold noodles (liangpi) for 10 yuan and two bottles of Arctic Ocean orange soda (a super popular drink here) which were 6 yuan each. All in all, we spent only 46 yuan for two people, which was a great deal for the portion size and taste.
The shop’s decor had a simple, cozy vibe. The walls were painted in warm beige, with a few framed photos of Shaanxi’s local scenery and traditional roujiamo – making processes hanging up. The tables and chairs were made of dark wood, giving it a homely, down – to – earth feel—nothing fancy, but clean and comfortable. The staff were really friendly too; they greeted us with smiles when we walked in, took our order quickly, and even reminded us that the roujiamo might be a bit dry, so pairing it with a drink would be better.
Now, let’s talk about the star—the roujiamo!
When it was served, we were both impressed by how much meat was stuffed inside. The pork was tender, well – seasoned with fragrant spices, and had just the right amount of fat to make it juicy, while the crust of the bread was crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It was delicious, but as the staff warned, it was a bit dry. That’s why I highly recommend ordering a plate of liangpi along with it. The liangpi was cold, chewy, and tossed in a tangy sauce with garlic and chili oil, which balanced out the richness of the roujiamo perfectly. And for the drink, the orange – flavored Arctic Ocean soda was a game – changer. Its sweet, bubbly taste cut through the dryness instantly, making each bite of roujiamo even more enjoyable.
It was such a satisfying little meal, and we both agreed we’ll definitely be going back soon! 翻译
Must-Try Roujiamo Brand Shops in Xi’an
1. Fanji Lazhi Rou
- Address: 53 Zhuba Market Street
- Specialty: Century-old establishment, braised pork with perfect fat-to-lean ratio and rich layered flavors
- Why we recommend it: Four generations of craftsmanship, the most authentic Xi’an taste
2. Qinyu Roujiamo
- Address: Southeast corner of Baishulin intersection
- Specialty: Open 24/7, freshly baked baijimo
- Why we recommend it: Beloved by locals, expect to wait in line
3. Wang Kui Roujiamo
- Address: Daxuexi Alley, near the mosque entrance
- Specialty: Halal roujiamo made with beef
- Why we recommend it: Unique taste, perfect for visitors with different dietary preferences
4. Tongguan Roujiamo
- Address: Multiple chain locations
- Specialty: Crispy outside, tender inside, rich in juices
- Why we recommend it: Chain brand with consistent quality
Complementary Xi’an Foods to Try with Roujiamo
After enjoying roujiamo, consider trying these classic Xi’an pairings:
Hu La Tang (Spicy Soup)
The perfect breakfast combo with roujiamo—tangy and spicy, it warms you up and cuts through the richness of the sandwich.
Eight-Treasure Porridge
Light eight-treasure porridge creates a nice contrast with hearty roujiamo, filling you up without being too heavy.
Tofu Pudding (Doufu Nao)
Silky tofu pudding with spicy seasonings pairs wonderfully with roujiamo—one salty, one mild, perfectly balanced.
Liangpi (Cold Noodles)
Another Xi’an signature dish that’s tangy and refreshing, combining with roujiamo for a satisfying meal.
The Proper Way to Eat Roujiamo
Traditional Method
- Hold horizontally: Grip the roujiamo sideways to prevent juices from dripping out
- Take small bites: First taste the crispy baijimo, then savor the flavorful braised pork
- Eat while hot: Roujiamo is best enjoyed fresh from the oven when flavors and aromas are at their peak
Pairing Suggestions
- Breakfast: pair with hu la tang or tofu pudding
- Lunch: enjoy with a bowl of rice noodles or cold noodles
- Avoid eating with overly greasy foods
Practical Information
Best Times to Try
- Breakfast hours: 7:00-10:00 AM, when roujiamo is most popular
- Lunch hours: 11:30 AM-2:00 PM, great as a meal option
Buying Tips
- Choose shops that make them fresh to order for maximum freshness
- Look for busy spots—places packed with locals are usually more authentic
- Pay attention to cleanliness; choose clean, well-maintained shops
Storage
Roujiamo is best eaten immediately. If you need to save it briefly, wrap in food packaging, but consume within 2 hours.
Price Guide
- Regular roujiamo: 8-12 RMB ($1.20-$1.80)
- Premium roujiamo: 12-18 RMB ($1.80-$2.70)
- Specialty halal roujiamo: 10-15 RMB ($1.50-$2.20)
Final Thoughts
Xi’an roujiamo is more than just food—it’s an integral part of this ancient city’s culture. Every roujiamo carries thousands of years of historical heritage and masterful craftsmanship. Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Xi’an or a food lover passionate about traditional cuisine, roujiamo will provide an unforgettable taste experience.
While savoring this “Chinese hamburger,” you’ll not only feel the warmth and hospitality of Xi’an people but also gain a deep appreciation for the richness of Chinese culinary culture. Next time you’re in Xi’an, make sure to grab a steaming hot roujiamo in the early morning hours and let this ancient delicacy start your day right.
If you want to try making roujiamo yourself, you can check out specialized cooking tutorials, though achieving authentic flavors definitely requires some skill and experience. For most people, we’d still recommend visiting Xi’an to taste the most authentic roujiamo firsthand.