Taste Xi'an
Where 2,000 years of culinary tradition meets the vibrant flavors of the Silk Road
Where 2,000 years of culinary tradition meets the vibrant flavors of the Silk Road
Xi'an's food is unlike anything else in China. As the eastern end of the ancient Silk Road, this city has been absorbing culinary influences from Central Asia and the Middle East for over 2,000 years.
The result? A unique cuisine that blends Chinese cooking techniques with bold spices, wheat-based staples, and a love of lamb and beef that's rare in other parts of China.
From hand-pulled noodles that require years to master to street food that's been perfected over generations, Xi'an's food scene is a journey through history with every bite.
"Xi'an food isn't just about taste—it's about experience. Watch the noodle masters stretch dough into perfect strands with a rhythmic 'biang biang' sound. See flatbreads stuffed with juicy meat and grilled to perfection. Smell the cumin and chili wafting through the Muslim Quarter. Our food tells the story of our city better than any history book."
— Wang Mei, Xi'an food blogger and tour guide
From world-famous hand-pulled noodles to lesser-known local favorites, these are the dishes that define Xi'an's unique culinary identity
Xi'an's most famous noodle dish features hand-pulled noodles as wide as belts, topped with chili oil, vinegar, garlic, and vegetables. The name "biang" mimics the sound of the dough slapping against the counter as it's being pulled.
"The character for 'biang' is so complex it's not even in the computer! It has 58 strokes and is probably the most complicated Chinese character."
These refreshing rice noodles are served cold with julienned cucumber, bean sprouts, and a tangy sauce made from vinegar, chili oil, and garlic. Perfect for hot summer days, liangpi has a unique chewy texture that's incredibly satisfying.
"The best liangpi has a perfect balance of sour, spicy, and savory. When it's really hot outside, nothing beats a bowl of these cold noodles."
This unique dish involves tearing flatbread into small pieces with your hands, then having the chef add rich lamb or beef broth, tender meat, and glass noodles. It's hearty, filling, and perfect for cold weather.
"There's a saying in Xi'an: 'If you haven't eaten paomo, you haven't been to Xi'an.' The fun part is breaking the bread yourself—locals can tell tourists by how they tear it!"
Often called the "world's oldest hamburger," roujiamo consists of slow-cooked, spiced pork or beef stuffed into a freshly baked flatbread. The meat is stewed for hours with over 20 spices until it falls apart at the touch.
"A good roujiamo should be juicy enough to drip down your arm but not so wet that the bread falls apart. The bread should be crispy outside and soft inside."
These grilled meat skewers are a staple of Xi'an street food, especially in the Muslim Quarter. Lamb is the traditional choice, seasoned with cumin, chili, and other spices, then grilled over charcoal for a smoky flavor.
"The smell of these skewers grilling is the signature scent of Xi'an's night markets. Follow your nose and you'll find the best stalls!"
These sweet treats are made from persimmon pulp mixed with flour and sugar, then pan-fried until golden. The outside is crispy while the inside remains soft and sweet with a slight tanginess from the fruit.
"These are best eaten fresh off the griddle when they're still hot. In autumn, when persimmons are in season, you'll find the most authentic version of this treat."
These half-moon shaped pockets are filled with a mixture of chives, scrambled eggs, and vermicelli noodles, then pan-fried until crispy. The contrast between the crunchy exterior and savory, aromatic filling is irresistible.
"The key to good jiucai hezi is the freshness of the chives. When you bite in, you should get that bright, almost garlicky flavor that makes these so special."
Meatball Spicy Soup is a popular Xi'an breakfast. It features tender meatballs in a thick, spicy broth with various vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and cauliflower.
"The spiciness of this soup wakes you up in the morning, and the meatballs are so delicious."
Iron Pot Stew is a hearty dish where ingredients like chicken, fish, or vegetables are slowly cooked in an iron pot with rich seasonings. The iron pot gives the stew a unique flavor.
"The slow - cooked process in the iron pot makes the flavors meld together perfectly."
Empress Dowager Cake is a traditional Xi'an pastry. It's made from flour and cooked with a combination of slow - frying and baking. The cake has a crispy outer layer and a soft, flaky interior, often with a rich, savory flavor.
"The unique cooking process of Empress Dowager Cake gives it an unforgettable taste and texture."
The Thousand - Layered Oil Cake lives up to its name with its numerous thin, flaky layers. It's made by rolling dough with oil and seasonings multiple times, then baking it to a golden - brown perfection. The result is a crispy, flavorful treat.
"The layers of the Thousand - Layered Oil Cake are so delicate and add a wonderful crunch."
Crystal Cake is a well - known traditional dessert in Xi'an. It has a thin, crispy crust and a sweet, soft filling, usually made with sugar, nuts, and rose petals. The name comes from its semi - transparent appearance, giving it a crystal - like allure.
"The sweet aroma of the rose petals in the Crystal Cake is simply delightful, and the texture is a perfect balance of crunch and softness."
Qin Pastry is a classic dessert with a long - standing history in the region. It features a flaky, multi - layered crust and a sweet filling often made from red bean paste, nuts, or jujube. Each bite reveals a rich and complex flavor.
"The layers of the Qin Pastry are incredibly buttery and flaky, and the filling adds a burst of sweetness."
Take home more than just memories—bring Xi'an's flavors to your own kitchen
Xi'an offers several cooking classes where you can learn to make local specialties from experienced chefs. Most classes include a market tour, hands-on cooking, and of course, eating your creations!
Start with a guided tour of a local market to select fresh ingredients, then learn to prepare 3-4 classic Xi'an dishes.
Master the art of hand-pulled noodles with specialized workshops focused on biang biang noodles and other local varieties.
Join a local family in their home to learn family recipes passed down through generations.
Explore the best food spots across the city with our interactive map
The best place for street food and traditional Xi'an snacks
Most local personal and students eat here
Renowned for their Biang Biang noodles since 1982
Let local experts guide you through Xi'an's culinary landscape
Experience the vibrant night market of the Muslim Quarter with a local guide who will introduce you to the best street food stalls and explain the history behind each dish.
Dedicated to Xi'an's famous noodle varieties, this tour takes you to specialist restaurants to try different types of hand-pulled and cut noodles, including the famous Biang Biang.
Start your day like a local! Visit a traditional morning market, sample Xi'an breakfast specialties, and learn about the ingredients used in local cuisine.
Hear from travelers who've explored Xi'an's culinary scene
Food Blogger, USA
"I've traveled all over China, but Xi'an's food scene blew me away. The combination of spices, textures, and flavors is unlike anywhere else. The Biang Biang noodles were so good I went back three times in one week!"
Chef, South Korea
"As a chef, I came to Xi'an specifically to learn about the noodle-making techniques. What I didn't expect was to fall in love with the street food. The roujiamo (Chinese hamburger) changed my understanding of what a sandwich can be."
Family Traveler, Australia
"We were worried about traveling with kids in China, but Xi'an's food scene was perfect for our family. The Muslim Quarter had so many options that even our pickiest eater found things to love. The persimmon cakes were a huge hit!"