Xian Cuisine

Xian is a city with a rich culinary heritage that reflects its historical significance as the starting point of the Silk Road. The Xian cuisine, also known as Shaanxi cuisine, is characterized by its bold flavors, generous use of spices, and a combination of both Han and Muslim culinary traditions. Xi’an’s food scene is diverse, with influences from various regions and cultures, making it a gastronomic paradise for food lovers.

Must try dishes from Xian Cuisine

Biang Biang Noodles (Biángbiáng Miàn)

Biang Biang Noodles, or Biángbiáng Miàn, is a traditional dish from the Shaanxi province, known for their impressively wide, hand-pulled noodles that offer a satisfying chewiness with every bite. These noodles are must try in Xian. They are often served in a vibrant, spicy, and tangy sauce made from chili oil, vinegar, and soy sauce, creating a bold and invigorating flavor profile. The dish is typically topped with a variety of fresh and pickled vegetables, along with tender slices of beef or lamb, adding layers of texture and richness. The name “Biang Biang” reflects the sound made when the noodles are slapped against the counter during preparation, highlighting the artisanal skill involved in crafting this hearty and rustic dish. Biang Biang Noodles is a beloved comfort food in northern China, offering a taste of the region’s robust culinary traditions.

Yangrou Paomo (Pita Bread Soaked in Lamb Soup)

Yangrou Paomo, or Pita Bread Soaked in Lamb Soup, is a traditional dish hailing from Xian cuisine, and it is deeply rooted in the culinary heritage of China’s northwest. This hearty dish involves crumbling unleavened pita bread into small pieces, which are then soaked in a rich, aromatic lamb or beef broth. The slow-cooked broth, infused with fragrant spices, imparts a deep, savory flavor to the softened bread, creating a comforting and satisfying meal. Often served with accompaniments like pickled garlic, chili sauce, and fresh herbs, Yangrou Paomo offers a delightful contrast of textures—tender, chewy bread mingling with the robust, meaty broth. The process of breaking the bread by hand is a cherished ritual that adds a personal touch to this communal dish, making it not only a nourishing meal but also a cultural experience that connects diners to the ancient traditions of Shaanxi cuisine.

Shaanxi Cold Steamed Pork (Zenggao)

Shaanxi Cold Steamed Pork, or Zenggao, is a traditional dish featuring tender slices of pork that have been carefully steamed and then served cold with a rich, savory sauce. The pork’s texture is melt-in-your-mouth soft, perfectly complemented by the slightly sweet and umami-packed sauce that clings to each slice. This dish is a staple in Xian cuisine, known for its delicate balance of flavors and the subtle interplay between the cool, tender pork and the robust sauce. Zenggao is often enjoyed as an appetizer or a refreshing dish on a warm day, offering a taste of the sophisticated simplicity that characterizes much of Shaanxi’s culinary tradition.

Qishan Saozi Noodles (Qishan Saozi Mian)

Qishan Saozi Noodles, or Qishan Saozi Mian, are a beloved specialty from the Shaanxi region, renowned for their thin, hand-pulled noodles served in a vibrant, spicy, and sour broth. The broth is a complex blend of flavors, combining the tang of vinegar with the heat of chili, creating a mouthwatering base for the dish. Topped with savory minced pork, tender tofu, and a medley of fresh vegetables, these noodles offer a dynamic and satisfying eating experience. The dish is a perfect representation of Shaanxi’s bold culinary style, where each bite delivers a burst of spicy, sour, and savory goodness, making it a favorite comfort food among locals and visitors alike.

Hulatang (Peppery Soup)

Hulatang, also known as Peppery Soup, is a fiery, invigorating dish from northern China, particularly popular in the Shaanxi region. This soup is a robust and intensely spicy blend of beef or lamb, simmered with a variety of vegetables and an array of warming spices, including plenty of black pepper and chili. The broth is thick and hearty, delivering an intense heat that warms you from the inside out, making it an ideal dish for cold days or those in need of a spicy kick. Hulatang’s bold flavors and comforting warmth have made it a staple of Shaanxi street food culture, offering a deeply satisfying, palate-awakening experience with every bowl.

Where to eat in Xian

Muslim Quarter (Huimin Street)

Muslim Quarter is the bustling heart of Xi’an’s street food scene, offering a wide variety of local snacks and dishes.

• Must-Visit Spots:
• Jia San Soup Dumplings (Jia San Guantang Baozi): Famous for their soup-filled dumplings.
• Lao Sun Jia: Renowned for their Yangrou Paomo.

Defu Lane

Defu Lane is a vibrant area known for its bars, cafes, and restaurants, perfect for a night out.

• Must-Visit Spots:
• Fanji Restaurant: Known for authentic Shaanxi cuisine, including Biang Biang Noodles and Roujiamo.

Yongxing Fang

Yongxing Fang is a cultural food street offering traditional Shaanxi snacks and dishes.

• Must-Visit Spots:
• Wang’s Noodles: Popular for their Qishan Saozi Noodles.
• Huanggui Persimmon Pancake: Famous for their sweet and chewy persimmon pancakes.

Shuyuanmen Cultural Street

Shuyuanmen Cultural Street is a historic street with a mix of cultural sites and local eateries.

• Must-Visit Spots:
• Xian Restaurant (Xi’an Fanzhuang): A historic restaurant offering a wide range of traditional Xi’an dishes.

Yanta West Road

Yanta West Road is A modern area with a mix of traditional and contemporary dining options.

• Must-Visit Spots:
• De Fa Chang Dumpling Restaurant: Renowned for their variety of dumplings and elaborate dumpling banquets.