16 Dishes That Will Make You Fall in Love with Xi'an 🍜✨

Xi'an, a city with a rich history on the Silk Road, is a true paradise for foodies! The stunning cuisine of Shaanxi Province reigns supreme here. From biang biang noodles to the "Chinese hamburger" (zhoujiamo), each dish carries echoes of centuries. Stroll through the bustling Muslim Quarter, stop by the local eateries, and you'll discover the unique flavors of Xi'an! 👇 😍 16 Iconic Dishes You Can't Miss 1️⃣ Zhoujiamo (肉夹馍) – China's oldest "hamburger" 🥪 This Tang Dynasty masterpiece (already 1,400 years old!) is tender lamb or pork (sometimes beef) simmered with star anise and cinnamon. The meat is hand-chopped and placed into a freshly baked mo pancake. The crispy crust and soft center perfectly absorb the spicy juices. Tip: Add some hot oil—it's even more delicious! Where to find it: In the alleys of the Muslim Quarter, where the ovens are smoking. 2️⃣ Biang Biang Noodles (𰻝𰻝面) 🍝 The name comes from the sound the dough makes when slapped on the table. The wide (3-5 cm!) noodles are generously drizzled with hot oil, black vinegar, and garlic. With lamb and Sichuan peppercorns, it's a flavor explosion! Where to find it: In the noodle shops along the city walls, where chefs prepare this culinary masterpiece right before your eyes. 3️⃣ Liangpi (凉皮) - Cold Noodles 🧊 Translucent noodles in a hot and sour sauce (vinegar, chili oil, mustard paste). With bean sprouts, cucumber, and wheat gluten. The perfect summer dish! 4️⃣ Yanzhou Paomo (羊肉泡馍) - Braised Lamb with Flatbread This isn't just a meal, it's a whole performance! You crumble the tuotuomo flatbread into pieces yourself, and the chefs then simmer it in a rich lamb broth with wood-boring mushrooms and pickled garlic. Where to find it: Halal restaurants in the Muslim Quarter (usually only for lunch). 5️⃣ Qishan Saozi Mian (岐山臊子面) — Hot and Sour Noodles 🔥 A relic of the Zhou Dynasty: thin noodles in a fiery red broth with vinegar, minced meat, tofu, and wood-boring mushrooms. Spicy, aromatic, unforgettable! 6️⃣ Yu Po Mian (油泼面) — Hot Oil Noodles 🌶️ Wide noodles with garlic and Sichuan pepper. And then a flurry of hot oil on top! Where to find: The bustling noodle shops of the Muslim Quarter (ask for more garlic!). 7️⃣ Shanxi Tangbao (陕西汤包) — juicy dumplings with broth 🥟 More dense than Shanghai xiaolongbao. With lamb or pork in a rich broth. Served with vinegar and chili – a true breakfast of champions! 8️⃣ Hulutou (葫芦头) — offal stew 🐷 For the brave! Pork intestines and tripe in a milky broth with ginger and onions. Rich and vibrant. Where to find: in specialized establishments outside Muslim areas. 9️⃣ Lamb Skewers with Cumin (羊肉串) 🍖 Succulent pieces of charcoal-grilled lamb sprinkled with cumin, pepper, and sesame. Best enjoyed with a cold beer in the evening! 🔟 Hula Tang (胡辣汤) - Spicy Beef Soup 🍲 A breakfast staple from the Tang Dynasty: a thick, spicy broth with tofu, fried dough, and mushrooms. Dip a kaonan flatbread in it! 1️⃣1️⃣ Dried Persimmon (柿饼) 🍯 Soft and sweet dried persimmons are the perfect dessert or snack. Where to find them: Yongxingfang Pedestrian Street or the Muslim Quarter. 1️⃣2️⃣Fresh Pomegranate Juice (石榴汁) 🍹 A refreshing street drink – tart and sweet. Perfect with spicy dishes! 1️⃣3️⃣Sesame Flatbread (波斯烤馕) 🥨 A thin sesame flatbread, baked until crispy. Perfect with hulatan or skewers. 1️⃣4️⃣ Fried Curly Dough (麻花) 🥯 Crispy dough curls – spicy (with cumin) or sweet (with honey). A great snack! 1️⃣5️⃣ Steamed Rice Cake (甑糕) 🍮 A traditional dessert made from glutinous rice with honey, sesame seeds, or red bean paste. Soft and chewy, they're a favorite among locals. 1️⃣6️⃣ Sour Dumplings in Broth (酸汤水饺) 🥄 Juicy dumplings filled with lamb or pork in a spicy and sour broth. With cilantro, onions, and pickled vegetables—indescribable! Bon appétit and enjoy exciting culinary discoveries in Xi'an! 🧳🍽️ Be sure to share your favorite Xi'an dish in the comments!