Xi’an, the ancient capital of China, is renowned for its rich history and culture. However, the city is also famous for its delicious and diverse food. From street food to fine dining, Xi’an has something to offer for every palate. In this post, we’ll be highlighting the top 10 must-try foods in Xi’an. From the famous Roujiamo (meat sandwich) to lesser-known delights like Hanzhong Mianpi (Hanzhong-style flatbread), these dishes are sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave a lasting impression.
Top 10 Xi’an Delicious Food List
- Roujiamo (Meat Sandwich)
Roujiamo, also known as “Chinese Hamburger,” is a popular street food that originated in Xi’an. It’s made with slow-cooked pork, beef, or lamb that’s been shredded and then stuffed into a freshly-baked flatbread. The meat is seasoned with a variety of spices and sauces, giving it a unique and irresistible flavor.
If you’re looking to try Roujiamo, there are many street vendors and small shops in Xi’an that serve it. However, one of the most popular and well-known places to try it is at the Muslim Quarter. Here, you can find many vendors selling Roujiamo, each with their own special recipe and style.
- Paomo (Shredded Flatbread Soup)
Paomo is a traditional Xi’an dish that’s made with shredded flatbread and a variety of meats (usually beef, mutton, or pork) in a savory broth. The flatbread is first torn into small pieces, then added to the soup to soak up the flavorful broth.
One of the most popular places to try Paomo in Xi’an is the Lanzhou Beef Noodles restaurant. The restaurant is famous for its Paomo and is always packed with customers. The soup is rich, flavorful and paired with soft and chewy flatbread, it’s a perfect comfort food.
- Liangpi (Cold Skin Noodles)
Liangpi, also known as “cold skin noodles,” is a traditional Xi’an dish that’s perfect for hot summer days. The noodles are made from wheat flour and are served cold, with a variety of toppings such as spicy sauce, peanuts, and vegetables.
If you’re looking to try Liangpi, there are many street vendors and small restaurants in Xi’an that serve it. However, one of the most popular places to try it is at the Xi’an Snack Street. Here, you can find many vendors selling Liangpi, each with their own special recipe and style.
- Qishan Noodle
Qishan noodle is a traditional Xi’an dish that’s made with hand-pulled noodles, a spicy sauce, and various meats and vegetables. The hand-pulled noodles are soft and chewy, and the spicy sauce gives the dish a unique and delicious flavor.
One of the most popular places to try Qishan noodle in Xi’an is the Qishan Noodle restaurant. The restaurant is famous for its Qishan noodle and is always packed with customers. The noodle is soft and chewy, and the spicy sauce is well balanced and not too overpowering, making it a perfect comfort food.
- Yangrou Paomo (Lamb Meat with Shredded Flatbread Soup)
As the name suggests, Yangrou Paomo is similar to Paomo, but instead of beef, mutton or pork, it’s made with lamb meat. The tender and flavorful lamb pairs perfectly with the soft and chewy shredded flatbread in a savory broth. It’s a dish that’s both satisfying and comforting.
One of the best places to try Yangrou Paomo in Xi’an is at the Yangrou Paomo restaurant. The restaurant is well-known for its delicious and authentic Yangrou Paomo and is always packed with customers.
- Guanzhang (Fried Rice Cake)
Guanzhang is a popular street food that originated in Xi’an. It’s made with glutinous rice flour and various fillings such as sweet bean paste or savory meat. The rice cake is then deep-fried to a golden brown, giving it a crispy exterior and a chewy interior.
If you’re looking to try Guanzhang, there are many street vendors and small shops in Xi’an that serve it. However, one of the most popular and well-known places to try it is at the Xi’an Snack Street. Here, you can find many vendors selling Guanzhang, each with their own special recipe and style.
- Guokui (Fried Flatbread)
Guokui is a popular street food that’s made with a freshly-baked flatbread that’s then deep-fried and filled with a variety of meats and vegetables. The crispy exterior and soft interior of the flatbread paired with the savory filling make for a delicious and satisfying snack.
If you’re looking to try Guokui, there are many street vendors and small shops in Xi’an that serve it. However, one of the most popular and well-known places to try it is at the Xi’an Snack Street. Here, you can find many vendors selling Guokui, each with their own special recipe and style.
- Baozi (Steamed Buns)
Baozi is a traditional Chinese food that’s made with a fluffy and soft steamed bun that’s filled with a variety of meats and vegetables. It’s a popular street food that’s perfect as a snack or a meal.
If you’re looking to try Baozi, there are many street vendors and small shops in Xi’an that serve it. However, one of the most popular and well-known places to try it is at the Xi’an Snack Street. Here, you can find many vendors selling Baozi, each with their own special recipe and style.
- Hanzhong Mianpi (Hanzhong-style Flatbread)
Hanzhong Mianpi is a traditional Xi’an dish that’s made with a freshly-baked flatbread that’s then topped with a variety of meats and vegetables. The flatbread is soft and chewy, and the toppings are savory and flavorful. It’s a dish that’s both satisfying and comforting.
One of the best places to try Hanzhong Mianpi in Xi’an is at the Hanzhong Mianpi restaurant. The restaurant is well-known for its delicious and authentic Hanzhong Mianpi and is always packed with customers.
- Yuyangrou (Fish-Fragrant Meat)
Yuyangrou is a traditional Xi’an dish that’s made with tender pork or beef that’s been stir-fried with a variety of vegetables and a spicy fish-fragrant sauce. The dish is named after the fish-fragrant sauce, which gives it a unique and delicious flavor.
One of the best places to try Yuyangrou in Xi’an is at the Yuyangrou restaurant. The restaurant is well-known for its delicious and authentic Yuyangrou, and the meat is always cooked to perfection with the perfect balance of spices and vegetables.
Conclusion
Xi’an is a city with a rich food culture, and these top 10 must-try foods are just a small sampling of what the city has to offer. From the famous Roujiamo to lesser-known delights like Hanzhong Mianpi, these dishes are sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave a lasting impression. We encourage you to visit Xi’an and try these delicious foods for yourself and discover the rich flavors and culture that the city has to offer.
