After immersing myself in the vibrant culinary scene of Xi’an for six years, exploring countless street food stalls and local eateries, I’ve compiled a list of my top 21 Xi’an famous foods that you absolutely must try.
This guide includes complete addresses and easy-to-follow ordering tips, empowering you to embark on your own Xi’an food adventure! By the time you’ve sampled these delights, you’ll have a genuine taste of Xi’an food culture and experienced some incredibly delicious flavors that define Xi’an cuisine.
Pro-tip: Navigating Xi’an’s food scene independently can be an exciting but time-consuming journey. To make your food exploration smoother, especially for locating the spots mentioned in this guide on Google Maps, consider installing a VPN before arriving in China. I recommend ExpressVPN (get 49% off using this link). A VPN is invaluable not only for this guide but also for my other Chinese food explorations like the Chengdu Food Guide and Guangzhou Food Guide. You can find more VPN recommendations on my best VPN for China guide.
Your Xi’an Food Walking Map
The map above pinpoints all the top restaurants and street food vendors you need to visit in Xi’an. If you’re wondering where to find the best Xi’an restaurants or are planning a self-guided Xi’an food tour, this map is your perfect companion to discover all the classic dishes. From iconic Biang Biang noodles and crispy Roujiamo pita sandwiches filled with savory pork, to flavorful and spicy beef dumplings, and much more, the best food Xi’an has to offer is right here.
Important local tip: AVOID HUIMINJIE (Muslim Quarter) if you are seeking authentic local Xi’an food. While popular with tourists, you’ll find far superior and more genuine Xi’an food experiences just a short walk away, in areas frequented by locals. These are the streets where Xi’an locals eat, offering authentic Hui Muslim Chinese street food prepared for locals, by locals.
For the most rewarding Xi’an food experiences, focus your culinary explorations on these three streets:
- Sajinqiao Street
- Miaohoujie Street
- Dapiyuan Street and the surrounding area
Most of the Xi’an foods featured in this guide are conveniently located on these three streets. This makes it easy to wander, explore, and indulge in as much delicious Xian food as your appetite allows! The first 14 recommendations are situated in the Hui district, the heart of the city, and are highlighted on the map. My personal must-tries are the Suantang Jiaozi Dumplings (#1), Yangroupaomo Lamb and Pita Soup (#2), and the Xi’an Pork Roujiamo (#14).
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1. MA’ER YOUZHI SUANTANG JIAOZI – Sour and Spicy Dumplings
These are undeniably some of the best dumplings you will ever encounter. Plumply filled with beef and garlic chives, they are served steaming hot in a flavorful broth of vinegar, chili oil, sesame, cilantro, and garlic. The moment you bite into one and the savory juice bursts in your mouth, you’ll truly taste the soul of Xi’an and might never want to leave!
- Name: MA’ER YOUZHI SUANTANG DUMPLINGS 马二优质酸汤水饺
- Address: 洒金桥131号路东 131 Sajinqiao Street
- Phone: 84231396
- Price: 15 RMB per person
2. YANGROU PAOMO – Lamb and Pita Soup
Yangrou Paomo is an absolute must-try Xi’an food. You have a choice in how it’s prepared: either receive a whole pita bread to break into your bowl yourself before handing it to the chef to cook in the lamb broth, or opt for pre-broken pita. For your first time, breaking the pita yourself is recommended to fully appreciate the texture and participate in the tradition. Locals advise breaking it into the smallest pieces possible, ensuring each piece soaks up the rich lamb stock. Simply say “ziji bai 自己摆” if you want to break it yourself. I’ve visited several Paomo restaurants, and each was fantastic! The one we discovered on our last night in Xi’an was perhaps the best. The address is below. Alternatively, you can also try 老白家水盆羊肉 (北广济街 76号) for another excellent Paomo experience in a different location. The lamb stock is incredibly aromatic!
- Name: LIUXIN NIUYANGROU PAOMO 刘信牛羊肉泡馍
- Address: 洒金桥129号(老关庙什字旁) 129 Sajinqiao, right beside the Suantang jiaozi spot
- Price: ~23 RMB per person
- Hours: Best experienced in the evening
3. XIAOCHAO PAOMO – Spicy Lamb and Pita Soup
In addition to Yangrou Paomo, there’s Xiaochao Paomo (小炒泡馍), a very similar yet spicier variant, that is equally worth trying. I enjoyed it at the same restaurant as the Yangrou Paomo, and it was incredibly flavorful, spicy, and garlicky. If you enjoy a bit of heat, this Xi’an food is for you.
- Name: 刘信牛羊肉泡馍 LIUXIN NIUYANGROU PAOMO
- Address: 洒金桥129号(老关庙什字旁) 129 Sajinqiao, right next to the Suantang jiaozi place
- Price: ~23 RMB per person
- Hours: Evening is recommended
4. HULA TANG – Peppery Beef Ball Soup
This is one of the most unique breakfast soups you’ll ever taste! Hulatang is a classic Hui street food, commonly found on many corners in Xi’an’s Hui district. My first encounter with it was a surprising flavor explosion. The Sichuan peppercorn in the thick, porridge-like broth gives it a distinctive numbing sensation, and adding chili oil enhances the spiciness! This Xi’an food is a perfect way to start your day with a flavorful punch.
- Name: HAOZAILAI HULATANG 好再来肉丸子胡辣汤
- Address: At the intersection of Miaohoujie and Damaishijie – 庙后街与大麦市街交汇十字的东北角
- Hours: Best in the early morning, ideally before 9am
5. Delicious Lamb and Beef Kebabs
Enjoying BBQ lamb kebabs on the streets of Xi’an late at night is one of the most satisfying and delightful experiences the city offers. Portions of meat on the kebabs can be small at some places, so ordering at least 20 is a good idea to get a satisfying amount. The Huiminjie area is filled with late-night kebab spots, but my favorite is Xinliang Kaorou. Their cumin and chili spice blend is perfect, and they also serve delicious wide Nang breads, grilled and seasoned with spices. This is quintessential Xi’an street food at its best.
- Name: XINLIANG KAOROU – 新亮烤串
- Must Order: Lamb kebabs – Yangrouchuan 羊肉串, Beef Kebabs – 牛肉串, Nang bread – 馕
- Comments: Order 20 or more kebabs for a heavenly experience.
- Address: 大麦市街106号
- Price: 2 RMB per kebab
- Hours: Best enjoyed late at night, around 8 or 9 PM
6. Xi’an Jianbing Crepe
While Jianbing is famous in Beijing and Tianjin, the Xi’an version is my personal favorite! If you’re exploring Xi’an’s old alleyways in the morning, you’re likely to find a Hui Chinese Xi’an Jianbing stall. It’s generously filled with one or two eggs and various fillings like pickled vegetables, peanuts, chicken, and carrots. Simply point at what you’d like! To order, say “yi ge ji dan” for one egg, or “liang ge ji dan” for two eggs. This Xi’an food is a perfect on-the-go breakfast.
- Name: LAODINGJIA JIANBING 老丁家
- Address: Miaohoujie 191 – 庙后街191号
- Hours: Best to visit early, before 9:30 AM
7. Guantang Jiaozi – Plump Steamed Dumplings
These are some of the most exquisite steamed dumplings you’ll ever taste. Stuffed with beef, and subtly spiced with cumin and other seasonings, their unique plump and round shape is a signature style not commonly found elsewhere in China. Served with a chili and vinegar dipping sauce, they are simply divine! The restaurant recently relocated to a larger, cleaner space, still within the old Hui neighborhood of central Xi’an, and within walking distance of Alley Youth Hostel. When you visit, be sure to also order their Majiang Liangfen 麻酱凉粉 (cold rice noodles with sesame paste, chili oil, and vinegar), their sweet and refreshing Babaozhou 八宝粥 (cold date, lotus petal, seeds, and nuts porridge), and their Majiang Liangpi 麻酱凉皮! This restaurant offers a trifecta of classic Xi’an foods.
- Name: ZHILIANG GUANTANG JIAOZI 志亮灌汤饺子
- Address: 200 Miaohou Street 庙后街200号
- Price: 20 RMB and up
8. Biang Biang Mian – Biang Biang Noodles
If you could only choose one noodle dish to try in Xi’an, Biang Biang Mian should be your top choice. These noodles are so incredible, you might consider moving to Xi’an just to eat them daily! The thick, hand-pulled noodles are coated in a rich chili oil infused with cinnamon and star anise, topped with carrots, celery, cilantro, beans, and generous chunks of beef. Biang Biang noodle shops are abundant in Xi’an, especially around the Huiminjie area, making them easily accessible. I particularly recommend the noodles at Liu Laosi 刘老四牛肉擀面庄. Biang Biang Mian is a true representation of Xi’an food culture.
- Name: LIU LAOSI NIUROU GAN MIAN ZHUANG 刘老四牛肉擀面庄
- Must Order: Biangbiang Noodles
- Address: 20m beside the police station on Miaohoujie street. 庙后街派出所向西20米
- Price: 15 + RMB
9. Luzhi Liangfen – Rice Jelly Noodles with Chili Oil and Mustard
Luzhi Liangfen is another classic Xi’an street food, and one of the most flavorful. You’ll find numerous places to try it throughout Xi’an, especially in the Huiminjie area, with a high concentration on Sajinqiao street. It’s essentially a bowl filled with broken pita bread, thick rice jelly noodles, a unique five-spice thick soup, vinegar, chili oil, sesame paste, and a half-boiled egg. It’s a symphony of flavors in every bite and definitely worth experiencing. The place we stumbled upon, tucked away in a local alley, was the best I’ve ever had, and surprisingly, a well-known local favorite we discovered by chance. Seek it out! This is a must-try Xi’an food for adventurous eaters.
- Name: LAOHEJIA LUZHI LIANGFEN 老何家卤汁凉粉
- Address: 西大街287号 287 Xidajie street
10. Liangfen – Rice Jelly with Vinegar and Chili
Liangfen offers one of Xi’an’s most satisfying flavor combinations. Creamy sesame paste is perfectly balanced with hot chili oil and cold jelly noodles, all brought together with a touch of vinegar. This creates a sour, spicy, nutty, and refreshingly smooth dish that is simply out of this world.
(4) Amazing Liangpi Joint’s in Xi’an
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MUSLIM ROUJIAMO AND HALAL LIANGPI AT SHENGZHIWANG 清真盛志望麻酱酿皮铺
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Price: 5 RMB +
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Address: 回坊大皮院西口225号
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Hours: Lunchtime is ideal
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SESAME PASTE LIANGPI AT ZHILIANG ZHENGJIAO 志亮蒸饺
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Price: 5 RMB +
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Address: 200 Miaohoujie street庙后街200号
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Hours: Dinner is a great time, and order their Guantangbao dumplings and Babaozhou soup as well.
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ANOTHER EXCELLENT SESAME PASTE LIANGPI AT SHENGJIA LIANGPI 盛家酿皮
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Price: 5 RMB +
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Address: Bei Guang Ji street 262 北广济街262号
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Hours: Visit during lunchtime
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SLIGHTLY MORE REFRESHING LIANGPI WITH BEAN SPROUTS AND CHOPPED VEG AT QINYU ROUJIAMO RESTAURANT 秦豫肉夹馍(东木头市店)
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Price: 6 RMB +
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Address: 东木头市19号(东木头市幼儿园附近) 19 Dongmutou Street
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Hours: Perfect for lunch
11. Xiaosurou – Thick Lamb Stew
Xiaosurou is a dish that tastes far better than it might appear. This somewhat oily lamb stew is rich in peppery and smooth gravy-like flavors. Adding chili oil and enjoying it with a bowl of rice is incredibly satisfying and energizing. It’s one of my personal favorite comfort foods in Xi’an and a hidden gem of Xi’an food.
- Name: DINGJIA XIAOSUROU 定家小酥肉
- Must Order: Xiaosurou 小酥肉. You can also order Liangpi and Roujiamo from the adjacent restaurant.
- Address: Dapiyuan Xikou 223 hao 大皮院西口223号
- Price: ~23 RMB per bowl
- Hours: Open all day
12. Fenzhengrou – Steamed Beef with Rice Flour
Fenzhengrou is a dish I particularly love in China. While found across the country, with spicier, numbing versions in Sichuan and Xi’an, the Xi’an style is milder but served with raw garlic cloves for an extra flavor kick. It’s essentially steamed beef with chunks of rice flour and spices, served with a soft bun. The place I frequent in Xi’an is run by a friendly Hui woman who takes pride in her Fenzhengrou. This Xi’an food offers a unique and comforting taste.
- Name: MAJIA FENZHENGROU HUNDUN 马家粉蒸肉馄炖
- Must Order: Fenzhengrou 粉蒸肉
- Comments: A famous Hulatang place is directly across from here, great for a morning visit.
- Address: Dapiyuan 48 hao 大皮院48号
- Hours: Open all day
13. Dapanji – Big Plate Chicken
Originally from Xinjiang in Northwest China, Dapanji (Big Plate Chicken) is another renowned dish you can enjoy in Xi’an. It’s one of the best noodle dishes you can find in all of China. A generous bed of hand-stretched noodles is topped with large pieces of chicken, dried red chilies, potatoes, and bell peppers, all richly flavored with cinnamon and star anise. It’s a truly exceptional noodle experience and a must-try Xi’an food.
- Name: ERNAISI BIG PLATE CHICKEN 尔奈斯大盘鸡
- Address: On the corner of Maixianjie street, #96 – 麦苋街96号十字路口西南角
- Price: 68 RMB for a small, 88 RMB for a large Dapanji
14. Roujiamo – Pork Sandwich
Roujiamo is absolutely the top street snack you must try when visiting Xi’an. Two main versions exist: a halal style made by Hui people, typically with beef, and another style made by Han Chinese, usually with pork. After several trips to Xi’an, I’ve discovered the most incredible pork Roujiamo at a small restaurant that is worth venturing slightly outside the Huimin district for. It’s bursting with flavor, perfectly balancing fatty and lean meat, all inside a crispy and fluffy hot pita. During a visit, I got a peek into the kitchen and witnessed the chopping of this incredibly rich, fatty pork – it was amazing! The way they scoop the juicy meat into each steaming hot bun, one after another, is a mouthwatering spectacle. This is Xi’an food at its most iconic and delicious.
Just watching the juicy, fatty, and lean pork being chopped and stuffed into a fresh baked pita is worth the trip to Xi’an!
- Name: QINYU ROUJIAMO RESTAURANT 秦豫肉夹馍(东木头市店)
- Comments: Order it “Youzhi de” for premium extra pork!
- Address: 东木头市19号(东木头市幼儿园附近) 19 Dongmutou Street
- Price: 8 RMB and up
- Hours: 07:00-13:30
15. Xi’an Spinach Noodles
Spinach noodles are a must-try when you’re in Xi’an. You can find uncooked noodles for sale throughout the city, but the best experience is at a shop specializing in fresh preparation. You can choose from various sauces, but I recommend either tomato and egg, or stewed pork. The shop we found was excellent and conveniently located across from the popular Han Tang Inn youth hostel, a great place to meet fellow travelers. These spinach noodles are a lighter, yet delicious Xi’an food choice.
- Name: ZHANGJI JIAXIANG SPINACH NOODLES 张记家乡手擀菠菜面
- Address: 南长巷中段路北17号楼
16. Hongmigao – Stuffed Sticky Rice with Rose Jam
I discovered Hongmigao while exploring back alleys en route to Luzhi Liangfen. It’s a large, plump sticky rice ball filled with a sweet brown sugar and rose jam combination. The best part is the incredibly gooey and soft texture when you bite into it, with sweet floral rose jam oozing out as you eat! This unique Xi’an dessert is a delightful surprise.
- Name: HONGMIGAO 红米糕
- Address: A bit harder to pinpoint, but head to the intersection of Miaohoujie 庙后街 and Xiaoxuexixiang 小学西巷. It’s in Xiaoxuexixiang. Walk further and turn left at the first intersection to find Luzhiliangfen.
17. Babaozhou – Cold and Sweet Porridge
Babaozhou is one of the most refreshing treats you can have. This cold rice porridge is loaded with seeds, nuts, and dried fruits. It pairs perfectly with Guantang Jiaozi dumplings, so order both, along with Liangfen, at the same restaurant mentioned earlier. This Xi’an dessert is a perfect palate cleanser.
- Name: ZHILIANG GUANTANG JIAOZI 志亮灌汤饺子
- Address: 200 Miaohou Street 庙后街200号
- Price: Around 20 RMB for a full meal here
18. Baozi
These are some of the BEST Baozi you will ever eat in China! If you love plump dumplings, juicy buns, and all types of dim sum and Bao in China, you’ll adore these Baozi in Xi’an. They offer a wide variety of fillings to choose from. Be sure to try the pumpkin Baozi, my personal favorite, also known as Nangua Baozi. These Xi’an Baozi are a steamed bun paradise.
- PLUMP BAO’S AT XIAOYANG DABAO
- Name: 小杨大包
- Must Order: Pumpkin Baozi AKA Nangua Baozi
- Comments: Slightly outside the Huiminjie district, but worth the trip for the best Bao in China!
- Address: Nandajie Dongmutoushi 南大街东木头市
- Price: 1.5 RMB per Baozi
- Hours: Visit early morning for the freshest Bao
19. Zenggao – Sticky Rice and Date Cake
Zenggao is my favorite Xi’an dessert. Made with sticky rice, dates, and beans, it’s incredibly sweet and filling. You can find it throughout the Huiminjie district. I found a particularly delicious one sold by a vendor from a giant tricycle! This traditional Xi’an dessert is a must-try for sweet lovers.
- Name: ZENGGAO ON THE STREETS
- Comments: Easily found in the Huiminjie district or by exploring Xi’an’s back streets.
- Price: 4+ RMB
20. Liuxiang Noodles AKA Gungun Noodles
After Biang Biang Mian, Liuxiang Noodles were my next favorite in Xi’an. These hand-pulled noodles are coated in a rich gravy of beef, carrot, cinnamon, and star anise. While slightly outside the Xi’an Huiminjie district, it’s absolutely worth the trip! The highlight is watching the noodle masters in the back kitchen hand-pulling thousands of noodles daily. It’s a noodle lover’s heaven! You’ll be amazed as soon as you see it. Liuxiang Noodles are a testament to Xi’an’s noodle artistry.
- Name: LIUXIANGMIAN 柳巷面
- Must Order: Liuxiangmian
- Comments: Slightly outside Huiminjie, but highly recommended!
- Address: Jiqing xiang jiqing daxia B Zuo 吉庆巷吉庆大夏B座
- Price: 10 RMB +
- Hours: Lunch or dinner are ideal
21. Jinggao
Jinggao is another of Xi’an’s best desserts, made from sticky rice, rose jam, and nuts. It’s very affordable, usually just one or two RMB per stick, and widely available in the Huiminjie area. While I don’t have a specific best spot, Jinggao is easily found everywhere and generally consistent in quality. This Xi’an street dessert is a sweet and convenient treat.
- JINGGAO ON THE STREETS OF XI’AN
- Address: Explore the Huiminjie area to find numerous stalls selling Jinggao.
- Price: 1 or 2 RMB per stick
RESOURCES FOR YOUR STAY IN XI’AN
EXPRESS VPN
To access Google maps and social media platforms, you will need a VPN. I use ExpressVPN.
XI’AN ALLEY YOUTH HOSTEL
For accommodation in Xi’an, I recommend Alley Youth Hostel, known for its perfect location and cleanliness.
WORLD NOMADS HEALTH INSURANCE
Travel with peace of mind. Health insurance is always recommended.
My Xi’an Street Food Tour Videos
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Explore my other China Food Guides for more culinary adventures: Xi’an food guide, Chengdu food guide, Hong Kong food guide, and Guangzhou food guide.
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