TOP1 Roujiamo (Chinese hamburger)
Roujiamo is a signature dish of Xi'an and Shaanxi Province, and one of China's top ten famous snacks. It is made by carefully selecting pork with a good balance of lean and fat, simmering it with a variety of Chinese herbs until it is fragrant, and then stuffing it into a golden and crispy Baiji bun. Adding a spoonful of rich meat juice, its crispy outer skin and tender and juicy meat make it unique and irresistible.
Xi'an cuisine - Roujiamo (Chinese hamburger)TOP2 Biangbiang Noodles
Biangbiang noodles, a gem of Xi'an's noodle culture, are beloved for their wide, belt-like noodles and unique preparation process. The noodles are chewy and smooth, paired with a unique secret sauce and a variety of vegetables and minced meat, making every bite delicious. They can be found in every street and alley of Xi'an and are a must-try local delicacy for tourists.
Xi'an Cuisine - Biangbiang NoodlesTOP3 Lamb Stew with Flatbread
Lamb stew with bread is a renowned specialty of Xi'an. It features carefully selected lamb with a good balance of lean and fat, simmered with various seasonings until the meat is tender, the broth rich, and the aroma irresistible. Served with smooth glass noodles and broken pieces of bread, the soup is thick but not greasy, the meat tender and flavorful, and the bread fragrant – a perfect warming dish. If you don't like lamb, you can also choose beef stew with bread, which is also very delicious.
Xi'an Cuisine - Lamb Stew with FlatbreadTOP4 Oil-splashed noodles
When you come to Xi'an, you must try the oil-splashed noodles. The method of making it is very simple: put the cooked wide noodles into a bowl, add chopped green onions, minced garlic, chili powder and Sichuan peppercorn powder, and pour boiling hot oil over them. With a "sizzle", the aroma will fill the air. One bite is spicy and refreshing, with a rich taste that will leave you wanting more.
Xi'an cuisine - oil-splashed noodlesTOP5 Spicy Soup
Spicy soup is a staple on the breakfast tables of Xi'an locals, especially the meatball spicy soup, which is beloved for its rich peppery aroma and succulent meatballs. The broth is infused with a variety of spices, simmered over low heat until it turns a tempting reddish-brown color, with a mellow and sweet flavor. Paired with carefully selected beef meatballs and vegetables, a bowl of steaming hot spicy soup warms both the body and the soul, awakening the morning's energy and invigorating the spirit.
Xi'an Cuisine - Hulatang (Spicy Soup)TOP6 Steamed Rice Cake
Zenggao is a traditional Xi'an snack made from glutinous rice and red dates, steamed over a long time. It is then topped with red beans, nuts, and raisins, resulting in a rich, soft, sweet, and nutritious treat with an appealing color. It is a great choice for breakfast or afternoon tea and is a must-try when visiting Xi'an.
Xi'an Cuisine - Zenggao (Steamed Rice Cake)TOP7 Minced Meat Noodles
Saozi noodles are a traditional specialty of Xi'an. Thin and chewy noodles are paired with a carefully stir-fried sauce made with savory diced pork, chewy dried tofu, and crisp wood ear mushrooms. The soup is sour and spicy, and the rich side dishes make it a delicious and refreshing dish that is both appetizing and refreshing.
Xi'an Cuisine - Minced Meat NoodlesTOP8 Liangpi (cold skin noodles)
Shaanxi Liangpi (cold skin noodles) is beloved by diners for its refreshing, smooth texture and its tangy, spicy flavor. Thin as cicada wings, Liangpi is made from rice flour or starch and paired with crisp cucumber shreds, tender bean sprouts, and other vegetables. It's then drizzled with a secret sauce of chili oil, fragrant vinegar, and minced garlic, resulting in a delicate and refreshing taste that is incredibly delicious. We highly recommend trying the sesame sauce Liangpi and Qin Town rice noodles.
Xi'an Cuisine - Liangpi (Cold Skin Noodles)TOP9 Lamb Stew
Water-boiled mutton, similar in flavor to mutton soup with bread, emphasizes a clear broth and tender meat. It uses carefully selected high-quality mutton, stewed for a long time until the meat is tender and the broth is clear. To serve, the cooked mutton, vermicelli, and other ingredients are placed in a bowl, then piping hot mutton broth is poured over it, and garnished with chopped green onions and cilantro for added aroma. A bowl of delicious water-boiled mutton is then ready. It's not only a daily delicacy for Xi'an locals but also a perfect choice for entertaining guests from afar.
Xi'an cuisine - mutton soupTOP10 Gourd Chicken
Gourd Chicken is a traditional famous dish of Xi'an, known for its gourd-like shape and crispy skin with tender meat. It is made with plump, tender Sanhuang chickens, carefully prepared through three processes: boiling, steaming, and frying. It has a golden color, a crispy exterior and tender interior, and an irresistible aroma. When tasted, the delicious chicken and crispy crust blend perfectly on the tongue, leaving a lingering and unforgettable aftertaste.
Xi'an Cuisine - Gourd ChickenTOP11 Hulu Tou
Despite its name, "Hulu Tou" has nothing to do with gourds. It's a snack made primarily with pork intestines and stomach. The broth is rich and flavorful, and the intestines and stomach are meticulously prepared, clean, and free of any unpleasant odor. They have a soft yet chewy texture and are served with vermicelli, steamed buns, and greens, creating a fresh, fragrant, and refreshing dish that is rich but not greasy.
TOP12 Gold Thread Oil Tower
Golden Thread Oil Tower is a renowned traditional delicacy in Xi'an, famous for its resemblance to golden threads, numerous fine layers, and soft, fluffy texture. Made with high-quality flour and lard, it undergoes a complex and meticulous process, resulting in a delicate pagoda-like finished product. Upon tasting, it is soft, fluffy, and not greasy, leaving a lingering fragrance in the mouth – a true gem among Xi'an's traditional snacks.
The above are 12 authentic Xi'an specialty snacks, which are must-try foods when visiting Xi'an. In addition, the tender and juicy grilled meat skewers, the savory and unique milk soup fish, the golden and soft persimmon cakes with osmanthus, the fresh and fluffy soup dumplings, and the soft and fragrant honey-glazed rice dumplings are also worth trying.