Xi'an Food: The Top 10 Dishes (Plus 1 Traditional Drink) You Should Try

Xi'an is renowned for its delectable and diverse culinary offerings, blending flavors from across China. As the ancient capital of the country, the city has had centuries to perfect its signature dishes, creating a mouthwatering food scene that no visitor should miss.

Liangpi (Cold Noodles)

These chewy, springy noodles have their origins in the Silk Road era, when they provided a cooling, refreshing meal for traders traversing the deserts of Northwest China. The dish is a reflection of Xi'an's strategic location along ancient trade routes. The noodles are made from wheat flour and served chilled with a tangy, spicy sauce that perfectly balances the alkaline noodles.

Dumplings in Sour Soup

The sour, savory broth of this dish is characteristic of the Shaanxi province's cuisine, which makes use of fermented ingredients like pickled vegetables. This technique developed as a way to preserve food in the region's dry climate. The dumplings are filled with seasoned pork and float in the complex, piquant soup.

Soup Dumplings

Xiao long bao are beloved across China, but the Xi'an version has its own distinct characteristics, with a thicker, chewier skin and a more concentrated, flavorful broth inside. These delicate dumplings require skilled preparation to ensure the hot, savory liquid inside doesn't spill out.

Biang Biang Noodles

The unique shape and springy texture of these hand-pulled noodles is the product of generations of noodle-making techniques passed down in Xi'an. The name "biang biang" even has its own complex Chinese character. These thick, billowing noodles are typically served with a spicy, cumin-laced sauce.

Lamb Soup and Pita Bread

Lamb has long been a dietary staple in Shaanxi, where mutton and beef were more accessible than pork. The hearty, aromatic lamb soup is the perfect foil for the warm, fluffy pita bread, which has roots in the region's proximity to Central Asia along the Silk Road. The combination makes for a comforting, filling meal.

Roujiamo (Pork Sandwich)

Also known as the "Chinese hamburger," this street food sandwich features tender, spiced pork tucked into a pillowy, hand-pulled flatbread. It's a quintessential Xi'an snack that reflects the city's reputation for exceptional breads and noodles.

Hula Soup (Pepper Soup with Meat Balls and Vegetable)

This comforting soup features meatballs, vegetables, and a bold, peppery broth. The spicy, fragrant flavors are characteristic of Shaanxi cuisine, which makes liberal use of chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns.

Lamb and Beef Kebabs

Sizzling skewers of marinated, grilled meats are a beloved street food in Xi'an. The kebabs are seasoned with cumin, chili, and other aromatic spices that nod to the city's Central Asian influences.

Xiaosurou (Flour Coated and Deep Fried Lamb or Beef)

These crispy, golden nuggets of meat are impossible to resist. The flour coating creates a delectable fried texture around the tender, flavorful lamb or beef inside.

Dried and Pinched Persimmon Cake

A chewy, sweet treat made from dried persimmons, this dessert has a long history in Xi'an dating back to the Tang Dynasty. The persimmons were dried and "pinched" into a cake-like shape, creating a unique, almost candy-like texture.

Don't Miss: Bingfeng Soda Water

This traditional, carbonated beverage is the perfect accompaniment to Xi'an's robust flavors. Bingfeng soda has been quenching thirsts in the region for over 75 years, with its light, refreshing effervescence.