Food & Local Life
Discover the flavors of Xi’an, from traditional local dishes
and famous street food to familiar international dining options.
Explore what to eat and where to enjoy the city’s food culture.
Must-Try Foods in Xi’an
Start with these popular local dishes and discover the
distinctive flavors of Shaanxi cuisine.
Roujiamo
A crispy baked flatbread filled with tender,
slow-cooked meat. Often called a Chinese-style burger,
it is one of Xi’an’s most recognizable street foods.
Flatbread, slow-cooked meat and spices.
Commonly pork; beef versions are also available.
Usually mild; varies by shop.
Wheat / gluten in the bread. Ask about other ingredients.
Ask whether the filling is pork or beef before ordering.
Halal status is not guaranteed.
Biangbiang Noodles
Thick, wide hand-pulled noodles topped with chili oil,
garlic, vinegar and other seasonings. A hearty and
flavorful Shaanxi specialty.
Wheat noodles, chili oil, garlic and seasonings.
Varies by toppings; vegetarian versions may be available.
Medium to hot; depends on chili quantity.
Wheat / gluten. Soy and sesame may be present.
Ask whether the chili oil can be reduced or served separately.
Beef & Lamb Paomo
A traditional Xi’an dish made with rich meat broth,
crumbled flatbread and tender beef or lamb. A hearty
local specialty and a must-try for visitors.
Flatbread, beef or lamb, broth and seasonings.
Beef or lamb; depends on the restaurant.
Usually mild; chili sauce may be added separately.
Wheat / gluten in the bread. Confirm broth ingredients.
You can choose beef or lamb when ordering.
If you prefer a milder meat flavor, beef may be a good option.
Liangpi
A refreshing cold dish made with soft noodle sheets,
cucumber and a tangy sauce with garlic, vinegar
and chili oil.
Cold noodle sheets, cucumber, vinegar and seasonings.
Commonly served without meat; confirm toppings.
Often medium; varies by shop.
Some varieties contain wheat / gluten. Check sesame and sauces.
Different types of liangpi use different ingredients.
Do not assume every version is gluten-free.
Grilled Beef & Lamb Skewers
Tender pieces of beef or lamb grilled over charcoal
and seasoned with cumin, chili and other spices.
A popular choice at local barbecue restaurants.
Beef or lamb, cumin and seasoning.
Beef or lamb; ask what is available.
Mild to hot; depends on seasoning.
Check spice blends, marinades and shared grill surfaces.
Ask whether beef or lamb is available. Beef may be a more
familiar choice if you are not used to lamb’s distinctive flavor.
Zenggao
A traditional Shaanxi sweet snack made with layers
of glutinous rice, red dates and other sweet ingredients.
Soft, sticky and naturally sweet.
Glutinous rice, red dates and often red beans.
Usually contains no meat; confirm preparation.
Not spicy; sweet.
Check additional ingredients and possible cross-contact.
This is a filling and sweet local snack. Try a small
portion if you are unfamiliar with sticky rice desserts.
Food ingredients, preparation methods and allergen risks can
vary between restaurants. The information above describes
common versions of these dishes and is not a guarantee.
If you have a food allergy or strict dietary requirement,
always confirm directly with the restaurant. Cross-contact
cannot be ruled out.
Where to Explore Local Food
Visit these popular food areas to experience different sides
of Xi’an’s street food and local dining culture.
Muslim Quarter
One of Xi’an’s best-known food areas, with busy streets,
traditional snack stalls and restaurants. Explore local
dishes and the city’s distinctive food culture.
First-time visitors who want to explore a wide variety
of famous Xi’an snacks.
Sajinqiao
A popular local food street known for traditional
snacks and neighborhood eateries. It offers a more
everyday street-food atmosphere.
Visitors interested in local food shops and traditional
neighborhood flavors.
Yongxingfang
A food and cultural area showcasing traditional snacks
and regional specialties from Shaanxi. A convenient
place to discover different local flavors.
Visitors who want to sample a range of Shaanxi
specialties in one place.
Prefer Western Food?
Not everyone is used to traditional Chinese food, and that’s
perfectly fine. If you prefer familiar flavors, Xi’an also
offers international fast-food and casual dining options.
Fried chicken, burgers, fries and chicken meals.
Some locations also offer locally adapted Chinese dishes.
Burgers, fries, chicken nuggets, breakfast and
other familiar fast-food choices.
Flame-grilled burgers, fries and chicken-based
fast-food options.
Sandwiches, subs and salads with different bread,
fillings, vegetables and sauces.
Pizza, pasta, snacks and desserts.
A convenient choice for a sit-down meal.
Pizza, pasta and side dishes for visitors
looking for familiar Western-style meals.
Some international chains in China offer locally adapted
menus, so the selection may differ from what you are used
to in your home country.
A Local Fast-Food Alternative
You can also find familiar fast-food choices at some
Chinese local restaurant chains.
Wei Jia Liangpi
Wei Jia Liangpi is a popular local fast-food chain
in Xi’an. Besides traditional Chinese dishes such as
liangpi, some locations also offer burgers, fries and
other familiar fast-food options.
It can be a convenient choice if you want to try a
local Chinese restaurant but are not quite ready
for a full traditional meal.
Menu items vary by branch. Check the available menu
at the location before ordering.