Xi'an Food Guide 2026:
Silk Road Noodles & Muslim Quarter Street Food
Xi'an was the starting point of the ancient Silk Road—and its food still reflects centuries of cultural exchange. This is carb heaven: hand-pulled noodles, stuffed breads, and bold Central Asian flavors.
Xi'an at a Glance
Xi'an (西安) was China's ancient capital for over 1,000 years and the eastern terminus of the Silk Road. That history lives on in its unique fusion of Chinese and Central Asian flavors.
Unlike the rice-based cuisines of the south, Xi'an food is all about wheat: thick hand-pulled noodles, stuffed flatbreads, and chewy dumplings. Add lamb, cumin, and chili, and you have one of China's most distinctive food scenes.
This guide focuses on the Muslim Quarter street food, essential noodle dishes, and how to navigate one of China's most historically rich (and delicious) cities.
Why Xi'an Belongs on Your 2026 Itinerary
Xi'an ranks No.5 in our Top 10 Food Cities guide—here's why it's unmissable.
1. Food meets history like nowhere else
Eat street food in the shadow of 600-year-old city walls. Visit the Terracotta Warriors by day, feast in the Muslim Quarter by night. History and food intertwine seamlessly.
2. China's best noodles
Biangbiang noodles are legendary—hand-pulled, wide as belts, and slicked with chili oil. Xi'an's noodle culture is unmatched anywhere in China.
3. Unique Silk Road flavors
Cumin lamb, pomegranate juice, flatbreads, and halal cooking—Xi'an's Muslim Quarter offers flavors you won't find elsewhere in China.
4. Perfect overnight from Beijing
4.5 hours by high-speed rail from Beijing. Many travelers combine both cities for a north China food tour.
Must-Eat Xi'an Dishes
These three dishes alone justify a stop in Xi'an—each one is iconic.
Biangbiang Noodles · 油泼扯面
Wide, hand-pulled noodles (as wide as a belt!) served with chili oil poured sizzling over garlic and scallions. The name "biang" is so complex it has one of the most complicated characters in Chinese.
Roujiamo · 肉夹馍
"Chinese hamburger"—slow-braised pork or lamb stuffed into a crispy flatbread. The bread should be flaky outside, soft inside. The meat should be tender and well-seasoned.
Liangpi · 凉皮
Cold wheat noodles dressed in chili oil, vinegar, and sesame paste. Chewy, spicy, and tangy—perfect for hot days. A beloved Xi'an street food that pairs perfectly with roujiamo.
Shortcut: 1 Day, 3 Essential Xi'an Bites
- Breakfast: Roujiamo + soy milk at a street stall
- Lunch: Biangbiang noodles at a local shop
- Dinner: Muslim Quarter crawl—lamb skewers, liangpi, pomegranate juice
Where to Eat: Neighborhoods & Vibes
1. Muslim Quarter (回民街) — The Main Event
Xi'an's most famous food street. Crowded, loud, and delicious. Come hungry, explore the side alleys, and try everything that catches your eye.
2. Yongxingfang (永兴坊) — Local Alternative
Less touristy than the Muslim Quarter. A food street featuring dishes from across Shaanxi province. Good for trying regional specialties.
3. Near the City Walls
Neighborhood noodle shops around the old city walls serve some of Xi'an's most authentic biangbiang noodles. Look for places packed with locals.
4. University Areas
Student neighborhoods have cheap, authentic food. Follow the crowds of young people to find hidden gems.
Lost in the Muslim Quarter?
With hundreds of food stalls, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. Use Chinese Food Decoder to scan signs and menus so you know exactly what you're ordering.
Muslim Quarter Guide
The Muslim Quarter (回民街) is Xi'an's most famous food destination. Here's how to navigate it:
What to Try
- 🍢 Lamb skewers (羊肉串) — Cumin-spiced and grilled over charcoal. The signature street food.
- 🥜 Walnut cakes (核桃酥) — Sweet, crumbly pastries fresh from the oven.
- 🍹 Pomegranate juice — Freshly squeezed, sweet-tart, and refreshing.
- 🍲 Yangrou paomo (羊肉泡馍) — Lamb soup with hand-torn bread. Tear your own bread!
- 🥮 Persimmon cakes (柿子饼) — Sweet fried cakes made from local persimmons.
Pro Tip: Explore the Alleys
The main street is touristy and crowded. The best food is often in the narrow side alleys. Wander off the main drag for more authentic experiences and lower prices.
48-Hour Eating Plan
Day 1: Xi'an Essentials
- Morning: Roujiamo + soy milk for breakfast
- Lunch: Biangbiang noodles near the city walls
- Afternoon: Visit the Terracotta Warriors
- Dinner: Muslim Quarter food crawl—lamb skewers, liangpi, sweets
Day 2: Deep Dive
- Morning: Yangrou paomo (tear your own bread!)
- Lunch: Cold noodles (凉皮) + more roujiamo
- Afternoon: Walk the ancient city walls, explore Yongxingfang
- Dinner: Shaanxi cuisine restaurant—try local specialties
Practical Tips
💳 Payment
WeChat Pay and Alipay everywhere. Muslim Quarter vendors prefer mobile payment. Keep some cash for smaller stalls.
🕐 Timing
Muslim Quarter is best after 5pm when it comes alive. Noodle shops are busiest at lunch (11:30–13:00).
🗣️ Language
Very limited English. Learn to point and use translation apps. Most vendors are friendly and patient.
🚇 Getting Around
Subway covers main areas. DiDi works well. The old city is very walkable—rent a bike to ride the city walls.
Ready to Explore Ancient Xi'an?
Download Chinese Food Decoder before your trip. Navigate Muslim Quarter stalls and noodle shops with confidence.