Famous food in Xian here will introduce you the most famous gourmets in Xian, this ancient capital city in China. Flour food such as the unique paomo and noodle takes a very important role in Xian eating culture. Now, come with Top China Travel to taste these delicacies.
Mutton Paomo 羊肉泡馍
Mutton Paomo is one of the most representative local foods in Xian. It is also a “unique food peculiar to Shaanxi". As a well-known Muslim snack, Mutton Paomo enjoys an international reputation and is popular for tourists.
The English name of Mutton Paomo is mutton soup with pancake pieces. The main materials for this food are pancakes and mutton. The mutton soup is very important, and the pancake should be carefully selected. Besides, the ingredients of the Mutton Paomo are shallot, ginger, Chinese prickly ash, aniseed, fennel, cassia, etc., which are also very important.
There are two ways to eat it: soup-soaked or stir-fried. You need to break the pancake into small pieces by hand first—the smaller the pieces, the more they can absorb the soup's flavor. It is often served with sweet garlic and chili sauce to add more layers of taste.
Xian Gourd Chicken 西安葫芦鸡
Known as “the best dishes of ancient capital of Changan”, Gourd Chicken is a very famous traditional cuisine in Xian. It is also a must-eat dish with golden rich color, crisp skin, tender chicken and good smell.
It is said that in Tang Dynasty, there was a official who was very particular about eating. One day he asked cooks to make tender chicken for him. The first two cooks were failed and whipped by him. The third one found a way from his cooking experience. He roped the chicken during cooking, and it became very tender.
As the shape of the dish looks like a gourd, hence the name.
Qishan Noodles 岐山臊子面
Qishan Noodles’ hometown is Qishan County in Xian, hence the name. It has a long history. Since Qing Dynasty, the noodles have already got reputation widely.
Unlike other noodles, the Qishan Noodles are hand-made of good wheat flour which makes it tastes very good. Besides, there are several kinds of ingredients such as pork shreds, day lily, egg, wood fungus, and bean curd which are with flavors of various spices. The soup of the noodle is hot and sour which is suitable for both old and young.
Liangpi 凉皮
Liangpi is a traditional snack in the Guanzhong area of Shaanxi Province. It is a dish of cold noodles in a sauce with various flavors such as sweet, tangy, savory, herbal, nutty and dozens of others. It is very suitable to eat in summer and is also a very famous snack in Xi'an.
There are two main types of Liangpi: rice Liangpi and wheat Liangpi. Rice Liangpi is smooth and chewy, while wheat Liangpi is soft yet resilient. The noodles are made from wheat or rice flour respectively, and served with condiments like chili oil, vinegar, garlic water, and mung bean sprouts, which make it sour, spicy and appetizing—an excellent choice for relieving summer heat.
As the good taste of the dish, it is not just the snack in Shaanxi Province now, and it has spread to every corner of China, especially the northern and central regions.
Rou Jia Mo 肉夹馍
Rou Jia Mo, which means meat burger or meat sandwich in English, is a very famous local snack loved by people. It can be taken as the world’s oldest hamburger, as it appeared since Qin Dynasty, for about 2000 years ago. It is a symbolic snack of Xi'an.
There are two main types: Preserved Juice Rou Jia Mo and Laotongguan Rou Jia Mo. Preserved Juice Rou Jia Mo uses fat and lean pork that has been simmered for a long time to absorb the sauce's flavor, paired with a crispy Baiji Mo (white wheat pancake). Laotongguan Rou Jia Mo, on the other hand, uses hot pancakes with cold meat—the pancake crust is so crispy that it crumbles easily, and the meat is rich in flavor.
The meat could be pork, and for Muslims they could add beef or lamb. The stewed meat is very delicious. And with the pancake, one Rou Jia Mo will make you feel full. Nowadays, Rou Jia Mo becomes a symbol of Xi'an catering culture; if you do not have a taste of this snack, you may regret it and plan another visit to Xi'an again.
Biangbiang Noodles Biangbiang面
Also known as "Belt Noodles" because they are as wide as a belt and as thick as a coin, Biangbiang Noodles are one of the representative Shaanxi noodles. The noodles are hand-made, with a chewy and resilient texture that is very satisfying to bite into.
They are usually served with toppings such as chili oil泼辣子, minced meat sauce, and tomato and egg sauce. The cooking method highlights the bold and strong flavors of Shaanxi cuisine—spicy, fragrant, and hearty. The unique name "Biang" comes from the onomatopoeic sound made when the dough is slapped on the table during the hand-making process.
Hulu Tou Paomo 葫芦头泡馍
Hulu Tou Paomo gets its name because the pig intestines used in the dish are shaped like a gourd. It is a popular local Paomo variant, featuring fresh soup and chewy pancakes. The pig intestines are handled meticulously, making them fatty but not greasy.
The main ingredients include pig intestines, chicken, vermicelli, and pancake pieces. It is seasoned with chopped green onions, coriander, and chili oil, resulting in a rich and delicious soup that is deeply loved by locals.
Zeng Gao 甑糕
Zeng Gao is a traditional snack made mainly from red dates and glutinous rice, steamed in a special utensil called "Zeng" (an ancient steamer). The glutinous rice and red dates blend perfectly, creating a soft, sticky, and sweet taste. It has a bright and moist color and is rich in nutrition, making it suitable for people of all ages.
Fentang Yangxue 粉汤羊血
Fentang Yangxue is a famous semi-soup dish in Shaanxi. It perfectly combines tender sheep blood with smooth vermicelli, seasoned with spices like Chinese prickly ash and fennel. The soup is spicy, numb, fragrant, and fresh—especially warm and comforting to eat in winter.
Youpo Noodles 油泼面
Youpo Noodles are a classic Shaanxi noodle dish. The noodles are chewy and smooth; after being cooked, hot chili oil is poured over them, instantly releasing the aroma of garlic and peppers. It is served with light soy sauce and mature vinegar, making it spicy and satisfying. This simple yet flavorful dish is a staple in Shaanxi households and restaurants.
Huanggui Persimmon Cakes 黄桂柿子饼
Huanggui Persimmon Cakes are a special dessert from Lintong District, made with Huojing persimmons (fire crystal persimmons) and flour, then pan-fried until golden on both sides. The cakes are soft and glutinous, leaving a sweet and fragrant aftertaste in the mouth. They are especially popular in autumn when persimmons are in season.
Rouwan Hulatang 肉丸胡辣汤
Originating from the Tang Dynasty, Rouwan Hulatang integrates Hui cooking characteristics. It is mainly made with beef or mutton meatballs, served in a soup base simmered with vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and cabbage. The soup is sour and spicy, appetizing, and is often eaten with Tuotuo Mo (lump pancakes) which can be dipped in the soup.
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