Joanna James
A heritage-riddled terminus of the ancient Silk Route, Xi’an presents a delectable feast for the senses with its gourmet street eats, cobbled thoroughfares, era-defining architecture, and cinematic mountainscapes. While its unique cuisine is not as well-known as the spice-heavy, sweet, and sour Sichuan flavour profile, Cantonese dishes with their fresh and versatile ingredients, and the pungent nuances of Shandong cuisine, the robust, well-seasoned soul food of Xi’an hits the spot just right!
Whether you’re obsessed with sweet, salty, or fermented flavours, Xi’an will tantalise the most adventurous tastebuds with its authentic combination of straightforward ingredients, complex techniques, and culture-rich fusions. From savoury sauces packed with lip-smacking condiments slathered over succulent meat to hand-pulled noodles, stomach-warming broths, and cloud-soft dumplings sizzling in chilli oil, even the most blasé gastronome will be blown away by the region’s mouthwatering multi-textured meals. The irresistibly thick, wide, and slippery Biang Biang Noodles are a sure-fire crowd pleaser, made with only four ingredients but undoubtedly a tangy flavour explosion. These chewy noodles are served with a special hot sauce and topped with tomatoey egg and minced beef.
If you’re spending the day at the Muslim Quarter, prepare to gain some extra pounds and not regret a single calorie! Aside from its stunning blend of Oriental and Middle Eastern architecture motifs, Pinterest-perfect handicraft stores, and ‘hidden mosque’ dipped in exquisite nature, this historic enclave is also the hub of Xi’an’s food scene. From beef and vegetable meatballs in a spiced broth that makes for an ideal pick-me-up to rustic, crunchy rou jia mo buns filled with tender meat and golden, flaky bread and meat disks (rou bing), this cultural street has plenty to entice even the pickiest palate. However, you can’t end the day without trying the quarter’s iconic crumbled flatbread and meat soup. While this dish may sound simple, it involves a dizzying host of flavours, from bean vermicelli and sugared garlic to coriander and chilli sauce.
From forests of steles etched with the legends of former dynasties and learning traditional calligraphy at Tangbo Art Museum to cycling atop the majestic City Wall at sunset and shopping for semi-precious ornaments and Indigenous souvenirs at Shuyuanmen Street, there’s plenty to work up a hearty appetite in Xi’an! If you crave a light, satisfying snack that you can eat by the dozen and feel flavour fireworks every single time, you can’t go wrong with these cumin and chilli-seasoned grilled lamb kebabs accompanied by a cold orange soda.
The primary grain grown in the sweeping, mountainous landscapes of this region is wheat, as evidenced by the luscious artisan noodles and dumplings that are a Xi’an staple. Luckily, there are many exciting variations for footloose foodies to sample, from the meaty Jia San Soup Bao buns bursting with gelatinous broth to cold skin noodles (Liangpi) seasoned with sesame sauce and chilli oil known for their addictively rich texture. However, if you’re feeling adventurous, head to the famous Dengjia Restaurant for these phenomenal mutton dumplings soaked in “sweet vinegar” soup, boasting over thirteen exotic ingredients, from dried shrimps and chicken oil to sesame, star anise, fennels, and clove. If you’re looking for a Xi’an serviced apartment proffering premier access to its gastronomic hidden gems, venture no further than the likes of lyf Dayanta Xi’an.
From lusciously red and sticky persimmon cake filled with bean paste to sticky, honeyed rice wrapped in leaves (Zongzi) and served cold to heady plum juice and brown sugar mochi topped with rose jam, sesame powder, and honey, Xi’an has plenty to satiate your sweet tooth! But if you have to choose, you can’t miss the region’s ancient cauldron cake, made from glutinous rice, red dates, kidney beans, and rock sugar syrup.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
